What is the definition of Leviticus 13:27? 🙋 🔍
And the priest shall look upon him the seventh day: [and] if it be spread much abroad in the skin, then the priest shall pronounce him unclean: it [is] the plague of leprosy.
Explanation:
Okay, let’s break down this verse from Leviticus 13:27. It’s a pretty serious and important passage about holiness and disease. Here's a simple explanation:
What it means:
This verse describes a specific situation involving a person who has been touched by God – specifically, the Lord himself – and is experiencing a sickness that can spread to others. It’s essentially saying if someone gets too close to God in a way that causes illness, then they are considered unclean and must be treated as sick.
Let's unpack it piece by piece:
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“And the priest shall look upon him the seventh day…”
– This means the priest will examine this person for a period of seven days. It’s like a very careful inspection.
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“[and] if it be spread much abroad in the skin…”
- This is the crucial part. The priest will 💎look closely💎 at this person's skin, and if they spread the infection (the sickness) too widely, it becomes a visible sign of illness. Think of it like a spreading rash or a noticeable change in appearance.
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“then the priest shall pronounce him unclean: it [is] the plague of leprosy.”
- If the skin spreads, the priest will declare this person to be “unclean” – meaning they are sick and must be isolated and treated. The word "plague" here means a severe illness that’s often difficult to cure.
What does this mean in practical terms?
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It’s about holiness:
The verse highlights that God is holy, and He has rules about how we interact with each other. By touching someone who is considered holy, there's a risk of contamination and illness.
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It's about protection:
The purpose of this ritual (this inspection) is to protect the community from the spread of disease and keep them safe.
Important Note:
This verse is part of a larger system of Jewish law and tradition that emphasized holiness and hygiene in ancient times. It was meant to show respect for God and prevent the spread of illness.
In short, it’s a warning about potential contamination and a measure taken to safeguard the community from disease.
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Do you want me to:
💎 Explain any of these points further?
💎 Give you some context on why this verse was important in ancient times?