Definition: 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.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Leviticus 13:55. It’s a really important and somewhat unsettling passage about dealing with a plague – essentially, a sickness that’s spreading rapidly. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse describes how to handle a plague that’s spreading quickly and is causing concern. It’s basically saying, “If the plague isn’t changing its appearance or spreading further, it must be unclean.” Let’s unpack each part: “And the priest shall look on the plague…” : This tells us we need to observe this situation closely. The priest is tasked with watching and assessing things. “…after that it is washed: and, behold, [if] the plague have not changed his colour, and the plague be not spread; it [is] unclean.” : This is the key part . The priest needs to examine the plague closely. If the plague doesn’t change its color (it doesn't become worse), or if it doesn't spread further, then it must be considered unclean. "It is unclean" means it's a sickness that's not purified or cleansed. “it [is] fret inward, whether it [be] bare within or without.” : This is where it gets really serious. The plague is inside the person, and it’s also spreading outwards. It’s like a darkness spreading within, but also making more people sick. "Fret inward" means it's causing pain and distress within the person. What does this mean practically? In ancient times, a plague was a terrifying event. This verse is essentially saying: "If you see a plague, don’t just try to treat it with herbs or prayer. You must burn it completely – destroy it entirely – because it's not purified and needs to be eradicated." Important Context (Briefly): This passage happened during the Exodus story when Egypt was releasing slaves. The plague was a direct result of God’s power against the Egyptian people, and this verse highlights how God’s protection is demonstrated through His action – burning away the unclean. In short, it's a command to take decisive action against a rapidly spreading sickness, emphasizing purification and complete eradication. --- Would you like me to: Explain any of these parts in more detail? Connect this verse to other stories or biblical themes?