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Leviticus 13:57 - Impure garment's fate? Burn it.

Leviticus 13:57 - ויקרא 13:57

Hebrew Text

וְאִם־תֵּרָאֶה עוֹד בַּבֶּגֶד אוֹ־בַשְּׁתִי אוֹ־בָעֵרֶב אוֹ בְכָל־כְּלִי־עוֹר פֹּרַחַת הִוא בָּאֵשׁ תִּשְׂרְפֶנּוּ אֵת אֲשֶׁר־בּוֹ הַנָּגַע׃

English Translation

and if it appear still in the garment, either in the warp, or in the woof, or in anything of skin; it is a spreading plague: thou shalt burn that in which the plague is with fire.

Transliteration

Ve-im terae od ba-beged o-va-shti o-va-erev o ve-khol-kli-or porachat hi va-esh tisrefenu et asher-bo ha-naga.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְאִם־תֵּרָאֶ֨ה ע֜וֹד בַּ֠בֶּ֠גֶד אֽוֹ־בַשְּׁתִ֤י אֽוֹ־בָעֵ֙רֶב֙ א֣וֹ בְכׇל־כְּלִי־ע֔וֹר פֹּרַ֖חַת הִ֑וא בָּאֵ֣שׁ תִּשְׂרְפֶ֔נּוּ אֵ֥ת אֲשֶׁר־בּ֖וֹ הַנָּֽגַע׃
וְאִם־תֵּרָאֶ֨ה ע֜וֹד בַּ֠בֶּ֠גֶד אֽוֹ־בַשְּׁתִ֤י אֽוֹ־בָעֵ֙רֶב֙ א֣וֹ בְכׇל־כְּלִי־ע֔וֹר פֹּרַ֖חַת הִ֑וא בָּאֵ֣שׁ תִּשְׂרְפֶ֔נּוּ אֵ֥ת אֲשֶׁר־בּ֖וֹ הַנָּֽגַע׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in Parashat Metzora

This verse (Vayikra 13:57) appears in the Torah's discussion of tzara'at (often mistranslated as "leprosy") affecting garments. The Torah outlines a process for diagnosing and purifying such afflictions, which are understood by Chazal as spiritual rather than purely physical phenomena.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi explains that the phrase "פֹּרַחַת הִוא" ("it is a spreading plague") refers to the tzara'at expanding beyond its original boundaries after the initial inspection. The requirement to burn the affected item teaches that if the contamination persists after washing and quarantine, it must be destroyed completely by fire to prevent spiritual impurity from spreading.

Halachic Implications from Rambam

Rambam (Hilchot Tumat Tzara'at 16:10) rules that this law applies specifically to wool, linen, or leather items, as these were common materials in the ancient world. The burning must be thorough enough that no usable fibers remain, symbolizing the complete eradication of impurity.

Midrashic Interpretation

The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 17:7) connects garment tzara'at to the sin of lashon hara (evil speech), noting that just as wool and linen intertwine in fabric, harmful speech weaves discord among people. The requirement to burn the garment serves as a dramatic physical reminder of how destructive speech must be eradicated at its root.

Kabbalistic Insight

The Zohar (3:52a) interprets the "spreading plague" as representing negative spiritual forces that attach themselves to physical objects. The fire of destruction parallels the purifying fire of teshuva (repentance), suggesting that when negative influences take hold, radical measures are needed for spiritual cleansing.

Practical Lessons

  • The persistence of the affliction after purification attempts teaches that some spiritual maladies require complete removal rather than superficial treatment
  • The specific mention of warp (sheti) and woof (erev) suggests that both the vertical (divine) and horizontal (human) dimensions of our lives must be examined for spiritual flaws
  • The public nature of burning contaminated items serves as a deterrent against behaviors that lead to such impurity

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Leviticus 13:57 mean?
A: Leviticus 13:57 discusses the laws of tzara'at (a spiritual affliction often mistranslated as 'leprosy') appearing on garments or leather items. If the discoloration or affliction persists or spreads after inspection, the item must be burned completely. This teaches us about the seriousness of spiritual impurity and the need to remove harmful influences.
Q: Why is burning the affected item necessary according to this verse?
A: Burning the affected item is necessary because tzara'at was seen as a spiritual impurity that could spread. The Torah requires its complete destruction to prevent further contamination. Rashi explains that this teaches us to eradicate negative influences completely rather than allowing them to linger.
Q: How does this verse apply to us today?
A: While we no longer have tzara'at today, the principle remains relevant: we must be vigilant about removing harmful influences from our lives, whether in our possessions, speech, or actions. The Rambam (Hilchot Tum'at Tzara'at) discusses how these laws teach us about spiritual purity and self-improvement.
Q: What is the significance of checking the garment multiple times before burning it?
A: The Torah requires inspection to ensure the affliction is truly spreading and not just a temporary stain. This teaches us the importance of careful judgment before taking drastic measures. The Talmud (Arachin 16a) discusses how tzara'at on garments was a warning sign, urging repentance before harsher consequences.
Q: Why does the Torah mention 'warp,' 'woof,' and 'leather' specifically?
A: The Torah specifies these materials because they were common in ancient times and could harbor impurity. The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 16:1) explains that these materials represent different aspects of human behavior, teaching us that spiritual flaws can manifest in various ways and must be addressed appropriately.