King James Version

What Does Leviticus 13:53 Mean?

Leviticus 13:53 in the King James Version says “And if the priest shall look, and, behold, the plague be not spread in the garment, either in the warp, or in the woof, ...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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;”

Leviticus 13:53 · KJV

Context

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:

55

And the priest shall look on the plague, after that it is washed: and, behold, if the plague have not changed his colour, and the plague be not spread; it is unclean; thou shalt burn it in the fire; it is fret inward, whether it be bare within or without. whether: Heb. whether it be bald in the head thereof, or in the forehead thereof

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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;

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 help you understand both God's justice and His mercy in salvation?
  3. How does this verse reveal God's character, and how should that revelation shape your relationship with Him?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וְאִם֮1 of 16
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

יִרְאֶ֣ה2 of 16

“shall look”

H7200

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

הַכֹּהֵן֒3 of 16

“And if the priest”

H3548

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

וְהִנֵּה֙4 of 16
H2009

lo!

לֹֽא5 of 16
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

פָשָׂ֣ה6 of 16

“be not spread”

H6581

to spread

הַנֶּ֔גַע7 of 16

“and behold the plague”

H5061

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

בַּבֶּ֕גֶד8 of 16

“in the garment”

H899

a covering, i.e., clothing

א֖וֹ9 of 16

“either”

H176

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

בַשְּׁתִ֖י10 of 16

“in the warp”

H8359

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

א֖וֹ11 of 16

“either”

H176

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

בָעֵ֑רֶב12 of 16

“in the woof”

H6154

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

א֖וֹ13 of 16

“either”

H176

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

בְּכָל14 of 16
H3605

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

כְּלִי15 of 16

“in any thing”

H3627

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

עֽוֹר׃16 of 16

“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 13:53 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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