King James Version

What Does Leviticus 13:51 Mean?

Leviticus 13:51 in the King James Version says “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 th...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Leviticus 13:51 · KJV

Context

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.

52

He shall therefore burn that garment, whether warp or woof, in woollen or in linen, or any thing of skin, wherein the plague is: for it is a fretting leprosy; it shall be burnt in the fire.

53

And if the priest shall look, and, behold, the plague be not spread in the garment, either in the warp, or in the woof, or in any thing of skin;

Read Leviticus 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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.

Ritual purity laws taught Israel to distinguish between clean and unclean, holy and common, training them in discernment and reverence for God's presence.
The holiness demanded in Leviticus becomes possible through Christ, who both satisfies God's righteous requirements and transforms believers by His Spirit.

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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 texts like the Code of Hammurabi show that law codes were common in the ancient Near East, but biblical law uniquely grounded ethics in God's character rather than merely social convention.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can you develop greater spiritual discernment in distinguishing what honors God from what defiles?
  2. What practical steps can you take this week to apply the principles taught in this verse?
  3. In what ways does this verse challenge contemporary cultural values or your personal attitudes?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 25 words
וְרָאָ֨ה1 of 25

“And he shall look”

H7200

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

אֶת2 of 25
H853

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

הַנֶּ֖גַע3 of 25

“if the plague”

H5061

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

בַּיּ֣וֹם4 of 25

“day”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הַשְּׁבִיעִ֗י5 of 25

“on the seventh”

H7637

seventh

כִּֽי6 of 25
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

פָשָׂ֤ה7 of 25

“be spread”

H6581

to spread

הַנֶּ֖גַע8 of 25

“if the plague”

H5061

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

בַּ֠בֶּגֶד9 of 25

“in the garment”

H899

a covering, i.e., clothing

אֽוֹ10 of 25
H176

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

בַשְּׁתִ֤י11 of 25

“either in the warp”

H8359

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

אֽוֹ12 of 25
H176

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

בָעֵ֙רֶב֙13 of 25

“or in the woof”

H6154

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

א֣וֹ14 of 25
H176

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

הָע֖וֹר15 of 25

“of skin”

H5785

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

לְכֹ֛ל16 of 25
H3605

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

אֲשֶׁר17 of 25
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

יֵֽעָשֶׂ֥ה18 of 25

“that is made”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

הָע֖וֹר19 of 25

“of skin”

H5785

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

לִמְלָאכָ֑ה20 of 25

“or in any work”

H4399

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

צָרַ֧עַת21 of 25

“leprosy”

H6883

leprosy

מַמְאֶ֛רֶת22 of 25

“is a fretting”

H3992

to be bitter or (causatively) to embitter, i.e., be painful

הַנֶּ֖גַע23 of 25

“if the plague”

H5061

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

טָמֵ֥א24 of 25

“it is unclean”

H2931

foul in a religious sense

הֽוּא׃25 of 25
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

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 13:51 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 13:51 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 14:44

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