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Leviticus 13:56 - Impurity fades after cleansing?

Leviticus 13:56 - ויקרא 13:56

Hebrew Text

וְאִם רָאָה הַכֹּהֵן וְהִנֵּה כֵּהָה הַנֶּגַע אַחֲרֵי הֻכַּבֵּס אֹתוֹ וְקָרַע אֹתוֹ מִן־הַבֶּגֶד אוֹ מִן־הָעוֹר אוֹ מִן־הַשְּׁתִי אוֹ מִן־הָעֵרֶב׃

English Translation

And if the priest look, and, behold, the plague be somewhat dimmer after the washing of it; then he shall tear it out of the garment, or out of the skin, or out of the warp, or out of the woof:

Transliteration

Ve'im ra'a hakohen vehine keha hanega acharei hukabes oto vekara oto min-habeged o min-ha'or o min-hashti o min-ha'erev.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְאִם֮ רָאָ֣ה הַכֹּהֵן֒ וְהִנֵּה֙ כֵּהָ֣ה הַנֶּ֔גַע אַחֲרֵ֖י הֻכַּבֵּ֣ס אֹת֑וֹ וְקָרַ֣ע אֹת֗וֹ מִן־הַבֶּ֙גֶד֙ א֣וֹ מִן־הָע֔וֹר א֥וֹ מִן־הַשְּׁתִ֖י א֥וֹ מִן־הָעֵֽרֶב׃
וְאִם֮ רָאָ֣ה הַכֹּהֵן֒ וְהִנֵּה֙ כֵּהָ֣ה הַנֶּ֔גַע אַחֲרֵ֖י הֻכַּבֵּ֣ס אֹת֑וֹ וְקָרַ֣ע אֹת֗וֹ מִן־הַבֶּ֙גֶד֙ א֣וֹ מִן־הָע֔וֹר א֥וֹ מִן־הַשְּׁתִ֖י א֥וֹ מִן־הָעֵֽרֶב׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Vayikra 13:56) is part of the Torah's detailed laws concerning tzara'at (often mistranslated as "leprosy"), specifically addressing the impurity that can afflict garments. The Torah outlines a process where a priest (kohen) examines discolored patches on fabrics to determine if they are ritually impure.

Explanation of the Verse

The verse describes a scenario where, after washing the affected garment, the priest observes that the discoloration (nega) has faded (keha). In such a case, the priest must tear out (vekara) the affected portion from the garment, whether it appears in the fabric (beged), leather (or), warp (sheti), or woof (erev).

Key Insights from Traditional Commentators

  • Rashi (Vayikra 13:56): Explains that "dimmed" (keha) means the plague has weakened in intensity. The tearing out is required because the garment remains impure, but the affected area is now isolated to prevent further spread.
  • Rambam (Hilchot Tumat Tzara'at 16:6): Rules that this law applies only if the discoloration fades after washing. If it fades on its own, the garment is still impure until completely removed.
  • Torat Kohanim (Sifra, Metzora 5:9): Emphasizes that the tearing must be thorough—removing not just the visible stain but any affected threads in the warp or woof to ensure no impurity remains.

Symbolic and Ethical Lessons

The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 16:6) connects tzara'at of garments to moral failings, particularly lashon hara (evil speech). The fading of the plague after washing symbolizes repentance—just as water purifies, sincere remorse can weaken sin's hold. However, the requirement to tear out the affected portion teaches that true repentance demands removing the root cause of wrongdoing.

Halachic Implications

According to Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 302), these laws, though not applicable today without the Temple, underscore the Torah's meticulous approach to purity. The process highlights the importance of:

  • Priestly authority (kohen) in diagnosing spiritual ailments.
  • Proactive measures (washing, tearing) to prevent impurity from spreading.
  • Discernment—distinguishing between superficial stains and deeper impurities.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Nega'im 11:5
The verse is discussed in the context of the laws concerning leprosy in garments, specifically how the priest examines the plague after washing and the required actions if the plague appears dimmer.
📖 Shabbat 133b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the meticulousness required in performing commandments, drawing a parallel to the detailed examination of leprous garments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Leviticus 13:56 mean?
A: Leviticus 13:56 discusses the laws of tzara'at (a spiritual affliction often mistranslated as 'leprosy') appearing on clothing or fabrics. If a priest examines the affected material after washing it and sees that the discoloration has faded, he must tear out the affected portion. This teaches us about the importance of purity and the role of the kohen (priest) in determining spiritual cleanliness.
Q: Why is the priest involved in checking for tzara'at on clothing?
A: The Torah assigns the kohen (priest) the responsibility of diagnosing tzara'at because it is not merely a physical condition but a spiritual matter. The Talmud (Arachin 16a) explains that tzara'at often comes as a consequence of lashon hara (evil speech), and the kohen serves as a spiritual guide to help the person rectify their behavior.
Q: What can we learn from the law of tearing out the affected part of the garment?
A: Rashi explains that tearing out the affected portion teaches us that even if a small part of something is spiritually impure, it must be removed to preserve the purity of the whole. This applies to personal conduct as well—we must remove negative influences from our lives to maintain spiritual integrity.
Q: Does the law of tzara'at on clothing apply today?
A: While the laws of tzara'at are not practically observed today due to the absence of the Temple and the Sanhedrin, the Rambam (Hilchot Tumat Tzara'at) explains that these laws remain eternally relevant as lessons in spiritual refinement. The principles of guarding our speech and maintaining purity in our possessions still apply.
Q: Why does the Torah specify different materials (garment, skin, warp, woof)?
A: The Midrash (Torat Kohanim) teaches that the Torah specifies different materials to show that tzara'at can affect all aspects of a person's possessions, emphasizing that spiritual impurity can manifest in various ways. This reminds us to be mindful of holiness in every area of life, including our belongings.