Deuteronomy 24:8
Take heed in the plague of leprosy, that thou observe diligently, and do according to all that the priests the Levites shall teach you: as I commanded them, so ye shall observe to do.
Original Language Analysis
תִּשְׁמְר֥וּ
Take heed
H8104
תִּשְׁמְר֥וּ
Take heed
Strong's:
H8104
Word #:
1 of 16
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
בְּנֶֽגַע
in the plague
H5061
בְּנֶֽגַע
in the plague
Strong's:
H5061
Word #:
2 of 16
a blow (figuratively, infliction); also (by implication) a spot (concretely, a leprous person or dress)
תִּשְׁמְר֥וּ
Take heed
H8104
תִּשְׁמְר֥וּ
Take heed
Strong's:
H8104
Word #:
4 of 16
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
מְאֹ֖ד
diligently
H3966
מְאֹ֖ד
diligently
Strong's:
H3966
Word #:
5 of 16
properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or
לַֽעֲשֽׂוֹת׃
and do
H6213
לַֽעֲשֽׂוֹת׃
and do
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
6 of 16
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
כְּכֹל֩
H3605
כְּכֹל֩
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
7 of 16
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
8 of 16
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יוֹר֨וּ
shall teach
H3384
יוֹר֨וּ
shall teach
Strong's:
H3384
Word #:
9 of 16
properly, to flow as water (i.e., to rain); transitively, to lay or throw (especially an arrow, i.e., to shoot); figuratively, to point out (as if by
אֶתְכֶ֜ם
H853
אֶתְכֶ֜ם
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
10 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַכֹּֽהֲנִ֧ים
according to all that the priests
H3548
הַכֹּֽהֲנִ֧ים
according to all that the priests
Strong's:
H3548
Word #:
11 of 16
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
13 of 16
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
Historical Context
Leviticus 13-14 details elaborate procedures for diagnosing and cleansing leprosy. These provisions combined public health measures (quarantine) with ceremonial purification (sacrifices), addressing both physical and ritual dimensions.
Priestly role as medical diagnosticians reflects ancient overlap between religious and medical authority, with priests serving as health officials.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the connection between disease and ceremonial uncleanness teach about physical and spiritual holiness?
- How does submission to priestly medical authority protect both health and ritual purity?
- Why is diligence in observing disease protocols important for community welfare?
- What does the overlap between medical and religious authority reveal about holistic view of health?
- How should the church address both physical and spiritual dimensions of suffering?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Take heed in the plague of leprosy, that thou observe diligently, and do according to all that the priests the Levites shall teach you: as I commanded them, so ye shall observe to do. Leprosy required careful response following priestly instruction. This skin disease (likely various conditions, not just modern Hansen's disease) made people ceremonially unclean, requiring quarantine and priestly diagnosis.
The command observe diligently demands attention to detail. Careless handling of contagious disease could spread infection throughout the community. Proper protocol protected public health while maintaining ceremonial purity.
Submission to priestly instruction - do according to all that the priests...shall teach you - places medical and ceremonial authority with Levites. They had expertise to diagnose skin conditions and authority to determine ritual status.
This anticipates later instructions to remember Miriam (verse 9), who suffered leprosy as judgment for rebellion. Disease and rebellion connection demonstrates that physical affliction sometimes manifests spiritual disorder.