Topical Bible: Leprosy: Less Inveterate when It Covered the Whole Body

◄ Leprosy: Less Inveterate when It Covered the Whole Body ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical context, leprosy is a term used to describe a variety of skin diseases, not limited to what is known today as Hansen's disease. The laws concerning leprosy are detailed in the book of Leviticus, where specific instructions are given to the Israelites on how to identify and manage this condition. One intriguing aspect of these laws is the notion that leprosy, when it covers the entire body, is considered less severe or inveterate.

Biblical Reference:

The primary scriptural reference for this concept is found in Leviticus 13:12-13 : "But if the skin disease breaks out all over his skin so that it covers all the skin of the infected person from head to foot, as far as the priest can see, the priest shall examine him, and if the disease has covered his whole body, he shall pronounce him clean of the disease. Since it has all turned white, he is clean."

Interpretation and Significance:

In this passage, the complete covering of the body by the disease is paradoxically seen as a sign of purification rather than contamination. The priest, who serves as the mediator and interpreter of God's law, is instructed to declare the person clean if the leprosy has spread entirely over the body and turned white. This directive is unique and counterintuitive, as one might expect a more severe case to be considered more unclean.

Theologically, this can be understood as a representation of the transformative power of God. The complete covering of the body symbolizes a total surrender or submission to the divine will, leading to purification. The whiteness of the skin, often associated with purity and holiness in biblical symbolism, further underscores this interpretation.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In ancient Israel, leprosy was not only a physical ailment but also a social and spiritual condition. Those afflicted were often isolated from the community to prevent the spread of disease and to maintain ritual purity. The declaration of cleanliness by the priest allowed the individual to reintegrate into society and participate in religious activities.

The notion that leprosy is less inveterate when it covers the whole body may also reflect an understanding of disease progression. It suggests that when the disease reaches a certain stage, it may no longer be contagious or harmful, thus allowing the person to be considered clean.

Spiritual Lessons:

From a spiritual perspective, this teaching can be seen as an allegory for the human condition and the process of sanctification. Just as the leper is declared clean when fully covered, believers are made pure through complete submission to God's will. It serves as a reminder of the transformative power of faith and the possibility of redemption, even in the most dire circumstances.

This biblical principle emphasizes the importance of divine judgment and the role of the priesthood in discerning and declaring God's will. It highlights the mercy and grace inherent in God's law, offering hope and restoration to those who are afflicted.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Leviticus 13:13
Then the priest shall consider: and, behold, if the leprosy have covered all his flesh, he shall pronounce him clean that has the plague: it is all turned white: he is clean.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

On the Soul and the Resurrection.
... a view about the soul amounts to nothing less than the ... diametrically facing the sun
she has the whole of the ... that her substance is not always covered with light ...
/.../gregory/gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/on the soul and the 2.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... Their inveterate hatred of the Assyrians led the Bit-Agusi ... of Uzziah is recorded,
and where the leprosy by which ... such as Damascus or Israel, much less those of ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

part ii
... into various forms, or as nature forms one harmonious whole. ... of the dissolution of
our soul from the body. ... The waters, while they are covered with ice, are as ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part ii.htm

The Last Days of the Old Eastern World
... without their despatching a more or less numerous fleet ... of directing this revival,
and his inveterate weakness exposed ... that he was attacked by leprosy, and he ...
/.../chapter iithe last days of 2.htm