Topical Encyclopedia Leprosy, as described in the Bible, is a term that encompasses a variety of skin diseases and conditions, which were often seen as both physical ailments and spiritual afflictions. The biblical understanding of leprosy is primarily derived from the Old Testament, where it is detailed extensively in the Mosaic Law, particularly in the book of Leviticus.Biblical Description and Diagnosis In Leviticus 13, the Lord provides Moses and Aaron with specific instructions on how to diagnose leprosy. The chapter outlines various symptoms and signs that the priests were to look for, including swelling, scabs, and bright spots on the skin. The affected parts of the body could include the skin, hair, and even the clothing or walls of a house, indicating a broader understanding of contamination and impurity. Leviticus 13:3 states, "The priest is to examine the sore on his skin, and if the hair in the sore has turned white and the sore appears to be deeper than the skin of his body, it is a leprous sore. When the priest examines him, he must pronounce him unclean." Parts of the Body Affected 1. Skin: The primary focus of leprosy in the biblical context is the skin. The disease manifests as lesions, discolorations, and sores that can cover various parts of the body. The skin's appearance and texture were critical in determining the presence of leprosy. 2. Hair: Changes in hair color and texture were also significant indicators. Leviticus 13:30 notes, "The priest is to examine the infection, and if it appears to be deeper than the skin and the hair in it is yellow and thin, the priest shall pronounce him unclean; it is a scaly outbreak, a leprous disease of the head or chin." 3. Whole Body: In some cases, leprosy could spread to cover the entire body. Leviticus 13:12-13 describes such a scenario: "If the 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." Spiritual and Social Implications Leprosy was not only a physical ailment but also carried significant spiritual and social implications. Those diagnosed with leprosy were considered ceremonially unclean and were often isolated from the community to prevent the spread of impurity. This separation is evident in Leviticus 13:45-46 : "The leprous person who has the disease shall wear torn clothes and let the hair of his head hang loose, and he shall cover his upper lip and cry out, 'Unclean, unclean.' He shall remain unclean as long as he has the disease. He is unclean. He shall live alone. His dwelling shall be outside the camp." Healing and Restoration The Bible also provides accounts of healing from leprosy, which were seen as acts of divine intervention. In the New Testament, Jesus' healing of lepers is a testament to His authority and compassion. In Luke 17:12-14 , Jesus encounters ten lepers: "As He entered one of the villages, He was met by ten lepers. They stood at a distance and raised their voices, shouting, 'Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!' When Jesus saw them, He said, 'Go, show yourselves to the priests.' And as they went, they were cleansed." The healing of leprosy symbolized not only physical restoration but also spiritual renewal and reintegration into the community, reflecting the holistic nature of biblical healing. Torrey's Topical Textbook Luke 5:12And it came to pass, when he was in a certain city, behold a man full of leprosy: who seeing Jesus fell on his face, and sought him, saying, Lord, if you will, you can make me clean. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Christ's Priestly Office The Life of S. Hilarion. Second Journey through Galilee - the Healing of the Leper. The Temples and the Gods of Chaldaea On the Soul and the Resurrection. The Next Performance is Mainly Directed against Faith in the ... Otho, Bishop of Bamberg. The Arabic Gospel of the Infancy of the Saviour (Nt Apocrypha) A Description of Heart-Purity Book 1. Resources Why is leprosy talked about so much in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Naaman in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What can we learn from the story of Elisha and Naaman? | GotQuestions.org Leprosy: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Leprosy: A Common Disease Among the Jews Leprosy: Ceremonies at Cleansing of Leprosy: Christ Gave Power to Heal Leprosy: Garments: Incurable Infected With, Burned Leprosy: Garments: Infected With, to Have the Piece First Torn Out Leprosy: Garments: Suspected of, But not Having, Washed and Pronounced Clean Leprosy: Garments: Suspected of, Shown to Priest Leprosy: Garments: Suspected of, Shut up Seven Days Leprosy: Healed: Disciples Empowered to Heal Leprosy: Houses: Ceremonies at Cleansing of Leprosy: Houses: Incurably Infected With, Pulled Down and Removed Leprosy: Houses: Infected With, Communicated Uncleanness to Everyone Who Leprosy: Houses: Suspected of, But not Infected, Pronounced Clean Leprosy: Houses: Suspected of, Emptied Leprosy: Houses: Suspected of, Inspected by Priest Leprosy: Houses: Suspected of, Reported to Priest Leprosy: Houses: Suspected of, Shut up Seven Days Leprosy: Houses: To Have the Part Infected With, First Removed, and the Rest Leprosy: Leprosy not Mentioned Above: Azariah Leprosy: Leprosy not Mentioned Above: Four Lepers Outside Samaria Leprosy: Leprosy not Mentioned Above: Simon Leprosy: Less Inveterate when It Covered the Whole Body Leprosy: Often Began With a Bright Red Spot Leprosy: Often Sent As a Punishment for Sin Leprosy: Parts Affected by The Beard Leprosy: Parts Affected by The Forehead Leprosy: Parts Affected by The Hand Leprosy: Parts Affected by The Head Leprosy: Parts Affected by The Whole Body Leprosy: Power of Christ Manifested in Curing Leprosy: Power of God Manifested in Curing Leprosy: Sent As a Judgment On: Gehazi Leprosy: Sent As a Judgment On: Miriam Leprosy: Sent As a Judgment On: Uzziah Leprosy: The Priests: Examined all Persons Healed of Leprosy: The Priests: Examined Persons Suspected of Leprosy: The Priests: had Rules for Distinguishing Leprosy: The Priests: Judges and Directors in Cases of Leprosy: The Priests: Shut up Persons Suspected of, Seven Days Leprosy: Those Afflicted With: Associated Together Leprosy: Those Afflicted With: Ceremonially Unclean Leprosy: Those Afflicted With: Cut off from God's House Leprosy: Those Afflicted With: Dwelt in a Separate House Leprosy: Those Afflicted With: Excluded from Priest's office Leprosy: Those Afflicted With: Separated from Intercourse With Others Leprosy: Those Afflicted With: To Cry Unclean when Approached Leprosy: Those Afflicted With: To Have Their Heads Bare, Clothes Rent, and Lip Covered Leprosy: Turned the Hair White or Yellow Leprosy: Turned the Skin White Related Terms |
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