Leviticus 13:55

After it has been washed, the priest is to reexamine it, and if the mildewed article has not changed in appearance, it is unclean. Even though the mildew has not spread, you must burn it, whether the rot is on the front or back.

Berean Standard Bible

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Study note

Setting — The text records a priestly directive within the Levitical purity regulations, issued to Moses and the Israelite assembly regarding the examination of mildewed fabrics and leather. This instruction occurs immediately after a contaminated article has been washed and isolated for seven days.

The words — The Hebrew phrase וְרָאָה הַכֹּהֵן (ve.ra'Ah ha.koHen) translates literally as "and the priest will see." This verb of inspection follows the passive washing (הֻכַּבֵּס, hu.kabBes) and precedes the priest's determination regarding the plague (הַנֶּגַע, ha.Nega').

The thread — The pattern of washing followed by failed inspection and required disposal aligns with the biblical trajectory found in Ezekiel 24:13 and Hebrews 6:4. These passages reference the same theological sequence where ritual washing does not alter the underlying condition, necessitating complete removal.

Why it lands — The text demands recognition that external washing cannot reverse a marked condition that remains unchanged in appearance. The reader must accept the directive to burn the article regardless of whether the rot has spread, prioritizing total removal over partial preservation.

Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.

The Hebrew words

King James Version

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.

Cross-references

Ezekiel 24:13 Because of the indecency of your uncleanness I tried to cleanse you, but you would not be purified from your filthiness. You will not be pure again until My wrath against you has subsided.
Hebrews 6:4 It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit,
2 Peter 1:9 But whoever lacks these traits is nearsighted to the point of blindness, having forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins.
2 Peter 2:20 If indeed they have escaped the corruption of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, only to be entangled and overcome by it again, their final condition is worse than it was at first.