King James Version

What Does Leviticus 13:48 Mean?

Leviticus 13:48 in the King James Version says “Whether it be in the warp, or woof; of linen, or of woollen; whether in a skin, or in any thing made of skin; thing: Heb...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Whether it be in the warp, or woof; of linen, or of woollen; whether in a skin, or in any thing made of skin; thing: Heb. work of”

Leviticus 13:48 · KJV

Context

46

All the days wherein the plague shall be in him he shall be defiled; he is unclean: he shall dwell alone; without the camp shall his habitation be.

47

The garment also that the plague of leprosy is in, whether it be a woollen garment, or a linen garment;

48

Whether it be in the warp, or woof; of linen, or of woollen; whether in a skin, or in any thing made of skin; thing: Heb. work of

49

And if the plague be greenish or reddish in the garment, or in the skin, either in the warp, or in the woof, or in any thing of skin; it is a plague of leprosy, and shall be shewed unto the priest: thing: Heb. vessel, or, instrument

50

And the priest shall look upon the plague, and shut up it that hath the plague seven days:

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Whether it be in the warp, or woof; of linen, or of woollen; whether in a skin, or in any thing made of skin;

This verse falls within the section on Diagnosing Skin Diseases. Detailed procedures for priests to diagnose skin diseases (צָרַעַת, tzaraat), often translated 'leprosy' but covering various conditions.


The New Testament reveals that Christ's sacrifice accomplishes what the Levitical system could only symbolize—complete forgiveness and restoration of relationship with God.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Detailed procedures for priests to diagnose skin diseases (צָרַעַת, tzaraat), often translated 'leprosy' but covering various conditions. Chapters 11-15 address ritual purity, teaching Israel to distinguish clean from unclean. These laws served multiple purposes: promoting health, teaching spiritual lessons about sin's defilement, and separating Israel from pagan practices. Archaeological evidence shows Canaanite worship involved practices Israel's laws explicitly prohibited. Israel received these laws while encamped at Sinai, before entering Canaan. The laws prepared them for life in the promised land, distinguishing them from Canaanite practices and establishing their identity as God's holy nation. The portable tabernacle, central to Levitical worship, accompanied them through wilderness wanderings and eventually found permanent form in Solomon's temple. Ancient sacrificial texts from cultures surrounding Israel demonstrate the widespread practice of animal sacrifice, but Israel's system uniquely emphasized moral atonement over magical efficacy.

Reflection Questions

  1. In what ways does this verse challenge contemporary cultural values or your personal attitudes?
  2. How can you use this verse to worship God more fully, obey Him more faithfully, or love others more sacrificially?
  3. How does this verse point to Christ, and how does that deepen your faith and gratitude?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
א֤וֹ1 of 12
H176

desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if

בִֽשְׁתִי֙2 of 12

“Whether it be in the warp”

H8359

a fixture, i.e., the warp in weaving

א֣וֹ3 of 12
H176

desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if

בְעֵ֔רֶב4 of 12

“or woof”

H6154

the web (or transverse threads of cloth); also a mixture, (or mongrel race)

לַפִּשְׁתִּ֖ים5 of 12

“of linen”

H6593

linen (i.e., the thread, as carded)

וְלַצָּ֑מֶר6 of 12

“or of woollen”

H6785

wool

א֣וֹ7 of 12
H176

desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if

עֽוֹר׃8 of 12

“of skin”

H5785

skin (as naked); by implication, hide, leather

א֖וֹ9 of 12
H176

desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if

בְּכָל10 of 12
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

מְלֶ֥אכֶת11 of 12

“or in any thing made”

H4399

properly, deputyship, i.e., ministry; generally, employment (never servile) or work (abstractly or concretely); also property (as the result of labor)

עֽוֹר׃12 of 12

“of skin”

H5785

skin (as naked); by implication, hide, leather

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Leviticus. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Leviticus 13:48 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Leviticus 13:48 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jude 1:23Revelation 3:4Deuteronomy 8:11Leviticus 13:51

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