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Leviticus 13:51 - Plague spreads - is it tamei?

Leviticus 13:51 - ויקרא 13:51

Hebrew Text

וְרָאָה אֶת־הַנֶּגַע בַּיּוֹם הַשְּׁבִיעִי כִּי־פָשָׂה הַנֶּגַע בַּבֶּגֶד אוֹ־בַשְּׁתִי אוֹ־בָעֵרֶב אוֹ בָעוֹר לְכֹל אֲשֶׁר־יֵעָשֶׂה הָעוֹר לִמְלָאכָה צָרַעַת מַמְאֶרֶת הַנֶּגַע טָמֵא הוּא׃

English Translation

and he shall look at the plague on the seventh day: if the plague be spread in the garment, either in the warp, or in the woof, or in a skin, or in any work that is made of skin; the plague is a malignant żara῾at; it is unclean.

Transliteration

V'ra'a et-hanega bayom hashvi'i ki-fasa hanega babeged o-vashti o-va'erav o va'or l'chol asher-ye'aseh ha'or l'melacha tzara'at mam'eret hanega tame hu.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְרָאָ֨ה אֶת־הַנֶּ֜גַע בַּיּ֣וֹם הַשְּׁבִיעִ֗י כִּֽי־פָשָׂ֤ה הַנֶּ֙גַע֙ בַּ֠בֶּ֠גֶד אֽוֹ־בַשְּׁתִ֤י אֽוֹ־בָעֵ֙רֶב֙ א֣וֹ בָע֔וֹר לְכֹ֛ל אֲשֶׁר־יֵעָשֶׂ֥ה הָע֖וֹר לִמְלָאכָ֑ה צָרַ֧עַת מַמְאֶ֛רֶת הַנֶּ֖גַע טָמֵ֥א הֽוּא׃
וְרָאָ֨ה אֶת־הַנֶּ֜גַע בַּיּ֣וֹם הַשְּׁבִיעִ֗י כִּֽי־פָשָׂ֤ה הַנֶּ֙גַע֙ בַּ֠בֶּ֠גֶד אֽוֹ־בַשְּׁתִ֤י אֽוֹ־בָעֵ֙רֶב֙ א֣וֹ בָע֔וֹר לְכֹ֛ל אֲשֶׁר־יֵעָשֶׂ֥ה הָע֖וֹר לִמְלָאכָ֑ה צָרַ֧עַת מַמְאֶ֛רֶת הַנֶּ֖גַע טָמֵ֥א הֽוּא׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Understanding the Verse in Context

This verse (Vayikra 13:51) is part of the Torah's detailed laws concerning tzara'at (often mistranslated as "leprosy"), specifically addressing its appearance on garments, fabrics, or leather. The Torah outlines a process for identifying and declaring such items ritually impure (tamei) if the affliction spreads after a seven-day quarantine period.

Key Terms and Their Meanings

  • הַנֶּגַע (ha-nega) - "The plague" or "affliction," referring to the discoloration or abnormal growth that may indicate tzara'at.
  • צָרַעַת מַמְאֶרֶת (tzara'at mam'eret) - Rashi explains this as a "rebellious" or "malignant" form of tzara'at, indicating its persistent and spreading nature.
  • טָמֵא הוּא (tamei hu) - "It is unclean," meaning the affected item is ritually impure and must be treated accordingly.

Insights from Rashi

Rashi (Vayikra 13:51) emphasizes that the spread of the affliction after the seven-day quarantine is the decisive factor in declaring the item impure. He notes that the term mam'eret (מַמְאֶרֶת) suggests a stubborn or aggressive form of the affliction, reinforcing the severity of the impurity.

Halachic Implications from Rambam

Rambam (Hilchot Tumat Tzara'at 16:1) elaborates on the practical halachic process: the priest (kohen) must re-examine the garment on the seventh day. If the affliction has spread, the item is declared impure and must be burned (as per Vayikra 13:52). This underscores the Torah's emphasis on both spiritual and physical purity.

Symbolic Meaning in Midrash

The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 16:1) connects tzara'at on garments to moral failings, particularly lashon hara (evil speech). The spreading affliction serves as a metaphor for how negative speech can "spread" and corrupt a person's surroundings. The seven-day waiting period may symbolize a time for introspection and repentance.

Practical Lessons

  • The process teaches the importance of patience and careful observation before making judgments (as the kohen waits seven days).
  • The burning of the affected item (later in the passage) symbolizes the need to completely remove negative influences from one's life.
  • The focus on physical items (garments, leather) reminds us that holiness extends to all aspects of life, including material possessions.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Nega'im 11:4
The verse is discussed in the context of the laws concerning leprosy (tzara'at) in garments, detailing how to identify and declare a garment as unclean based on the spread of the plague.
📖 Shabbat 28a
Referenced in a discussion about the materials and types of garments that can be affected by tzara'at, linking back to the biblical laws of purity and impurity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'żara῾at' mean in Leviticus 13:51?
A: In Leviticus 13:51, 'żara῾at' refers to a spiritual affliction often translated as 'leprosy,' but it is not the same as the medical condition. According to Rashi and the Talmud (Arachin 16a), it is a supernatural affliction that appears on garments, houses, or skin as a sign of spiritual impurity, often resulting from sins like slander or arrogance.
Q: Why does the Torah mention checking the plague on the seventh day?
A: The Torah requires checking the plague on the seventh day to determine if it has spread, as explained in Leviticus 13:51. The Sages (Midrash Torat Kohanim) teach that this waiting period allows time for reflection and repentance, as 'żara῾at' is often a divine warning about improper behavior.
Q: What is the significance of the plague spreading in garments or leather?
A: The Torah (Leviticus 13:51) describes 'żara῾at' affecting garments, wool, linen, or leather to teach that impurity can attach even to inanimate objects. Rambam (Hilchot Tumat Tzaraat) explains that this unusual phenomenon serves as a visible reminder to correct one's ways, as material possessions can also reflect spiritual flaws.
Q: How does the concept of 'żara῾at' apply today?
A: While 'żara῾at' no longer manifests physically today (Talmud, Sotah 9:12), its lessons remain relevant. The Talmud (Arachin 16a) connects it to sins like gossip and pride, teaching that we should examine our speech and character to avoid spiritual 'impurity.'
Q: Why is a garment with 'żara῾at' considered unclean?
A: A garment with 'żara῾at' is declared unclean (Leviticus 13:51) because, as Rashi explains, it symbolizes a spiritual defect requiring separation and purification. The Talmud (Nega'im 12:5) states that such items must be burned to prevent spiritual contamination, emphasizing the seriousness of moral failings.