Old Testament

Leviticus 13:52

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In Leviticus 13:52, the instruction is given to burn any garment that shows signs of a skin disease known as leprosy.

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

He must burn the garment, whether it is in the warp or woof, in wool or linen, or anything made of skin, where the plague is. For it is a fretting leprosy; it must be burned in the fire.

KJVKing James Version

He shall therefore burn that garment, whether warp or woof, in woollen or in linen, or any thing of skin, wherein the plague is: for it is a fretting leprosy; it shall be burnt in the fire.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In Leviticus 13:52, the instruction is given to burn any garment that shows signs of a skin disease known as leprosy. This applies to garments made from various materials, including wool, linen, or animal skins. The term 'fretting leprosy' indicates that the disease is spreading or worsening, making it necessary to destroy the item to prevent contamination. The act of burning symbolizes the seriousness of the disease and the need for purity in the community. This practice reflects the broader theme of maintaining cleanliness and holiness among the people, as leprosy was seen as a physical manifestation of spiritual impurity. By removing contaminated items, the community could protect itself from the spread of disease and maintain a state of ritual purity, which was essential for worship and daily life.

Key themes

Related topics

purity, holiness, worship

How to apply Leviticus 13:52 to your life

This verse reminds us of the importance of addressing harmful influences in our lives. Just as contaminated garments were destroyed, we should remove negative habits or relationships that lead us away from spiritual health. Maintaining purity in our lives is essential for our well-being and community.

Curated for this public verse page. Leviticus Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Leviticus 13:52 mean?

Leviticus 13:52 instructs that any garment showing signs of leprosy must be burned to prevent contamination. This reflects the seriousness of the disease and the need for purity within the community.

What is the meaning of 'fretting leprosy' in Leviticus 13:52?

'Fretting leprosy' refers to a spreading or worsening skin disease that affects garments. The term indicates that the condition is serious enough to warrant destruction of the contaminated item.

Why must garments be burned according to Leviticus 13:52?

Garments must be burned to eliminate the risk of spreading leprosy, which was seen as a serious threat to both physical and spiritual purity in the community.

How does Leviticus 13:52 apply to modern life?

The verse serves as a reminder to remove harmful influences from our lives, similar to how contaminated garments were destroyed, to maintain our spiritual and personal well-being.

The Book of Leviticus
Book Summary

The Book of Leviticus

Leviticus 1: The Burnt Offering

The LORD calls to Moses from the tabernacle and gives instructions for the burnt offering. A man who brings a burnt offering from the herd presents a male without blemish at the door of the tabernacle. He lays his hand on the head of the offering, kills it, and Aaron's sons the priests sprinkle the blood around the altar. The animal is flayed and cut into pieces, and the whole is burned on the altar as a sweet savor to the LORD.

Premium

Unlock the full Leviticus summary

Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.

The complete summary of Leviticus — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 27 chapters.

What you get

Every chapter of Leviticus summarized in clear, modern English

How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points

Permanent access — read anytime, on any device

Best Value

Best value • Save over 90%

or

One-time purchase • Access anytime

ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.

Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.