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Leviticus 14:55 - House or garment's hidden impurity?

Leviticus 14:55 - ויקרא 14:55

Hebrew Text

וּלְצָרַעַת הַבֶּגֶד וְלַבָּיִת׃

English Translation

and for the żara῾at of a garment, and of a house,

Transliteration

Ul'tzara'at habeged v'labayit

Hebrew Leining Text

וּלְצָרַ֥עַת הַבֶּ֖גֶד וְלַבָּֽיִת׃
וּלְצָרַ֥עַת הַבֶּ֖גֶד וְלַבָּֽיִת׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Understanding Tzara'at of Garments and Houses

The verse (Vayikra 14:55) mentions tzara'at (צרעת) affecting garments and houses, which differs from the more commonly discussed tzara'at of the human body. According to Orthodox Jewish tradition, this phenomenon is not a natural disease but a supernatural affliction resulting from spiritual failings, particularly lashon hara (evil speech) and arrogance (Rambam, Hilchot Tumat Tzara'at 16:10).

Rashi's Commentary on Tzara'at of Garments and Houses

Rashi (on Vayikra 14:34) explains that the tzara'at of houses was a unique occurrence in the Land of Israel, serving as a divine sign to alert the homeowner to examine their deeds. The discoloration on walls or garments was a miraculous phenomenon intended to inspire repentance. If ignored, the affliction could spread, leading to the demolition of the house or burning of the garment (Vayikra 14:45).

Spiritual Lessons from the Affliction

  • Divine Mercy: The Talmud (Arachin 16a) teaches that these afflictions were acts of divine kindness, allowing individuals to recognize and correct their sins before facing harsher consequences.
  • Material Detachment: The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 17:6) suggests that tzara'at on possessions reminds a person that materialism is temporary and that spiritual refinement is paramount.
  • Community Awareness: Since tzara'at required examination by a Kohen, it fostered communal accountability and encouraged moral improvement (Rambam, Hilchot Tumat Tzara'at 9:1-2).

Halachic Implications

According to the Rambam (Mishneh Torah, Hilchot Tumat Tzara'at 11:1), the laws of tzara'at on garments and houses only applied when the majority of Jews resided in Israel and the Sanhedrin was functioning. Today, these laws are not practiced, but their ethical lessons remain relevant.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Nega'im 12:1
The verse is referenced in the Mishnah in the context of discussing the laws concerning leprosy (żara῾at) in garments and houses, as part of the broader discussion on purity laws.
📖 Sotah 9a
The verse is alluded to in a discussion about the consequences of sin, where the afflictions of żara῾at in garments and houses are mentioned as divine punishments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is 'tzara'at of a garment or house' mentioned in Leviticus 14:55?
A: Tzara'at (often mistranslated as 'leprosy') in garments or houses refers to supernatural discoloration that appears as a spiritual sign, not a medical condition. According to Rashi and the Talmud (Arachin 16a), these phenomena served as Divine warnings about improper speech (lashon hara) or other spiritual failings.
Q: Why does the Torah discuss tzara'at affecting houses and clothing?
A: The Rambam (Hilchot Tumat Tzara'at 16:10) explains that tzara'at on possessions was a merciful warning from Hashem - starting with one's house, then garments, before possibly affecting the person. This gave people opportunities to repent before suffering physical tzara'at.
Q: How do we apply the laws of tzara'at on houses today?
A: While we don't practically observe these laws today (as they require a Kohen's declaration and the Temple's existence), the Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 17:6) teaches that we should learn from this the importance of examining our homes and possessions for spiritual messages and opportunities for growth.