What does Leviticus 13:55 mean?
"And the priest shall look on the plague, after that it is washed: and, behold, if the plague have not changed his colour, and the plague be not spread; it is unclean; thou shalt burn it in the fire; it is fret inward, whether it be bare within or without." - Leviticus 13:55
Leviticus 13:55 (KJV) – “And the priest shall look on the plague, after that it is washed: and, behold, if the plague have not changed his colour, and the plague be not spread; it is unclean; thou shalt burn it in the fire; it is fret inward, whether it be bare within or without.”
The book of Leviticus is the third book of the Old Testament and contains a detailed account of the laws that the Israelites were to follow. Leviticus 13 specifically deals with the laws concerning leprosy, a highly contagious and feared disease in ancient times. In this verse, the priest is instructed to examine a plague or skin disease on a person or a piece of clothing after it has been washed. If the plague has not changed in color and has not spread, it is deemed unclean and must be burned in the fire. The reference to the plague being "fret inward, whether it be bare within or without" indicates that the disease has affected the inner and outer layers, making it unclean and unworthy of being in the presence of God.
The theme of cleanliness and purity is evident throughout the book of Leviticus, and it is particularly important when it comes to the treatment of leprosy. Leprosy was not only a physical ailment, but it was also a social and spiritual stigma. Those who were afflicted with the disease were considered unclean and were ostracized from the community. The stringent regulations for dealing with leprosy were meant to protect the community from the spread of the disease and to maintain the holiness and purity of the Israelites. The burning of the unclean plague symbolizes the removal of impurity and the restoration of cleanliness.
In a broader context, the laws in Leviticus 13 can also be seen as a reflection of the moral and spiritual purity that God requires from his people. The meticulous inspections and requirements for cleansing serve as a metaphor for the need to be pure and blameless in the sight of God. This emphasis on purity and holiness laid the foundation for the Israelites' relationship with God and their obedience to His commands.
The symbolism in this verse extends beyond the physical act of burning the unclean plague. It also serves as a reminder of the consequences of sin and impurity. Just as the unclean plague is destroyed by fire, so too must sin be eradicated from our lives. The burning of the plague conveys the idea of purification through fire, a process of refining and purging the impurities in order to make something clean and acceptable.
Furthermore, the idea of the plague being “fret inward, whether it be bare within or without” can be seen as a reflection of the state of the human heart. The inward and outward decay of the plague serves as a metaphor for the corruption and sin that can affect the innermost being of a person. It emphasizes the need for spiritual purification and renewal, as well as the importance of addressing the root cause of impurity rather than just the outward appearance.
In conclusion, Leviticus 13:55 conveys a powerful message about purity, cleanliness, and the consequences of impurity. It serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining holiness and purity in our relationship with God, as well as the need for purification from sin and impurity. The burning of the unclean plague symbolizes the eradication of impurity and the restoration of cleanliness, both physically and spiritually. It serves as a timeless reminder of the need to constantly strive for moral and spiritual purity in order to be acceptable in the sight of God.
Have questions about Leviticus 13:55?
Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.
Get Our Apps
Leviticus 13:55 Artwork
Leviticus 13:55 - "And the priest shall look on the plague, after that it is washed: and, behold, if the plague have not changed his colour, and the plague be not spread; it is unclean; thou shalt burn it in the fire; it is fret inward, whether it be bare within or without."
"And the priest shall look on the plague, after that it is washed: and, behold, if the plague have not changed his colour, and the plague be not spread; it is unclean; thou shalt burn it in the fire; it is fret inward, whether it be bare within or without." - Leviticus 13:55
Leviticus 14:55 - "And for the leprosy of a garment, and of a house,"
"And for the leprosy of a garment, and of a house," - Leviticus 14:55
Psalms 55:13 - "But it was thou, a man mine equal, my guide, and mine acquaintance."
Leviticus 25:55 - "For unto me the children of Israel are servants; they are my servants whom I brought forth out of the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God."
Matthew 13:55 - "Is not this the carpenter's son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas?"
"But it was thou, a man mine equal, my guide, and mine acquaintance." - Psalms 55:13
Isaiah 55:13 - "Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree: and it shall be to the LORD for a name, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off."
"Is not this the carpenter's son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas?" - Matthew 13:55
Leviticus 24:13 - "And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,"
Leviticus 21:13 - "And he shall take a wife in her virginity."
Leviticus 13:1 - "And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron, saying,"
Leviticus 13:35 - "But if the scall spread much in the skin after his cleansing;"
Leviticus 13:29 - "¶ If a man or woman have a plague upon the head or the beard;"
Leviticus 13:18 - "¶ The flesh also, in which, even in the skin thereof, was a boil, and is healed,"
Leviticus 13:14 - "But when raw flesh appeareth in him, he shall be unclean."
"For unto me the children of Israel are servants; they are my servants whom I brought forth out of the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God." - Leviticus 25:55
Leviticus 13:47 - "¶ The garment also that the plague of leprosy is in, whether it be a woollen garment, or a linen garment;"
Leviticus 13:9 - "¶ When the plague of leprosy is in a man, then he shall be brought unto the priest;"
Leviticus 13:22 - "And if it spread much abroad in the skin, then the priest shall pronounce him unclean: it is a plague."
Leviticus 25:13 - "In the year of this jubile ye shall return every man unto his possession."
Leviticus 6:13 - "The fire shall ever be burning upon the altar; it shall never go out."
Leviticus 13:19 - "And in the place of the boil there be a white rising, or a bright spot, white, and somewhat reddish, and it be shewed to the priest;"
Leviticus 13:48 - "Whether it be in the warp, or woof; of linen, or of woollen; whether in a skin, or in any thing made of skin;"
Leviticus 13:50 - "And the priest shall look upon the plague, and shut up it that hath the plague seven days:"
Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree: and it shall be to the LORD for a name, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off. Isaiah 55:13 (KJV)
Leviticus 13:13 - "Then the priest shall consider: and, behold, if the leprosy have covered all his flesh, he shall pronounce him clean that hath the plague: it is all turned white: he is clean."
Leviticus 27:13 - "But if he will at all redeem it, then he shall add a fifth part thereof unto thy estimation."
Leviticus 13:38 - "¶ If a man also or a woman have in the skin of their flesh bright spots, even white bright spots;"