share torah logo

Leviticus 13:52 - Purge malignant impurity with fire

Leviticus 13:52 - ויקרא 13:52

Hebrew Text

וְשָׂרַף אֶת־הַבֶּגֶד אוֹ אֶת־הַשְּׁתִי אוֹ אֶת־הָעֵרֶב בַּצֶּמֶר אוֹ בַפִּשְׁתִּים אוֹ אֶת־כָּל־כְּלִי הָעוֹר אֲשֶׁר־יִהְיֶה בוֹ הַנָּגַע כִּי־צָרַעַת מַמְאֶרֶת הִוא בָּאֵשׁ תִּשָּׂרֵף׃

English Translation

He shall therefore burn that garment, whether warp or woof, in woollen or in linen, or anything of skin, wherein the plague is: for it is a malignant żara῾at; it shall be burnt in the fire.

Transliteration

Vesaraf et-habeged o et-hashti o et-ha'erev batzemer o vapishtim o et-kol-kli ha'or asher-yihye bo hanega ki-tzara'at mam'eret hi ba'esh tisaref.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְשָׂרַ֨ף אֶת־הַבֶּ֜גֶד א֥וֹ אֶֽת־הַשְּׁתִ֣י <b>׀</b> א֣וֹ אֶת־הָעֵ֗רֶב בַּצֶּ֙מֶר֙ א֣וֹ בַפִּשְׁתִּ֔ים א֚וֹ אֶת־כׇּל־כְּלִ֣י הָע֔וֹר אֲשֶׁר־יִהְיֶ֥ה ב֖וֹ הַנָּ֑גַע כִּֽי־צָרַ֤עַת מַמְאֶ֙רֶת֙ הִ֔וא בָּאֵ֖שׁ תִּשָּׂרֵֽף׃
וְשָׂרַ֨ף אֶת־הַבֶּ֜גֶד א֥וֹ אֶֽת־הַשְּׁתִ֣י ׀ א֣וֹ אֶת־הָעֵ֗רֶב בַּצֶּ֙מֶר֙ א֣וֹ בַפִּשְׁתִּ֔ים א֚וֹ אֶת־כׇּל־כְּלִ֣י הָע֔וֹר אֲשֶׁר־יִהְיֶ֥ה ב֖וֹ הַנָּ֑גַע כִּֽי־צָרַ֤עַת מַמְאֶ֙רֶת֙ הִ֔וא בָּאֵ֖שׁ תִּשָּׂרֵֽף׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Verse Context in Leviticus

The verse (Vayikra 13:52) discusses the halachic requirement to burn a garment afflicted with tzara'at (a spiritual affliction often mistranslated as "leprosy"). This law follows a detailed process of inspection by a Kohen to determine whether the discoloration is indeed tzara'at or not.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Vayikra 13:52) emphasizes that the burning is required specifically when the tzara'at is deemed "mam'eret" (malignant or spreading). He notes that this term implies the affliction is entrenched and cannot be purified through other means. The Torah insists on complete destruction by fire to prevent spiritual impurity from spreading.

Rambam's Halachic Perspective

In Hilchot Tumat Tzara'at (10:1), the Rambam codifies this law, stating that any garment confirmed to have tzara'at must be burned entirely—even if only a small part is affected. This reflects the severity of tzara'at as a spiritual malady, often associated with sins like lashon hara (evil speech).

Symbolism in the Midrash

The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 16:6) connects this law to moral lessons: just as the garment must be purged entirely, so too must a person rid themselves of sinful behavior completely. The fire symbolizes both destruction and purification, teaching that true repentance requires uprooting negative traits at their source.

Practical Implications

  • Material Distinction: The verse specifies wool, linen, and leather—materials commonly used in clothing, underscoring the personal nature of the affliction.
  • Preventive Measure: Burning prevents others from using the contaminated item, protecting the community from spiritual harm.
  • Divine Justice: The Talmud (Arachin 16a) links tzara'at to divine retribution, with the burning serving as a tangible consequence for moral failings.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Nega'im 11:4
The verse is referenced in the discussion of the laws concerning tzara'at (leprosy) in garments, specifically the requirement to burn garments afflicted with tzara'at.
📖 Shabbat 28a
The verse is mentioned in the context of discussing materials that can be used for the Tabernacle, noting that wool and linen are materials mentioned in the Torah for various purposes, including garments afflicted with tzara'at.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Leviticus 13:52 mean?
A: Leviticus 13:52 instructs that if a garment is found to have a malignant form of tzara'at (a spiritual affliction often mistranslated as 'leprosy'), it must be burned completely. This is because the affliction is considered spiritually harmful and must be eradicated to prevent impurity from spreading.
Q: Why is burning the garment necessary according to this verse?
A: Burning the garment is necessary because the Torah considers this type of tzara'at ('tzara'at mam'eret') to be deeply ingrained and incurable. Rashi explains that burning ensures the impurity is completely removed, as the affliction could otherwise remain and spread, affecting others spiritually or physically.
Q: Does this law about burning garments with tzara'at apply today?
A: Since the laws of tzara'at (afflictions on garments, skin, or houses) depend on the presence of the Kohen (priest) and the Temple service, they are not applicable today. However, the Talmud (Arachin 16a) teaches that tzara'at historically came as a consequence of sins like lashon hara (evil speech), so the lesson about spiritual purity remains relevant.
Q: What types of materials are mentioned in Leviticus 13:52?
A: The verse specifies wool (tzemer), linen (pishtim), woven threads (sheti or erev), and leather (kli or). These materials were common in biblical times, and the Torah emphasizes that no item—regardless of its value—should be spared if it contains this severe spiritual affliction.
Q: What lesson can we learn from this verse?
A: The verse teaches the importance of removing harmful influences completely. Just as the contaminated garment had to be burned, we must distance ourselves from negative behaviors or environments that can 'spiritually contaminate' us. The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 16:1) connects tzara'at to moral failings, reminding us to purify our actions and speech.