Leviticus 13:47-58 · Bible study
Leviticus 13:47-58 Commentary: Mildew, Purity, and Daily Holiness
Hebrew · 11 what the commentators say
Meaning in one sentence
Examine the 'leprosy' in garments, mold, signs, or sin?
Research Summary
- Meaning: Instructions for diagnosing and purging mildew or mold from clothing, leather, and fabrics in ancient Israel.
- Key words: nega (plague), tsara'at (leprosy/mildew), mam'eret (malignant/fretting), pecheted (eating/mildew), kabas (wash).
- Main debate: Whether the garment 'leprosy' was a natural mold, a supernatural sign, or an insect infestation, all three appear in the commentaries.
- Theological theme: Purity before God extends to every possession and sphere; contamination must be isolated, examined, and ruthlessly removed.
- Best use: A lens for understanding the thoroughness of God's holiness and the daily vigilance required in the life of faith.
Translation Comparison
BSB Berean Standard Bible 2020
47If any fabric is contaminated with mildew—any wool or linen garment,
48any weave or knit of linen or wool, or any article of leather—
49and if the mark in the fabric, leather, weave, knit, or leather article is green or red, then it is contaminated with mildew and must be shown to the priest.
50And the priest is to examine the mildew and isolate the contaminated fabric for seven days.
51On the seventh day the priest shall reexamine it, and if the mildew has spread in the fabric, weave, knit, or leather, then regardless of how it is used, it is a harmful mildew; the article is unclean.
52He is to burn the fabric, weave, or knit, whether the contaminated item is wool or linen or leather. Since the mildew is harmful, the article must be burned up.
53But when the priest reexamines it, if the mildew has not spread in the fabric, weave, knit, or leather article,
54the priest is to order the contaminated article to be washed and isolated for another seven days.
55After it has been washed, the priest is to reexamine it, and if the mildewed article has not changed in appearance, it is unclean. Even though the mildew has not spread, you must burn it, whether the rot is on the front or back.
56If the priest examines it and the mildew has faded after it has been washed, he must cut the contaminated section out of the fabric, leather, weave, or knit.
57But if it reappears in the fabric, weave, or knit, or on any leather article, it is spreading. You must burn the contaminated article.
58If the mildew disappears from the fabric, weave, or knit, or any leather article after washing, then it is to be washed again, and it will be clean.
WEB World English Bible 2000
47“The garment also that the plague of leprosy is in, whether it is a woolen garment, or a linen garment;
48whether it is in warp or woof; of linen or of wool; whether in leather, or in anything made of leather;
49if the plague is greenish or reddish in the garment, or in the leather, or in the warp, or in the woof, or in anything made of leather; it is the plague of leprosy, and shall be shown to the priest.
50The priest shall examine the plague, and isolate the plague seven days.
51He shall examine the plague on the seventh day. If the plague has spread in the garment, either in the warp, or in the woof, or in the skin, whatever use the skin is used for, the plague is a destructive mildew. It is unclean.
52He shall burn the garment, whether the warp or the woof, in wool or in linen, or anything of leather, in which the plague is, for it is a destructive mildew. It shall be burned in the fire.
53“If the priest examines it, and behold, the plague hasn’t spread in the garment, either in the warp, or in the woof, or in anything of skin;
54then the priest shall command that they wash the thing that the plague is in, and he shall isolate it seven more days.
55Then the priest shall examine it, after the plague is washed; and behold, if the plague hasn’t changed its color, and the plague hasn’t spread, it is unclean; you shall burn it in the fire. It is a mildewed spot, whether the bareness is inside or outside.
56If the priest looks, and behold, the plague has faded after it is washed, then he shall tear it out of the garment, or out of the skin, or out of the warp, or out of the woof;
57and if it appears again in the garment, either in the warp, or in the woof, or in anything of skin, it is spreading. You shall burn what the plague is in with fire.
58The garment, either the warp, or the woof, or whatever thing of skin it is, which you shall wash, if the plague has departed from them, then it shall be washed the second time, and it will be clean.”
KJV King James Version 1769
47The garment also that the plague of leprosy is in, whether it be a woollen garment, or a linen garment;
48Whether it be in the warp, or woof; of linen, or of woollen; whether in a skin, or in any thing made of skin;
49And if the plague be greenish or reddish in the garment, or in the skin, either in the warp, or in the woof, or in any thing of skin; it is a plague of leprosy, and shall be shewed unto the priest:
50And the priest shall look upon the plague, and shut up it that hath the plague seven days:
51And he shall look on the plague on the seventh day: if the plague be spread in the garment, either in the warp, or in the woof, or in a skin, or in any work that is made of skin; the plague is a fretting leprosy; it is unclean.
52He shall therefore burn that garment, whether warp or woof, in woollen or in linen, or any thing of skin, wherein the plague is: for it is a fretting leprosy; it shall be burnt in the fire.
53And if the priest shall look, and, behold, the plague be not spread in the garment, either in the warp, or in the woof, or in any thing of skin;
54Then the priest shall command that they wash the thing wherein the plague is, and he shall shut it up seven days more:
55And 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.
56And if the priest look, and, behold, the plague be somewhat dark after the washing of it; then he shall rend it out of the garment, or out of the skin, or out of the warp, or out of the woof:
57And if it appear still in the garment, either in the warp, or in the woof, or in any thing of skin; it is a spreading plague: thou shalt burn that wherein the plague is with fire.
58And the garment, either warp, or woof, or whatsoever thing of skin it be, which thou shalt wash, if the plague be departed from them, then it shall be washed the second time, and shall be clean.
ASV American Standard Version 1901
47The garment also that the plague of leprosy is in, whether it be a woollen garment, or a linen garment;
48whether it be in warp, or woof; of linen, or of woollen; whether in a skin, or in anything made of skin;
49if the plague be greenish or reddish in the garment, or in the skin, or in the warp, or in the woof, or in anything of skin; it is the plague of leprosy, and shall be showed unto the priest.
50And the priest shall look upon the plague, and shut up that which hath the plague seven days:
51and he shall look on the plague on the seventh day: if the plague be spread in the garment, either in the warp, or in the woof, or in the skin, whatever service skin is used for; the plague is a fretting leprosy; it is unclean.
52And he shall burn the garment, whether the warp or the woof, in woollen or in linen, or anything of skin, wherein the plague is: for it is a fretting leprosy; it shall be burnt in the fire.
53And if the priest shall look, and, behold, the plague be not spread in the garment, either in the warp, or in the woof, or in anything of skin;
54then the priest shall command that they wash the thing wherein the plague is, and he shall shut it up seven days more:
55and the priest shall look, after that the plague is washed; and, behold, if the plague have not changed its color, and the plague be not spread, it is unclean; thou shalt burn it in the fire: it is a fret, whether the bareness be within or without.
56And if the priest look, and, behold, the plague be dim after the washing thereof, then he shall rend it out of the garment, or out of the skin, or out of the warp, or out of the woof:
57and if it appear still in the garment, either in the warp, or in the woof, or in anything of skin, it is breaking out: thou shalt burn that wherein the plague is with fire.
58And the garment, either the warp, or the woof, or whatsoever thing of skin it be, which thou shalt wash, if the plague be departed from them, then it shall be washed the second time, and shall be clean.
YLT Young's Literal Translation 1898
47`And when there is in any garment a plague of leprosy, --in a garment of wool, or in a garment of linen,
48or in the warp, or in the woof, of linen or of wool, or in a skin, or in any work of skin,
49and the plague hath been very green or very red in the garment, or in the skin, or in the warp, or in the woof, or in any vessel of skin, it is a plague of leprosy, and it hath been shewn the priest.
50`And the priest hath seen the plague, and hath shut up that which hath the plague, seven days;
51and he hath seen the plague on the seventh day, and the plague hath spread in the garment, or in the warp, or in the woof, or in the skin, of all that is made of skin for work; the plague is a fretting leprosy, it is unclean.
52`And he hath burnt the garment, or the warp, or the woof, in wool or in linen, or any vessel of skin in which the plague is; for it is a fretting leprosy; with fire it is burnt.
53`And if the priest see, and lo, the plague hath not spread in the garment, or in the warp, or in the woof, or in any vessel of skin,
54then hath the priest commanded, and they have washed that in which the plague is , and he hath shut it up a second seven days.
55And the priest hath seen that which hath the plague after it hath been washed, and lo, the plague hath not changed its aspect, and the plague hath not spread, --it is unclean; with fire thou dost burn it; it is a fretting in its back-part or in its front-part.
56`And if the priest hath seen, and lo, the plague is become weak after it hath been washed, then he hath rent it out of the garment, or out of the skin, or out of the warp, or out of the woof;
57and if it still be seen in the garment, or in the warp, or in the woof, or in any vessel of skin, it is a fretting; with fire thou dost burn it--that in which the plague is .
58`And the garment, or the warp, or the woof, or any vessel of skin which thou dost wash when the plague hath turned aside from them, then it hath been washed a second time, and hath been clean.
Darby Darby Bible 1890
47And if a sore of leprosy is in a garment, in a woollen garment, or a linen garment,
48either in the warp or in the woof of linen or of wool, or in a skin, or in anything made of skin,
49and the sore is greenish or reddish in the garment, or in the skin, or in the warp, or in the woof, or in anything of skin, it is the sore of leprosy, and shall be shewn unto the priest.
50And the priest shall look on the sore, and shall shut up [that which hath] the sore seven days.
51And he shall see the sore on the seventh day: if the sore have spread in the garment, either in the warp or in the woof, or in a skin, in any work that may be made of skin, the sore is a corroding leprosy: it is unclean.
52And they shall burn the garment, or the warp or the woof, of wool or of linen, or anything of skin, wherein the sore is; for it is a corroding leprosy: it shall be burned with fire.
53But if the priest look, and behold, the sore hath not spread in the garment, or in the warp, or in the woof, or in anything of skin,
54then the priest shall command that they wash the thing wherein the sore is, and he shall shut it up seven days a second time.
55And the priest shall look on the sore after the washing, and behold, if the sore have not changed its appearance, and the sore have not spread, it is unclean: thou shalt burn it with fire: it is a fretting sore on what is threadbare or where the nap is gone.
56But if the priest look, and behold, the sore hath become pale after the washing of it, then he shall rend it from the garment, or from the skin, or from the warp, or from the woof.
57And if it appear still in the garment, or in the warp, or in the woof, or in anything of skin, it is a [leprosy] breaking out: thou shalt burn with fire that wherein the sore is.
58But the garment, or the warp, or the woof, or whatever thing of skin which thou hast washed, and the sore departeth from them, it shall be washed a second time, and it is clean.
Douay-Rheims Douay-Rheims Bible 1899
47A woollen or linen garment that shall have the leprosy
48In the warp, and the woof: or skin, or whatsoever is made of a skin:
49If it be infected with a white or red spot, it shall be accounted the leprosy, and shall be shewn to the priest.
50And he shall look upon it and shall shut it up seven days.
51And on the seventh day when he looketh on it again, if he find that it is grown, it is a fixed leprosy. He shall judge the garment unclean, and every thing wherein it shall be found.
52And therefore it shall be burnt with fire.
53But if he see that it is not grown,
54He shall give orders, and they shall wash that part wherein the leprosy is: and he shall shut it up other seven days.
55And when he shall see that the former colour is not returned, nor yet the leprosy spread, he shall judge it unclean: and shall burn it with fire, for the leprosy has taken hold of the outside of the garment, or through the whole.
56But if the place of the leprosy be somewhat dark, after the garment is washed, he shall tear it off, and divide it from that which is sound.
57And if after this there appear in those places that before were without spot, a flying and wandering leprosy: it must be burnt with fire.
58If it cease, he shall wash with water the parts that are pure, the second time: and they shall be clean.
Verse in Context
Original Language (Biblical Hebrew)
Old Testament · Biblical Hebrew · Leviticus 13:47
Source: STEPBible TAGNT/TEHB (CC-BY 4.0). Click or tap a morphology code to see the full parsing.
Scholars' Consensus
Commentators across traditions agree the 'leprosy' in garments was a natural decay, most likely mildew or mold, possibly aided by insects. Barnes and Keil describe it as 'destructive mildew' or 'malignant corrosion.' Clarke suggests it was caused by minute animals that 'fret the garment,' like the itch mite. Jamieson-Fausset-Brown notes similar stains appear in the West Indies from mold in wool and leather.
All agree the priest acted as a diagnostician, not a healer. No religious rite is prescribed for clothing leprosy (Barnes). The law's purpose was practical and pedagogical: to isolate contamination and teach Israel that purity extends to every possession and sphere of life. Calvin, while uncertain about the exact phenomenon, concludes the ritual admonished the people to 'carefully beware of even external uncleanness.'
How settled is the interpretation?
Interpretive difficulty: Medium
Main views:
- Naturalistic (mold/mildew/insects): Supported by Keil, Barnes, and Jamieson-Fausset-Brown; also by the modern identification of similar fungal decay in fabrics.
- Typological/spiritual (primarily symbolic of sin): Emphasized by Matthew Henry, Clarke, and many devotional readers; drawn from the parallels to human leprosy and the repeated call to 'be holy'.
- Supernatural/miraculous (special sign for Israel): Suggested by Jewish tradition and Ellicott's note that 'leprosy of garments … was not to be found in the world generally.'
What is clear: The law required careful inspection by the priest, quarantine periods, and destruction of persistently contaminated items, teaching that impurity must be dealt with decisively in every area of life.
What Scholars Agree and Debate
| Topic | Agreed | Debated |
|---|---|---|
| Nature of garment 'leprosy' | The mark was a physical, observable phenomenon (greenish/reddish spots, spreading or fading). | Some commentators (Keil, Barnes) identify it as destructive mildew; others (Clarke, Jamieson-Fausset-Brown) add the possibility of insect damage; Calvin and Wesley concede the exact cause is unknown. |
| Symbolic meaning for sin | The procedure illustrates how sin spreads, requires examination, and must be purged. | Some interpreters (Matthew Henry, Clarke) draw a close typological parallel: leprosy = sin, priest = conscience or Christ. Others (Barnes, Calvin) stress the literal historical instruction and warn against over-allegorizing. |
| Applicability to modern Christians | The principle of holiness in all of life applies today. | Catholics and Orthodox see the purity laws as fulfilled in sacramental confession and penance; Protestants generally read them as pointing to Christ's cleansing and now applied spiritually (Romans 13:12, Ephesians 4:22). Both affirm the call to put away impurity. |
Historical & Cultural Context
Israel lived in a wilderness camp where wool, linen, and leather were the main materials for clothing, bedding, and containers. Barnes notes the 'garment' likely refers to two basic pieces: a linen tunic (Deuteronomy 22:11) and a woolen cloak worn in colder weather. The warp (lengthwise threads) and woof (crosswise threads) indicate the fabric itself, not just the finished article. Leather items included sandals, bags, and tent coverings.
The term translated 'leprosy' (Hebrew tsara'at) was a broad category used for human skin diseases, mold in garments, and later mildew in house walls (Leviticus 14:34-53). It did not necessarily mean Hansen's disease. The procedure was careful and unhurried: a seven-day quarantine, then another seven days after washing. The priest had to observe whether the spot spread, changed color, or faded. Only persistent or spreading contamination required burning; localized or fading marks could be removed by tearing out the affected piece, and if the mold departed, a second wash made the article clean.
This process shows God's concern for practical health and the principle that impurity, physical or moral, cannot be ignored. The rules also guarded against hastily destroying property and allowed for redemption when the problem receded.
Textual Notes
The supplied sources note no significant textual variants in Leviticus 13:47-58. The Hebrew text is well preserved, with the key difference being translation of terms like pecheted (KJV: 'fret inward'; WEB: 'mildewed spot'; BSB: 'rot') and mam'eret (KJV: 'fretting leprosy'; WEB: 'destructive mildew'). These reflect lexical choices, not manuscript divergence.
Reception History
Early Christian writers, including Origen and Augustine, read garment leprosy allegorically as false teaching or heresy that infects the fabric of the church. In medieval Jewish tradition, the laws were practiced literally; the Mishnah and Talmud include detailed discussions on the appearance of the spots. Reformation commentators like Calvin and Matthew Henry retained the literal sense but drew moral applications about the deceitfulness of sin. Wesley noted the law was given for a specific time and culture, yet the underlying call to pursue holiness endures. Across traditions, this passage has been used to teach that God's concern for purity reaches into every corner of life, even the clothes on our backs.
Preaching This Verse
Three-Point Outline
- Sin Spreads Like Mildew, A small spot can grow and corrupt the whole fabric, just as unchecked sin works through a life (Galatians 5:9).
- Examine and Isolate, The priest's inspection reflects the need for honest assessment and taking time to discern (Psalm 139:23-24).
- Purity Is Worth the Fire, What cannot be cleansed must be removed, even at great cost (Matthew 5:29-30).
Five-Point Outline
- Spotting the Problem, A greenish or reddish mark appears; the garment is brought to the priest (vv. 47-49).
- A Time of Quarantine, Seven days of isolation test whether the plague spreads (vv. 50-51).
- A Wash and Another Week, If the spread stops, the garment is washed and isolated again (vv. 53-54).
- Surgical Removal or Burning, If the spot fades, cut it out; if it persists or returns, burn the garment (vv. 55-57).
- Cleansing, If the plague departs after washing, a second wash restores the garment (v. 58).
Illustration Hooks
- Finding a spot of mold in a piece of bread and watching it spread overnight.
- A stubborn stain on a favorite shirt that reappears after washing.
- Realising one small compromise in daily margin work, a 'little' sin, can gradually corrupt a whole project or reputation.
Questions Your Congregation Is Asking
- Does God really care about mold in my closet? What does this say about His interest in the ordinary stuff of life?
- This feels extreme, why burn a whole garment instead of just throwing it away? What does the fire represent?
- How does this ancient law connect to Jesus' teaching about inner purity (Mark 7:14-23)?
Leading a Discussion
This passage feels strange to modern readers. A priest inspecting clothes for mold? But it reveals something vital: the God who saved Israel from Egypt cares about the fabric of their daily lives. The careful process, quarantine, wash, inspect, cut, burn, shows that impurity must be taken seriously and dealt with thoroughly.
Discussion Questions
- Why do you think the law required a priest, not a doctor or a tailor, to examine the garment? What does that imply about the role of spiritual leadership?
- The priest isolated the garment for two periods of seven days. What does the repeated waiting teach about patience in dealing with sin or problems?
- Verses 52 and 57 command burning items with persistent or spreading contamination. How does this ‘burning’ relate to Jesus’ words about cutting off a hand or plucking out an eye (Mark 9:43-48)?
- Notice that a garment with a spot that fades can be saved (v. 56). What hope does that offer for people who repent of a sin pattern?
- Isaiah 64:6 compares our righteousness to a ‘polluted garment.’ How does this law help us understand grace, the garment Christ gives us?
- How might this passage challenge the way we handle small compromises in our own lives, at work, at home, online?
Word Study
The key original-language words in this verse. Select any word for its full lexicon entry — meaning, every occurrence in Scripture, and related words.
Cross-References
Source: Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (TSK, public domain)
| Isaiah 3:16 | Moreover Yahweh said, “Because the daughters of Zion are arrogant, and walk with outstretched necks and flirting eyes, walking daintily as they go, jingling ornaments on their feet; |
| Isaiah 3:24 | It shall happen that instead of sweet spices, there shall be rottenness; instead of a belt, a rope; instead of well set hair, baldness; instead of a robe, a wearing of sackcloth; and branding instead of beauty. |
| Isaiah 59:6 | Their webs won’t become garments. They won’t cover themselves with their works. Their works are works of iniquity, and acts of violence are in their hands. |
| Isaiah 64:6 | For we have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteousness is like a polluted garment. We all fade like a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away. |
| Ezekiel 16:16 | You took some of your garments, and made for yourselves high places decked with various colors, and played the prostitute on them. This shouldn’t happen, neither shall it be. |
| Romans 13:12 | The night is far gone, and the day is near. Let’s therefore throw off the deeds of darkness, and let’s put on the armor of light. |
| Ephesians 4:22 | that you put away, as concerning your former way of life, the old man that grows corrupt after the lusts of deceit, |
| Colossians 3:3 | For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. |
Interlinear and lexical data from STEPBible (CC BY 4.0). Cross-reference data from OpenBible.info (CC BY 4.0). Commentaries are public domain.
For personal reflection
Read the devotional page — prayer, application, and "for families"
What the Commentators Say
9 public-domain commentaries, condensed into plain language.
Adam Clarke's Commentary Methodist/Wesleyan 1826
Clarke explains the garment leprosy as a literal infestation by small
Barnes' Notes on the Bible Protestant 1832
Barnes clarifies that the leprosy in clothing was likely destructive mildew, not a spiritual condition. He emphasizes that no religious or symbolic rite is prescribed here; the priest's sole task was to determine whether decay was actively damaging the fabric.
Calvin's Commentaries Reformed 1564
Calvin observes that the particular disease affecting garments mentioned here is unknown to us today, though God surrounds humanity with various forms of decay as reminders of sin's punishment. He therefore focuses only on the law’s main point: it taught the ancient people to guard against even outward defilement, so they would cleanse themselves from all impurity of body and spirit. Calvin intentionally avoids detailed word‑study, which he considers the grammarian’s task rather than the commentator's.
Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges Anglican 1880
The Cambridge Bible Schools commentary is careful to note that the exact cause of the spots described in garments is uncertain, though mildew or moth are the usual suggestions. It also distinguishes between two different Hebrew words: one that means malignant spreading and another that points to a depression where the material has been eaten away.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary Protestant 1871
JFB treats the leprosy in clothing as a real, natural disease caused by microscopic insects or vermin, not merely a symbolic condition. He argues the Mosaic inspection laws served both practical sanitary purposes and a deeper spiritual aim: cultivating carefulness against ceremonial defilement and inward purity.
Keil & Delitzsch OT Commentary Protestant 1876
Keil-Delitzsch argue that the Hebrew words for "warp and weft" refer to yarn prepared for weaving, not finished fabric. This reading answers the objection that warp and weft cannot be separated in a woven garment. The "leprosy" in fabrics was likely mildew, a corrosive growth from damp and poor air.
Lange's Commentary Reformed 1857
Lange treats leprosy as fundamentally the stroke of God, representing sin and the corruption of death in the stream of life. The priest supervises not healing but the sentence of uncleanness, excluding the sufferer from the community. This Old Testament order contrasts with Christ, whose touch cleanses leprosy instead of being made unclean by it.
Matthew Henry's Commentary Reformed/Presbyterian 1710
Henry sees the leprous garment as a picture of sin's stubbornness: a spot that spreads even after washing shows the infection has gone inward. Superficial treatment is useless; the only remedy is total destruction by fire, symbolizing the radical removal of corrupting sin.
Wesley's Explanatory Notes Methodist/Wesleyan 1754
Wesley argues that leprosy in garments and houses, though unknown in modern times, was a real condition among the Jews. A wise lawgiver like Moses would not risk contempt by inventing regulations about something that daily experience would show to be imaginary. The precise meaning of terms like "warp or woof" is uncertain but not essential now.