Leviticus 13:49

French NVS78P 1978 (Nouvelle Segond Révisée)

et que la plaie sera verdâtre ou rougeâtre sur le vêtement ou sur la peau, à la chaîne ou à la trame, ou sur un objet quelconque de peau, c'est une plaie de lèpre; elle sera montrée au sacrificateur

What Does This Mean?

This verse from Leviticus describes how to identify a plague of leprosy in clothing or leather goods. If the plague is greenish or reddish, it should be shown to a priest. It emphasizes the importance of priestly judgment in determining the status of a potential plague.

Explained for Children

Imagine you have a favorite t-shirt, and suddenly you see spots that look green or red. It's like when you see a stain that doesn't wash out. This verse tells us that if you see such spots on any clothing or leather item, you should show it to a special person called a priest to check if it's a sign of a serious sickness called leprosy.

Historical Background

This passage was written by Moses around 1440-1400 BCE, providing instructions to the Israelites on how to identify and deal with leprosy in garments and leather items. The Israelites had strict rules about purity and had to consult priests for such matters.

Living It Out Today

Today, this verse can remind us of the importance of seeking expert advice when we encounter issues we can't diagnose ourselves. Just as the Israelites needed to consult the priest, we should also seek professional help when we face serious health concerns or other complex issues.

Topics

• purity
• health
• priestly authority
• judgment
• leprosy
• ritual

Related Verses

• Leviticus 13:59
• Leviticus 14:54
• Numbers 5:2
• Matthew 8:2-4
• Mark 1:40-45

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean if the plague is greenish or reddish?

In the context of this verse, a greenish or reddish plague is a sign of leprosy in clothing or leather items, which must be shown to the priest for diagnosis and further instructions.

Why did people consult priests for such matters?

Priests in ancient Israel were responsible for interpreting the law and determining purity, so consulting them was necessary to ensure proper religious and health practices were followed.

How does this apply to modern times?

This verse teaches us the importance of seeking expert advice when dealing with complex issues, especially health-related ones, to ensure proper treatment and care.

What should one do if they find such a plague today?

While the context is ancient, today one should consult a healthcare professional for any unusual signs on clothing or skin that could indicate a health issue.