Leviticus 13:55

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.

Leviticus 13:55 (KJV)

Context

This verse is part of the priestly laws about leprosy in garments and fabrics (Leviticus 13:47-59). The priest examines a woolen or linen article, or leather, that has been washed and then kept for seven additional days (Leviticus 13:54). His task is to determine whether the plague remains after washing.

Meaning

The phrase “And the priest shall look on the plague, after that it is washed” shows that the priest was responsible for re-examining the affected article after it had been cleansed. The washing was not merely hygienic; it was part of the ceremonial procedure to test whether the contamination was superficial or deep.

The next clause, “and, behold, if the plague have not changed his colour, and the plague be not spread,” indicates that the priest observed whether the colour remained the same and whether the infection had failed to spread. If the colour did not change and the disease had not spread, this signified that the condition was not improving and was therefore deemed unclean.

“It is unclean; thou shalt burn it in the fire” declares that an unchanged and non-spreading plague is unclean and must be burned. Burning served to remove impurity and to protect the community from further contamination.

The phrase “It is fret inward, whether it be bare within or without” refers to a deeper infection that has penetrated the inner layers of the material, whether the damage is on the inside or outside. Such a condition was also considered unclean and required burning.

Application

While these ceremonial and civil regulations were specific to the Mosaic covenant and are not binding for Christians today, the passage still offers insight into the value of hygiene, careful observation, and concern for the well-being of others when confronting contagious illnesses. It also reminds us to examine our own lives for hidden or persistent sin, and to deal with it thoroughly rather than merely covering it up.

Reflection

God’s detailed instructions to Israel show His care for both physical health and spiritual purity. They call us to trust His wisdom and to take seriously the need for complete cleansing from defilement.