King James Version

What Does Leviticus 13:56 Mean?

Leviticus 13:56 in the King James Version says “And if the priest look, and, behold, the plague be somewhat dark after the washing of it; then he shall rend it out of t...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And if the priest look, and, behold, the plague be somewhat dark after the washing of it; then he shall rend it out of the garment, or out of the skin, or out of the warp, or out of the woof:”

Leviticus 13:56 · KJV

Context

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

56

And if the priest look, and, behold, the plague be somewhat dark after the washing of it; then he shall rend it out of the garment, or out of the skin, or out of the warp, or out of the woof:

57

And if it appear still in the garment, either in the warp, or in the woof, or in any thing of skin; it is a spreading plague: thou shalt burn that wherein the plague is with fire.

58

And the garment, either warp, or woof, or whatsoever thing of skin it be, which thou shalt wash, if the plague be departed from them, then it shall be washed the second time, and shall be clean.

Read Leviticus 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And if the priest look, and, behold, the plague be somewhat dark after the washing of it; then he shall rend it out of the garment, or out of the skin, or out of the warp, or out of the woof:

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.
What Leviticus portrayed through types and shadows, Christ fulfilled in reality through His incarnation, perfect life, atoning death, and resurrection.

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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 does Christ's superior priesthood, prefigured in this verse, assure you of access to God and effective intercession?
  2. How can you use this verse to worship God more fully, obey Him more faithfully, or love others more sacrificially?
  3. In what practical ways should this verse influence your church life, family relationships, or personal integrity?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 22 words
וְאִם֮1 of 22
H518

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

רָאָ֣ה2 of 22

“look”

H7200

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

הַכֹּהֵן֒3 of 22

“And if the priest”

H3548

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

וְהִנֵּה֙4 of 22
H2009

lo!

כֵּהָ֣ה5 of 22

“be somewhat dark”

H3544

feeble, obscure

הַנֶּ֔גַע6 of 22

“and behold the plague”

H5061

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

אַֽחֲרֵ֖י7 of 22

“after”

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

הֻכַּבֵּ֣ס8 of 22

“the washing”

H3526

to trample; hence, to wash (properly, by stamping with the feet), whether literal (including the fulling process) or figurative

אֹת֑וֹ9 of 22
H853

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

וְקָרַ֣ע10 of 22

“of it then he shall rend”

H7167

to rend, literally or figuratively (revile, paint the eyes, as if enlarging them)

אֹת֗וֹ11 of 22
H853

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

מִן12 of 22
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הַבֶּ֙גֶד֙13 of 22

“it out of the garment”

H899

a covering, i.e., clothing

א֣וֹ14 of 22
H176

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

מִן15 of 22
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הָע֔וֹר16 of 22

“or out of the skin”

H5785

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

א֥וֹ17 of 22
H176

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

מִן18 of 22
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הַשְּׁתִ֖י19 of 22

“or out of the warp”

H8359

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

א֥וֹ20 of 22
H176

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

מִן21 of 22
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הָעֵֽרֶב׃22 of 22

“or out of the woof”

H6154

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

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 13:56 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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