λέπρα (lepra)
lepra
leprosy
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun lepra refers to a severe skin disease, rendered in English as leprosy. In both the New Testament and the Greek Old Testament (LXX), this term translates the Hebrew tzaraath, covering a range of disfiguring cutaneous conditions rather than the specific bacterial infection known today. The sources describe it as a pervasive and offensive ailment, often affecting the whole body, which made those afflicted socially isolated and ritually unclean.
This word appears in four verses, primarily within the Synoptic Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. Its usage highlights Jesus’ authority over physical impurity, as he heals individuals suffering from this condition (Matthew 8:3; Mark 1:42; Luke 5:12-13). The term carries significant theological weight, illustrating how divine power restores not just health, but social and religious inclusion for those excluded by their disease.
Etymologically, lepra is linked to the adjective leptos, meaning "small" or "fine," possibly referring to the flaking nature of the skin. Translators consistently use "leprosy" to convey the gravity of the condition in these narratives. The word underscores the physical reality of human suffering and the comprehensive nature of Jesus’ healing ministry, which addressed both bodily affliction and spiritual restoration.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word lepra describes a severe skin condition that in biblical times meant total social isolation. Those afflicted were ritually unclean and barred from community life, family worship, and basic human contact. It was more than physical pain; it was a profound loneliness that cut a person off from the very people they loved.
In the Gospels, Jesus does not merely heal this disease from a distance. In Matthew 8:3 and Luke 5:13, He reaches out and touches the afflicted man. This touch broke every social taboo of the time. By touching the untouchable, Jesus showed that divine love is not repelled by human brokenness or shame.
This word reminds us that no condition is too deep for God’s restoring power. Whether you feel physically ill, socially excluded, or spiritually distant, Christ’s touch brings wholeness. He restores not just health, but your place among His people and His family.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- of leprosy;1×
- leprosy.1×
- leprosy,1×
- leprosy1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- λέπρας·1×
- λέπρα.1×
- λέπρα,1×
- λέπρα1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 8:3
Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, “I want to. Be made clean.” Immediately his leprosy was cleansed.
This verse highlights Jesus’ authority by showing He cleanses the leprosy immediately upon touching the man.
-
Mark 1:42
When he had said this, immediately the leprosy departed from him and he was made clean.
The leprosy departs instantly, demonstrating the swift power of His word to remove impurity.
-
Luke 5:12
While he was in one of the cities, behold, there was a man full of leprosy. When he saw Jesus, he fell on his face and begged him, saying, “Lord, if you want to, you can make me clean.”
This occurrence introduces the man’s humble plea, acknowledging Jesus’ ability to make him clean despite his isolation.