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Leviticus 13:48 - Fabric's hidden impurity revealed?

Leviticus 13:48 - ויקרא 13:48

Hebrew Text

אוֹ בִשְׁתִי אוֹ בְעֵרֶב לַפִּשְׁתִּים וְלַצָּמֶר אוֹ בְעוֹר אוֹ בְּכָל־מְלֶאכֶת עוֹר׃

English Translation

whether it be in the warp, or woof; of linen, or of woollen; whether in a skin, or in anything made of skin;

Transliteration

O vish'ti o ve'erev la'pishtim vela'tzamer o ve'or o be'chol-melachat or.

Hebrew Leining Text

א֤וֹ בִֽשְׁתִי֙ א֣וֹ בְעֵ֔רֶב לַפִּשְׁתִּ֖ים וְלַצָּ֑מֶר א֣וֹ בְע֔וֹר א֖וֹ בְּכׇל־מְלֶ֥אכֶת עֽוֹר׃
א֤וֹ בִֽשְׁתִי֙ א֣וֹ בְעֵ֔רֶב לַפִּשְׁתִּ֖ים וְלַצָּ֑מֶר א֣וֹ בְע֔וֹר א֖וֹ בְּכׇל־מְלֶ֥אכֶת עֽוֹר׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in Halacha

The verse (Vayikra 13:48) discusses the laws of tzara'at (often mistranslated as "leprosy") as it applies to garments. According to the Talmud (Nega'im 11:1), this passage details the materials susceptible to tzara'at in clothing, which include:

  • שתי וערב (warp and woof) - The woven threads in fabric, whether in the lengthwise (warp) or crosswise (woof) direction (Rashi, Vayikra 13:48).
  • פשתים וצמר (linen and wool) - These are the primary materials subject to these laws, as derived from the Torah's explicit mention (Rambam, Hilchot Tuma'at Tzara'at 16:1).
  • עור וכל מלאכת עור (skin or leather items) - Including tanned hides or manufactured leather goods (Sifra, Metzora 5).

Spiritual Significance

The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 16:6) connects tzara'at of garments to moral failings, particularly lashon hara (evil speech). The materials mentioned symbolize different aspects of human behavior:

  • Linen (פשתים) - Represents arrogance, as it comes from the flax plant that stands tall (Tanchuma, Metzora 3).
  • Wool (צמר) - Symbolizes wealth and materialism, as it comes from sheep (R' Bachya on Vayikra 13:47).
  • Leather (עור) - Alludes to the external appearance that may conceal inner corruption (Alshich on Vayikra 13:48).

Halachic Distinctions

The Mishnah (Nega'im 11:2) makes several practical distinctions based on this verse:

  • Only materials of plant or animal origin can contract tzara'at - excluding synthetic fabrics.
  • The minimum size for impurity is a square of 3x3 fingerbreadths (approx. 6x6 cm).
  • The discoloration must be deeper than the surface level to be considered tzara'at (Rambam, Hilchot Tuma'at Tzara'at 16:2).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Leviticus 13:48 mean?
A: Leviticus 13:48 discusses the laws of tzara'at (often mistranslated as 'leprosy'), specifically how it can appear in fabrics like linen or wool, whether in the warp (vertical threads) or woof (horizontal threads), as well as in leather items. The Torah teaches that these materials can become ritually impure if they show signs of tzara'at, requiring inspection by a kohen (priest).
Q: Why is tzara'at in clothing or leather significant?
A: Tzara'at in clothing or leather is significant because, according to Jewish tradition (as explained in the Talmud, Arachin 16a), it often comes as a spiritual warning for sins like lashon hara (evil speech) or arrogance. The Rambam (Hilchot Tumat Tzara'at) teaches that these afflictions serve as a wake-up call for repentance and self-improvement.
Q: How does this verse apply today if we don't have the Temple or kohanim?
A: While we no longer have the Temple or kohanim to inspect tzara'at today, the lesson remains relevant. The Talmud (Arachin 15b-16a) connects tzara'at to moral failings, teaching us to be mindful of our speech and behavior. The verse reminds us to examine our actions and correct negative traits, as spiritual 'impurity' often stems from ethical shortcomings.
Q: What is the difference between tzara'at in fabric and tzara'at in skin?
A: Rashi (on Leviticus 13:47) explains that tzara'at in fabric (linen or wool) and leather follows different inspection rules than tzara'at on human skin. For example, fabrics require a two-week quarantine, while human skin may need one or two weeks (depending on the case). The Talmud (Niddah 25a) also notes that fabric tzara'at is rarer and carries unique spiritual symbolism.
Q: Why does the Torah specify 'warp' and 'woof' in this verse?
A: The Torah specifies 'warp' (שְׁתִי) and 'woof' (עֵרֶב) to teach that tzara'at can affect any part of a woven garment, whether the vertical threads (warp) or horizontal threads (woof). The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 16:6) explains that this detail emphasizes that no part of a person's life is exempt from spiritual scrutiny—just as every thread in a garment must be examined for impurity.