Old Testament

Leviticus 13:49

Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.

ClearClear Bible Translation

If the plague appears greenish or reddish in the garment, the leather, the warp, the woof, or anything made of leather, it is a plague of leprosy and must be shown to the priest.

Compare translations
KJVKing James Version

And if the plague be greenish or reddish in the garment, or in the skin, either in the warp, or in the woof, or in any thing of skin; it is a plague of leprosy, and shall be shewed unto the priest:

What Leviticus 13:49 means

Plain-English insight for readers

In Leviticus 13:49, the text addresses the identification of a specific type of skin disease, referred to as leprosy, that can affect garments and leather items. If a greenish or reddish discoloration appears on these materials, it is considered a sign of this plague. The instruction is clear: such items must be presented to a priest for examination. This reflects the importance of community health and the role of the priest as a mediator in matters of purity and disease. The priest would determine whether the item is indeed contaminated and what steps should be taken next. This process emphasizes the seriousness of maintaining cleanliness and the communal responsibility in dealing with potential health issues, ensuring that the community remains pure and safe from disease.

How to apply Leviticus 13:49 to your life

This verse reminds us of the importance of seeking help when we notice something concerning in our lives, whether physical or spiritual. Just as the Israelites were instructed to consult a priest, we should reach out to trusted leaders or mentors for guidance and support when facing challenges or uncertainties.

Curated for this public verse page. Leviticus Summary

Explore more of the Bible

Learn the Bible through its people and places

Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

A painting of Samuel anointing the young David in Bethlehem

Illustrated scene from David's story: Samuel Anoints David (1 Samuel 16:1–13)

Meet the people of the Bible

Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.

David

An old color photograph of Hebron on a hillside above olive groves.

Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724987). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Hebron, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.

Explore the places of the Bible

See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.

Hebron

Where Abraham lived and buried Sarah, and where David was first made king.

Get full access with one subscription

Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.

See Plans

Ask AI about Leviticus 13:49

Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.

Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter

Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.

Keep studying Leviticus 13:49

At a Glance — the Book of Leviticus

Author
Traditionally attributed to Moses
Written
Around 1400 BC
Genre
Law (Pentateuch)
Original Audience
The Israelites in the wilderness

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Leviticus 13:49 mean?

Leviticus 13:49 explains how to identify a specific type of skin disease, known as leprosy, that can affect garments and leather. If a greenish or reddish discoloration appears, it must be shown to a priest for examination.

What is the significance of leprosy in Leviticus 13:49?

Leprosy in Leviticus 13:49 signifies a serious health concern that requires communal attention. The verse emphasizes the importance of purity and the role of the priest in assessing and managing potential contamination.

What should be done if discoloration is found according to Leviticus 13:49?

If greenish or reddish discoloration is found on garments or leather, Leviticus 13:49 instructs that the item must be presented to a priest for evaluation to determine if it is indeed leprous.

How does Leviticus 13:49 relate to community health?

Leviticus 13:49 highlights the communal responsibility in maintaining health and purity. It shows that individuals must seek help from priests to ensure the community remains safe from disease.

Daily Verse — straight to your inbox

A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.