King James Version

What Does Leviticus 13:49 Mean?

Leviticus 13:49 in the King James Version says “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 t...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Leviticus 13:49 · KJV

Context

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:

51

And he shall look on the plague on the seventh day: if the plague be spread in the garment, either in the warp, or in the woof, or in a skin, or in any work that is made of skin; the plague is a fretting leprosy; it is unclean.

Read Leviticus 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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:

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 Aaronic priesthood mediated between God and Israel, offering sacrifices and maintaining the tabernacle. This prefigured Christ's superior priesthood after the order of Melchizedek.
The access to God's presence that Leviticus carefully regulated is now freely available through Christ's blood, tearing the veil and opening the way to 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. The Israelite dietary laws in Leviticus 11 have no exact parallel in surrounding cultures, though some ancient cultures had food taboos, suggesting unique revelation rather than borrowed customs.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Christ's superior priesthood, prefigured in this verse, assure you of access to God and effective intercession?
  2. How does this verse point to Christ, and how does that deepen your faith and gratitude?
  3. In what ways does this verse challenge contemporary cultural values or your personal attitudes?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 22 words
וְהָיָ֨ה1 of 22
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

נֶ֥גַע2 of 22

“And if the plague”

H5061

a blow (figuratively, infliction); also (by implication) a spot (concretely, a leprous person or dress)

יְרַקְרַ֣ק׀3 of 22

“be greenish”

H3422

yellowishness

א֣וֹ4 of 22

“either”

H176

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

אֲדַמְדָּ֗ם5 of 22

“or reddish”

H125

reddish

בַּבֶּגֶד֩6 of 22

“in the garment”

H899

a covering, i.e., clothing

א֣וֹ7 of 22

“either”

H176

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

ע֔וֹר8 of 22

“of skin”

H5785

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

א֣וֹ9 of 22

“either”

H176

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

בַשְּׁתִ֤י10 of 22

“in the warp”

H8359

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

א֣וֹ11 of 22

“either”

H176

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

בָעֵ֙רֶב֙12 of 22

“or in the woof”

H6154

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

א֣וֹ13 of 22

“either”

H176

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

בְכָל14 of 22
H3605

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

כְּלִי15 of 22

“or in any thing”

H3627

something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)

ע֔וֹר16 of 22

“of skin”

H5785

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

נֶ֥גַע17 of 22

“And if the plague”

H5061

a blow (figuratively, infliction); also (by implication) a spot (concretely, a leprous person or dress)

צָרַ֖עַת18 of 22

“of leprosy”

H6883

leprosy

ה֑וּא19 of 22
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

וְהָרְאָ֖ה20 of 22

“and shall be shewed”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

אֶת21 of 22
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַכֹּהֵֽן׃22 of 22

“unto the priest”

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

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 13:49 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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