Leprosy (skin disease) — Meaning in the Bible
In the Bible, a range of serious skin diseases, and even mould in fabric or walls, that made a person ritually unclean. It is not necessarily the disease called leprosy today.
Scripture in WEBWorld English Bible — Protestant Edition
What it means
Leviticus 13–14 describes how priests examined skin conditions and also contaminated clothing and houses. People with the disease lived outside the camp. Leviticus 13:1–3Leviticus 13:45–46Leviticus 14:33–36
Naaman was healed after washing in the Jordan. Jesus touched and healed a man with leprosy and cleansed ten men, one of whom returned to thank him. 2 Kings 5:1–14Mark 1:40–42Luke 17:11–19
Key passages
- Leviticus 13:1–8 — Examination by the priest.
- 2 Kings 5:1–14 — Naaman.
- Mark 1:40–45 — Jesus touches a leper.
- Luke 17:11–19 — Ten healed, one thankful.
How translations differ
- Many modern versions write "a serious skin disease" or "an infectious skin disease" because the Hebrew and Greek words cover more than modern leprosy (Hansen's disease). Leviticus 13:2Mark 1:40