What is the definition of Leviticus 14:32? 🙋 🔍
This [is] the law [of him] in whom [is] the plague of leprosy, whose hand is not able to get [that which pertaineth] to his cleansing.
Explanation:
Okay, let’s break down this verse from Leviticus 14:32. It’s a really important and slightly unusual law about animals and how we treat them. Here's the explanation in plain language:
The Basic Idea:
This verse is about protecting animals from disease – specifically, leprosy. It establishes a rule that certain animals are considered too sick to be used for food or worship.
Let’s unpack it piece by piece:
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“This [is] the law [of him] in whom [is] the plague of leprosy…”
This is a big one – “him” refers to God. The verse is saying that God himself is 💎responsible💎 for the plague of leprosy, which is a disease that can be deadly and spread quickly. It’s not just about a natural illness; it's a divine punishment.
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“…whose hand is not able to get [that which pertaineth] to his cleansing.”
This is the core of the law. It means that animals 💎cannot💎 be used for food or worship if they are infected with leprosy. Specifically, the “that which pertainseth” refers to things like:
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Skin:
The leprosy causes a visible skin rash.
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Blood:
The disease can cause blood problems.
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Internal organs:
The infection can damage internal organs.
So, what does this mean practically?
Historically, this law was put in place to prevent the spread of leprosy within Jewish communities. It was a way to protect people from being affected by the disease. It's about recognizing that certain animals are inherently sick and cannot be used for our needs or worship.
Important Note:
This law is a bit strange because it focuses on 💎animals💎 rather than humans. Humans, however, can contract leprosy – which is why we have to be careful about how we handle and treat them!
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Would you like me to explain any of these concepts in more detail? For example, I could:
đź’Ž Give you a historical context for its creation.
💎 Explain the significance of the word “leprosy.”
đź’Ž Discuss why this law is considered important in Jewish tradition.