Leviticus 13:47-59

Why are affected garments inspected, washed, and sometimes destroyed?

Berean Standard Bible

47 If any fabric is contaminated with mildew—any wool or linen garment, 48 any weave or knit of linen or wool, or any article of leather— 49 and 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. 50 And the priest is to examine the mildew and isolate the contaminated fabric for seven days. 51 On 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. 52 He 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. 53 But when the priest reexamines it, if the mildew has not spread in the fabric, weave, knit, or leather article, 54 the priest is to order the contaminated article to be washed and isolated for another seven days. 55 After 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. 56 If 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. 57 But if it reappears in the fabric, weave, or knit, or on any leather article, it is spreading. You must burn the contaminated article. 58 If 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. 59 This is the law concerning a mildew contamination in wool or linen fabric, weave, or knit, or any leather article, for pronouncing it clean or unclean.”

What is the context?

The chapter extends the category to wool, linen, and leather articles with specified discoloration. The priest examines them, isolates them, and judges whether the condition spreads or persists after washing.

Some articles are burned, some have a section removed, and some are washed again and pronounced clean. The range of outcomes matters: the law does not require destroying every suspicious article without examination. The BSB calls the condition in these materials mildew.

How is this passage commonly understood?

Brown–Driver–Briggs records the same Hebrew disease term for human skin, garments, and houses while noting uncertainty over its exact material form. The USCCB notes discuss affected fabric and weaving. These observations explain why a single modern human diagnosis cannot simply be read into every use of the word.

What is our position?

We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.

Where can I study this further?

No deeper study linked yet.

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