Old Testament
Leviticus 13:57
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
If the contamination reappears in the fabric — in the woven threads, the cross-threads, or anything made of leather — it is spreading. You must burn the entire contaminated item in the fire.
Compare translations
And if it appear still in the garment, either in the warp, or in the woof, or in any thing of skin; it is a spreading plague: thou shalt burn that wherein the plague is with fire.
What Leviticus 13:57 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Leviticus 13:57, the text addresses the issue of contamination in fabrics and leather goods. If a sign of contamination reappears in the material, it indicates that the infection is spreading. The instruction is clear: the entire item must be burned to prevent further spread of the contamination. This reflects the seriousness of maintaining purity and cleanliness in the community, as well as the need to take decisive action against anything that poses a risk of spreading disease. The burning of the contaminated item symbolizes a complete removal of the threat, emphasizing the importance of addressing issues before they escalate. This practice also serves as a reminder of the broader spiritual implications of sin and impurity, urging individuals to be vigilant in their lives and communities.
How to apply Leviticus 13:57 to your life
This verse teaches us the importance of addressing problems promptly before they worsen. In our lives, we should be proactive in dealing with issues that can harm our well-being or relationships. Just as contaminated items were destroyed, we should remove negative influences or behaviors that threaten our integrity and health.
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.

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

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 PlansAsk AI about Leviticus 13:57
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 13:57
Related Bible verses
Key themes
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 13:57 mean?
Leviticus 13:57 discusses how to handle contamination in fabrics and leather. If signs of contamination reappear, it indicates the infection is spreading, and the item must be burned to prevent further contamination.
What is the significance of burning contaminated items in Leviticus 13:57?
Burning contaminated items in Leviticus 13:57 symbolizes the complete removal of a threat to community health. It emphasizes the importance of addressing contamination decisively to maintain purity and prevent the spread of disease.
What does 'spreading plague' refer to in Leviticus 13:57?
In Leviticus 13:57, 'spreading plague' refers to the recurrence of contamination in fabrics or leather goods. This indicates that the infection is not contained and poses a risk to the community.
How does Leviticus 13:57 apply to modern life?
Leviticus 13:57 teaches the importance of addressing problems promptly before they escalate. In modern life, it encourages us to remove negative influences or behaviors that can harm our well-being or relationships.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.