יַלֶּ֫פֶת (yal.le.phet)
yal.le.phet
scab
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The noun yal le phet refers to a visible skin condition, typically translated as "scab," "scurf," or "scale." In the Hebrew Bible, it describes a physical lesion or eruption on the body, often characterized by crusty or flaking skin. The term appears in Leviticus 13, where priests examine such marks to determine ritual purity.
This word is distinct from general wounds; it points specifically to chronic or eruptive conditions that might resemble leprosy but are identified through specific visual signs like a scab or scale. Its presence in the holiness codes highlights the ancient Israelite concern with physical cleanliness as a marker of communal and spiritual wholeness.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word yal le phet describes a visible skin condition, often translated as scab or scale. In Leviticus 13 and 21, priests examined these marks to determine if a person was ritually clean. This process was not about shaming individuals with physical ailments but about maintaining the health and holiness of the community. It reflects an ancient understanding that physical wholeness was connected to spiritual standing.
For modern readers, this word reminds us that God cares about the whole person. While we no longer follow these specific purity laws, the underlying principle remains: God desires our well-being and peace. The detailed care for those with skin conditions shows a concern for inclusion and safety within the community of faith.
Understanding this term helps us appreciate the context of biblical holiness codes. It highlights how ancient Israelites viewed physical health as part of their relationship with God. Today, we can find comfort in knowing that God’s concern for our bodies extends to His care for our spirits and our place within the community.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- scabs2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- יַלֶּ֔פֶת2×
Key Verses
-
Leviticus 21:20
or hunchbacked, or a dwarf, or one who has a defect in his eye, or an itching disease, or scabs, or who has damaged testicles.
This verse lists scabs among physical defects that disqualified priests from offering sacrifices, highlighting the strict standards for temple service.
-
Leviticus 22:22
You shall not offer what is blind, is injured, is maimed, has a wart, is festering, or has a running sore to Yahweh, nor make an offering by fire of them on the altar to Yahweh.
Here the term appears in a list of animal defects prohibited from being offered as food to Yahweh, extending purity concerns to worship offerings.