King James Version

What Does Leviticus 13:58 Mean?

Leviticus 13:58 in the King James Version says “And the garment, either warp, or woof, or whatsoever thing of skin it be, which thou shalt wash, if the plague be depart...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Leviticus 13:58 · KJV

Context

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.

59

This is the law of the plague of leprosy in a garment of woollen or linen, either in the warp, or woof, or any thing of skins, to pronounce it clean, or to pronounce it unclean.

Read Leviticus 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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.

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. The tabernacle's design parallels ancient Near Eastern temple architecture, yet its portable nature and absence of divine images distinguished it from pagan temples.

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. How can you use this verse to worship God more fully, obey Him more faithfully, or love others more sacrificially?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וְהַבֶּ֡גֶד1 of 17

“And the garment”

H899

a covering, i.e., clothing

אֽוֹ2 of 17
H176

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

הַשְּׁתִ֨י3 of 17

“either warp”

H8359

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

אֽוֹ4 of 17
H176

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

הָעֵ֜רֶב5 of 17

“or woof”

H6154

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

אֽוֹ6 of 17
H176

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

כָל7 of 17
H3605

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

כְּלִ֤י8 of 17

“or whatsoever thing”

H3627

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

הָעוֹר֙9 of 17

“of skin”

H5785

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

אֲשֶׁ֣ר10 of 17
H834

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

וְכֻבַּ֥ס11 of 17

“from them then it shall be washed”

H3526

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

וְסָ֥ר12 of 17

“be departed”

H5493

to turn off (literally or figuratively)

מֵהֶ֖ם13 of 17
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

הַנָּ֑גַע14 of 17

“if the plague”

H5061

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

וְכֻבַּ֥ס15 of 17

“from them then it shall be washed”

H3526

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

שֵׁנִ֖ית16 of 17

“the second”

H8145

properly, double, i.e., second; also adverbially, again

וְטָהֵֽר׃17 of 17

“time and shall be clean”

H2891

to be pure (physical sound, clear, unadulterated; levitically, uncontaminated; morally, innocent or holy)

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 13:58 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 13:58 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Kings 5:14Hebrews 9:10Psalms 51:2Revelation 1:52 Kings 5:102 Corinthians 7:1

Test Your Knowledge

Leviticus 13 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterLeviticus Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Leviticus 13 with CommentaryAll Leviticus ChaptersComplete Leviticus QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes