King James Version

What Does Leviticus 13:52 Mean?

Leviticus 13:52 in the King James Version says “He shall therefore burn that garment, whether warp or woof, in woollen or in linen, or any thing of skin, wherein the pl... — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Leviticus 13:52 · KJV


Context

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;

54

Then the priest shall command that they wash the thing wherein the plague is, and he shall shut it up seven days more:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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. How can you use this verse to worship God more fully, obey Him more faithfully, or love others more sacrificially?
  2. How does this verse help you understand both God's justice and His mercy in salvation?
  3. In what practical ways should this verse influence your church life, family relationships, or personal integrity?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 27 words
תִּשָּׂרֵֽף׃1 of 27

He shall therefore burn

H8313

to be (causatively, set) on fire

אֶת2 of 27
H853

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

הַבֶּ֜גֶד3 of 27

that garment

H899

a covering, i.e., clothing

א֥וֹ4 of 27
H176

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

אֶֽת5 of 27
H853

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

הַשְּׁתִ֣י׀6 of 27

whether warp

H8359

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

א֣וֹ7 of 27
H176

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

אֶת8 of 27
H853

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

הָעֵ֗רֶב9 of 27

or woof

H6154

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

בַּצֶּ֙מֶר֙10 of 27

in woollen

H6785

wool

א֣וֹ11 of 27
H176

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

בַפִּשְׁתִּ֔ים12 of 27

or in linen

H6593

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

א֚וֹ13 of 27
H176

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

אֶת14 of 27
H853

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

כָּל15 of 27
H3605

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

כְּלִ֣י16 of 27

or any thing

H3627

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

הָע֔וֹר17 of 27

of skin

H5785

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

אֲשֶׁר18 of 27
H834

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

יִֽהְיֶ֥ה19 of 27
H1961

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

ב֖וֹ20 of 27
H0
הַנָּ֑גַע21 of 27

wherein the plague

H5061

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

כִּֽי22 of 27
H3588

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

צָרַ֤עַת23 of 27

leprosy

H6883

leprosy

מַמְאֶ֙רֶת֙24 of 27

is for it is a fretting

H3992

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

הִ֔וא25 of 27
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

בָּאֵ֖שׁ26 of 27

in the fire

H784

fire (literally or figuratively)

תִּשָּׂרֵֽף׃27 of 27

He shall therefore burn

H8313

to be (causatively, set) on fire


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 13:52 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 13:52 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study