Leviticus 13:48

Authorized King James Version

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Whether it be in the warp, or woof; of linen, or of woollen; whether in a skin, or in any thing made of skin;

Original Language Analysis

א֤וֹ H176
א֤וֹ
Strong's: H176
Word #: 1 of 12
desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if
בִֽשְׁתִי֙ Whether it be in the warp H8359
בִֽשְׁתִי֙ Whether it be in the warp
Strong's: H8359
Word #: 2 of 12
a fixture, i.e., the warp in weaving
א֣וֹ H176
א֣וֹ
Strong's: H176
Word #: 3 of 12
desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if
בְעֵ֔רֶב or woof H6154
בְעֵ֔רֶב or woof
Strong's: H6154
Word #: 4 of 12
the web (or transverse threads of cloth); also a mixture, (or mongrel race)
לַפִּשְׁתִּ֖ים of linen H6593
לַפִּשְׁתִּ֖ים of linen
Strong's: H6593
Word #: 5 of 12
linen (i.e., the thread, as carded)
וְלַצָּ֑מֶר or of woollen H6785
וְלַצָּ֑מֶר or of woollen
Strong's: H6785
Word #: 6 of 12
wool
א֣וֹ H176
א֣וֹ
Strong's: H176
Word #: 7 of 12
desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if
עֽוֹר׃ of skin H5785
עֽוֹר׃ of skin
Strong's: H5785
Word #: 8 of 12
skin (as naked); by implication, hide, leather
א֖וֹ H176
א֖וֹ
Strong's: H176
Word #: 9 of 12
desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if
בְּכָל H3605
בְּכָל
Strong's: H3605
Word #: 10 of 12
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
מְלֶ֥אכֶת or in any thing made H4399
מְלֶ֥אכֶת or in any thing made
Strong's: H4399
Word #: 11 of 12
properly, deputyship, i.e., ministry; generally, employment (never servile) or work (abstractly or concretely); also property (as the result of labor)
עֽוֹר׃ of skin H5785
עֽוֹר׃ of skin
Strong's: H5785
Word #: 12 of 12
skin (as naked); by implication, hide, leather

Analysis & Commentary

Whether it be in the warp, or woof; of linen, or of woollen; whether in a skin, or in any thing made of skin;

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 New Testament reveals that Christ's sacrifice accomplishes what the Levitical system could only symbolize—complete forgiveness and restoration of relationship with God.

Historical 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 sacrificial texts from cultures surrounding Israel demonstrate the widespread practice of animal sacrifice, but Israel's system uniquely emphasized moral atonement over magical efficacy.

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