Leviticus 13:59
New International Version
These are the regulations concerning defiling molds in woolen or linen clothing, woven or knitted material, or any leather article, for pronouncing them clean or unclean.

New Living Translation
“These are the instructions for dealing with mildew that contaminates woolen or linen clothing or fabric or anything made of leather. This is how the priest will determine whether these items are ceremonially clean or unclean.”

English Standard Version
This is the law for a case of leprous disease in a garment of wool or linen, either in the warp or the woof, or in any article made of skin, to determine whether it is clean or unclean.

Berean Standard Bible
This is the law concerning a mildew contamination in wool or linen fabric, weave, or knit, or any leather article, for pronouncing it clean or unclean.”

Berean Literal Bible
This is the law of the plague of leprosy of a garment of wool or of linen, or of the warp or of the woof, or any article of skin, to pronounce it clean or to pronounce it unclean.”

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
“This is the law of the leprous plague in a garment of wool or linen, either in the warp or woof, or in anything made of leather, to pronounce it clean or to pronounce it unclean.”

New American Standard Bible
This is the law for the mark of leprosy in a garment of wool or linen, whether in the warp or in the woof, or in any article of leather, for pronouncing it clean or unclean.

NASB 1995
This is the law for the mark of leprosy in a garment of wool or linen, whether in the warp or in the woof, or in any article of leather, for pronouncing it clean or unclean.

NASB 1977
This is the law for the mark of leprosy in a garment of wool or linen, whether in the warp or in the woof, or in any article of leather, for pronouncing it clean or unclean.

Legacy Standard Bible
This is the law for the mark of leprosy in a garment of wool or linen, whether in the warp or in the woof or in any article of leather, for pronouncing it clean or unclean.

Amplified Bible
This is the law for a leprous disease in a garment of wool or linen, either in the warp or woof, or on anything made of leather, to pronounce it clean or unclean.

Berean Annotated Bible
This is the law concerning a mildew contamination in wool or linen fabric, weave, or knit, or any leather article, for pronouncing it clean or unclean.

Christian Standard Bible
“This is the law concerning a mildew contamination in wool or linen fabric, warp or weft, or any leather article, in order to pronounce it clean or unclean.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
This is the law concerning a mildew contamination in wool or linen fabric, warp or woof, or any leather article, in order to pronounce it clean or unclean.”

American Standard Version
This is the law of the plague of leprosy in a garment of woollen or linen, either in the warp, or the woof, or anything of skin, to pronounce it clean, or to pronounce it unclean.

Contemporary English Version
These are the rules for deciding if clothing is clean or unclean after a spot appears on it.

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

GOD'S WORD® Translation
"These are the instructions for deciding whether mildew in clothing that is woven or knitted from linen or wool or in any leather article is clean or unclean."

Good News Translation
This, then, is the law about mildew on clothing, whether it is wool or linen, or on linen or wool cloth or on anything made of leather; this is how the decision is made as to whether it is ritually clean or unclean.

International Standard Version
"This is the law concerning fungal contagions on clothing of wool or linen (whether woven or knitted material) or in any of the articles made of leather, for determining whether it is clean or unclean."

NET Bible
This is the law of the diseased infection in the garment of wool or linen, or the warp or woof, or any article of leather, for pronouncing it clean or unclean.

New Heart English Bible
This is the law of the plague of mildew in a garment of wool or linen, either in the warp, or the woof, or in anything of skin, to pronounce it clean, or to pronounce it unclean.

Webster's Bible Translation
This is the law of the plague of leprosy in a garment of woolen or linen, either in the warp or woof, or any thing of skins, to pronounce it clean, or to pronounce it unclean.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
This is the law concerning a mildew contamination in wool or linen fabric, weave, or knit, or any leather article, for pronouncing it clean or unclean.”

World English Bible
This is the law of the plague of mildew in a garment of wool or linen, either in the warp, or the woof, or in anything of skin, to pronounce it clean, or to pronounce it unclean.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
This [is] the law of a plague of leprosy [in] a garment of wool or of linen, or of the warp or of the woof, or of any vessel of skin, to pronounce it clean or to pronounce it unclean.”

Berean Literal Bible
This is the law of the plague of leprosy of a garment of wool or of linen, or of the warp or of the woof, or any article of skin, to pronounce it clean or to pronounce it unclean.”

Young's Literal Translation
This is the law of a plague of leprosy in a garment of wool or of linen, or of the warp or of the woof, or of any vessel of skin, to pronounce it clean or to pronounce it unclean.'

Smith's Literal Translation
This the law of the stroke of leprosy of the garment of wool, or of linen, or the warp or the woof, or every vessel of skin, to cleanse it or to defile it.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
This is the law touching the leprosy of any woollen or linen garment, either in the warp or woof, or any thing of skins, how it ought to be cleansed, or pronounced unclean.

Catholic Public Domain Version
This is the law about leprosy for any woolen or linen garment, in the weave and in the threads, and for all items made from skins, how it must be declared either clean or contaminated.

New American Bible
This is the instruction for a fungal infection on a garment of wool or linen, or on a warp or woof, or on any leather article, to determine whether it is clean or unclean.

New Revised Standard Version
This is the ritual for a leprous disease in a cloth of wool or linen, either in warp or woof, or in anything of skin, to decide whether it is clean or unclean.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
This is the law of the plague of leprosy in a garment of woolen or linen, either in the warp or woof or anything of skin, to pronounce it clean or to pronounce it unclean.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
This is the law of the disease of leprosy of the cloak of wool or of linen or of warp or of woof or of any garment of leather, to declare it clean or to declare it unclean."
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
This is the law of the plague of leprosy in a garment of wool or linen, or in the warp, or in the woof, or in any thing of skin, to pronounce it clean, or to pronounce it unclean.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
This is the law of the plague of leprosy of a woollen or linen garment, either of the warp, or woof, or any leathern article, to pronounce it clean or unclean.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Laws about Mildew
58If the mildew disappears from the fabric, weave, or knit, or any leather article after washing, then it is to be washed again, and it will be clean. 59This is the law concerning a mildew contamination in wool or linen fabric, weave, or knit, or any leather article, for pronouncing it clean or unclean.”

Cross References
This is the law concerning a mildew contamination

Leviticus 14:54-57
This is the law for any infectious skin disease, for a scaly outbreak, / for mildew in clothing or in a house, / and for a swelling, rash, or spot, …

Deuteronomy 24:8-9
In cases of infectious skin diseases, be careful to diligently follow everything the Levitical priests instruct you. Be careful to do as I have commanded them. / Remember what the LORD your God did to Miriam on the journey after you came out of Egypt.

Numbers 5:2-3
“Command the Israelites to send away from the camp anyone with a skin disease, anyone who has a bodily discharge, and anyone who is defiled by a dead body. / You must send away male and female alike; send them outside the camp so they will not defile their camp, where I dwell among them.”
in wool or linen fabric,

Deuteronomy 22:11
Do not wear clothes of wool and linen woven together.

Leviticus 19:19
You are to keep My statutes. You shall not crossbreed two different kinds of livestock; you shall not sow your fields with two kinds of seed; and you shall not wear clothing made of two kinds of material.

Ezekiel 44:17-18
When they enter the gates of the inner court, they are to wear linen garments; they must not wear anything made of wool when they minister at the gates of the inner court or inside the temple. / They are to wear linen turbans on their heads and linen undergarments around their waists. They must not wear anything that makes them perspire.
weave, or knit,

Exodus 26:1-6
“You are to construct the tabernacle itself with ten curtains of finely spun linen, each with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and cherubim skillfully worked into them. / Each curtain shall be twenty-eight cubits long and four cubits wide—all curtains the same size. / Five of the curtains are to be joined together, and the other five joined as well. …

Exodus 28:39-40
You are to weave the tunic with fine linen, make the turban of fine linen, and fashion an embroidered sash. / Make tunics, sashes, and headbands for Aaron’s sons, to give them glory and splendor.

Exodus 35:35
He has filled them with skill to do all kinds of work as engravers, designers, embroiderers in blue, purple, and scarlet yarn and fine linen, and as weavers—as artistic designers of every kind of craft.
or any leather article,

Leviticus 11:32-33
When one of them dies and falls on something, that article becomes unclean; any article of wood, clothing, leather, sackcloth, or any implement used for work must be rinsed with water and will remain unclean until evening; then it will be clean. / If any of them falls into a clay pot, everything in it will be unclean; you must break the pot.

Leviticus 15:17
Any clothing or leather on which there is an emission of semen must be washed with water, and it will remain unclean until evening.

Numbers 31:20
And purify every garment and leather good, everything made of goat’s hair, and every article of wood.”
for pronouncing it clean or unclean.”

Leviticus 11:46-47
This is the law regarding animals, birds, all living creatures that move in the water, and all creatures that crawl along the ground. / You must distinguish between the unclean and the clean, between animals that may be eaten and those that may not.’”

Ezekiel 44:23
They are to teach My people the difference between the holy and the common and show them how to discern between the clean and the unclean.

Haggai 2:13-14
So Haggai asked, “If one who is defiled by contact with a corpse touches any of these, does it become defiled?” “Yes, it becomes defiled,” the priests answered. / Then Haggai replied, “So it is with this people and this nation before Me, declares the LORD, and so it is with every work of their hands; whatever they offer there is defiled.
Numbers 19:11-22
Whoever touches any dead body will be unclean for seven days. / He must purify himself with the water on the third day and on the seventh day; then he will be clean. But if he does not purify himself on the third and seventh days, he will not be clean. / Anyone who touches a human corpse and fails to purify himself defiles the tabernacle of the LORD. That person must be cut off from Israel. He remains unclean, because the water of purification has not been sprinkled on him, and his uncleanness is still on him. …


Treasury of Scripture

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

Jump to Previous
Article Clean Cleanse Clothing Decide Disease Either Garment Judged Knitted Leprous Linen Mark Material Mildew Plague Pronounce Pronouncing Regulations Skin Skins Sore Thread Unclean Vessel Warp Whether Woof Wool Woolen Woven
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Article Clean Cleanse Clothing Decide Disease Either Garment Judged Knitted Leprous Linen Mark Material Mildew Plague Pronounce Pronouncing Regulations Skin Skins Sore Thread Unclean Vessel Warp Whether Woof Wool Woolen Woven
Leviticus 13
1. The laws whereby the priest is to be guided in discerning the leprosy.












This is the law concerning a mildew contamination
The laws in Leviticus 13 address various forms of uncleanness, including skin diseases and mildew. Mildew, a type of mold or fungus, was considered a serious issue due to its potential to spread and cause damage. In ancient Israel, maintaining ritual purity was crucial, and mildew could render objects unclean, impacting both personal and communal worship.

in wool or linen fabric,
Wool and linen were common materials used in ancient Israel for clothing and other textiles. Wool comes from sheep, while linen is made from flax plants. Both materials were valuable and widely used, making the presence of mildew a significant concern. The distinction between these materials also reflects the broader biblical theme of separation and purity, as seen in Deuteronomy 22:11, which prohibits wearing garments made of both wool and linen together.

weave, or knit,
The mention of weave or knit indicates the various methods used to produce textiles. Weaving and knitting were essential skills in ancient societies, and the integrity of these fabrics was vital for daily life. The specificity of the law underscores the importance of thorough examination and care in maintaining purity and cleanliness.

or any leather article,
Leather was another common material, used for clothing, tents, and other goods. The inclusion of leather highlights the comprehensive nature of the law, covering all potential sources of contamination. Leather's durability made it a valuable resource, and its contamination would have been a significant loss.

for pronouncing it clean or unclean.
The process of declaring an item clean or unclean was a priestly duty, emphasizing the role of the priesthood in maintaining the community's holiness. This distinction between clean and unclean is a recurring theme in Leviticus, symbolizing the separation between the holy and the profane. The law reflects God's desire for His people to live in purity, foreshadowing the ultimate cleansing from sin through Jesus Christ, who fulfills the law and offers spiritual purity to believers (Hebrews 10:1-10).

Persons / Places / Events
1. Moses
- The author of Leviticus, who received the laws from God to instruct the Israelites.

2. Israelites
- The recipients of the laws, who were to follow these instructions as part of their covenant relationship with God.

3. Priests
- The individuals responsible for examining and pronouncing items clean or unclean according to God's law.

4. Tabernacle
- The central place of worship for the Israelites, where purity laws were especially significant.

5. Mildew Contamination
- A specific type of impurity that could affect fabrics and leather, requiring priestly examination.
Teaching Points
Holiness and Purity
The laws in Leviticus emphasize God's holiness and the need for His people to be set apart. This principle remains relevant as Christians are called to live holy lives.

Attention to Detail
The specific instructions for dealing with mildew highlight the importance of obedience to God's commands, even in seemingly small matters.

Spiritual Cleansing
Just as physical impurities required cleansing, spiritual impurities require repentance and the cleansing power of Christ's sacrifice.

Community Responsibility
The role of the priests in examining and pronouncing items clean or unclean underscores the community's responsibility to uphold God's standards.

Symbolism of Sin
Mildew can symbolize sin, which can spread and corrupt if not addressed. Believers are called to examine their lives and seek God's cleansing.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Leviticus 13:59?

2. How does Leviticus 13:59 guide us in discerning spiritual purity today?

3. What does "law of the mildew" teach about God's concern for holiness?

4. How can we apply Leviticus 13:59 to maintaining purity in our lives?

5. What connections exist between Leviticus 13:59 and New Testament teachings on purity?

6. How does Leviticus 13:59 reflect God's desire for order and cleanliness among His people?

7. What does Leviticus 13:59 reveal about ancient Israelite views on cleanliness and purity?

8. How does Leviticus 13:59 relate to the broader theme of holiness in Leviticus?

9. Why was it important to have specific laws like Leviticus 13:59 in ancient Israel?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Leviticus 13?

11. What does 'ceremonially unclean' mean?

12. How can one explain the instruction for dealing with mold or 'leprous' houses (Leviticus 14:33-53) given the differences in understanding mold remediation today?

13. Why are potentially contaminated garments treated with such drastic measures if later inspections could contradict an initial diagnosis (Leviticus 13:47-52)?

14. Why does the text attribute certain skin conditions to divine judgment instead of natural causes (Leviticus 13:9-17)?
What Does Leviticus 13:59 Mean
This is the law

The phrase begins by anchoring the instruction in God’s revealed standard.

• “The LORD said to Moses and Aaron” (Leviticus 13:1) reminds us that every detail in this chapter comes straight from God, not human opinion.

• Israel’s priests were to apply this law just as surely as they applied the Ten Commandments (Deuteronomy 4:1-2).

• Jesus upheld the continuing authority of the Law’s moral principles when He said, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets” (Matthew 5:17).

The verse therefore calls readers to see even mundane instructions as expressions of God’s holy character.


concerning a mildew contamination

God addresses the threat of mold—something unseen at first yet destructive if ignored.

Leviticus 13:47-49 describes how “mildew” could spread through cloth just as leprosy spread through skin.

• Hidden corruption in property pictures hidden corruption in hearts (Psalm 51:6; 1 Corinthians 5:6-7).

• By naming mildew a spiritual concern, the Law teaches that holiness must reach into the private corners of life (2 Corinthians 7:1).


in wool or linen fabric, weave, or knit, or any leather article

The law specifies a broad range of household materials.

• Wool and linen were Israel’s most common textiles; leather covered items from clothing to tents. Nothing was exempt from examination (Leviticus 11:32-33).

• Everyday objects could become defiled and therefore needed priestly oversight—illustrating that God’s people must hold every possession loosely and use it for His glory (1 Corinthians 10:31).

• The detail foreshadows the pervasive reach of Christ’s redemption: “whether things on earth or things in heaven” (Colossians 1:20).


for pronouncing it clean or unclean.

A priest’s verdict determined whether an item stayed in use or was destroyed (Leviticus 13:52-55).

• The distinction between clean and unclean taught Israel to differentiate between holy and common (Leviticus 10:10; Ezekiel 44:23).

• Jesus affirmed this priestly role when He told a healed leper, “show yourself to the priest and offer the gift Moses commanded” (Matthew 8:4).

• Today, Christ our High Priest declares believers clean through His blood (Hebrews 9:13-14; 1 John 1:7), yet calls us to ongoing self-examination (2 Corinthians 13:5).


summary

Leviticus 13:59 concludes a section that treats mildew as seriously as a skin disease, underscoring that holiness governs every corner of life. God defines the standard, exposes hidden corruption, applies His concern to ordinary possessions, and provides a divinely appointed verdict of clean or unclean. Ultimately, these meticulous regulations point to the perfect cleansing found in Christ, who alone can pronounce us eternally clean while calling us to pursue practical purity in all we own and do.

(59) This is the law of the plague of leprosy.--That is, the above-mentioned regulations are to guide the priests in their decisions whether a garment or leathern utensil is leprous or not, and in their declaration of its being clean or defiling.



Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
This
זֹ֠את (zōṯ)
Pronoun - feminine singular
Strong's 2063: Hereby in it, likewise, the one other, same, she, so much, such deed, that,

is the law
תּוֹרַ֨ת (tō·w·raṯ)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 8451: Direction, instruction, law

concerning a mildew
צָרַ֜עַת (ṣā·ra·‘aṯ)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 6883: Leprosy

contamination
נֶֽגַע־ (ne·ḡa‘-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 5061: Mark -- a blow, a spot

in wool
הַצֶּ֣מֶר ׀ (haṣ·ṣe·mer)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6785: Wool

or
א֣וֹ (’ōw)
Conjunction
Strong's 176: Desire, if

linen
הַפִּשְׁתִּ֗ים (hap·piš·tîm)
Article | Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 6593: Flax, linen

fabric,
בֶּ֥גֶד (be·ḡeḏ)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 899: A covering, clothing, treachery, pillage

weave
הַשְּׁתִי֙ (haš·šə·ṯî)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 8359: A fixture, the warp in weaving

or
א֤וֹ (’ōw)
Conjunction
Strong's 176: Desire, if

knit,
הָעֵ֔רֶב (hā·‘ê·reḇ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6154: Arabia -- mixture, mixed company

or
א֣וֹ (’ōw)
Conjunction
Strong's 176: Desire, if

any
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

leather
ע֑וֹר (‘ō·wr)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5785: Skin, hide, leather

article,
כְּלִי־ (kə·lî-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3627: Something prepared, any apparatus

for pronouncing it clean
לְטַהֲר֖וֹ (lə·ṭa·hă·rōw)
Preposition-l | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 2891: To be clean or pure

or
א֖וֹ (’ōw)
Conjunction
Strong's 176: Desire, if

unclean.”
לְטַמְּאֽוֹ׃ (lə·ṭam·mə·’ōw)
Preposition-l | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 2930: To be or become unclean


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OT Law: Leviticus 13:59 This is the law of the plague (Le Lv Lev.)
Leviticus 13:58
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