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Leviticus 13:58 - Purified after second washing?

Leviticus 13:58 - ויקרא 13:58

Hebrew Text

וְהַבֶּגֶד אוֹ־הַשְּׁתִי אוֹ־הָעֵרֶב אוֹ־כָל־כְּלִי הָעוֹר אֲשֶׁר תְּכַבֵּס וְסָר מֵהֶם הַנָּגַע וְכֻבַּס שֵׁנִית וְטָהֵר׃

English Translation

And the garment, either warp, or woof, or whatever thing of skin it be, which thou shalt wash, if the plague be departed from them, then it shall be washed the second time, and shall be clean.

Transliteration

Vehahbeged o-hashti o-ha'erev o-kol-kli ha'or asher techabes vesar mehem hanega vekhubas shenit vetahor.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְהַבֶּ֡גֶד אֽוֹ־הַשְּׁתִ֨י אוֹ־הָעֵ֜רֶב אֽוֹ־כׇל־כְּלִ֤י הָעוֹר֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר תְּכַבֵּ֔ס וְסָ֥ר מֵהֶ֖ם הַנָּ֑גַע וְכֻבַּ֥ס שֵׁנִ֖ית וְטָהֵֽר׃
וְהַבֶּ֡גֶד אֽוֹ־הַשְּׁתִ֨י אוֹ־הָעֵ֜רֶב אֽוֹ־כׇל־כְּלִ֤י הָעוֹר֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר תְּכַבֵּ֔ס וְסָ֥ר מֵהֶ֖ם הַנָּ֑גַע וְכֻבַּ֥ס שֵׁנִ֖ית וְטָהֵֽר׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in Torah

This verse (Vayikra 13:58) appears in the section of Parshat Tazria, which deals with the laws of tzara'at (often translated as leprosy, but understood in Jewish tradition as a spiritual affliction) affecting garments, fabrics, and leather items. The Torah outlines a process for diagnosing and purifying these items when they display signs of impurity.

Explanation of the Verse

The verse describes the purification process for a garment or leather item that was previously afflicted with tzara'at but has since shown signs of healing. The key steps are:

  • Initial Washing: The item must first be washed (tichabes), and if the affliction (nega) disappears, it requires a second washing.
  • Second Washing: After the second washing, the item is declared tahor (ritually pure).

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi (Vayikra 13:58) explains that the phrase "vesar meihem hanega" ("the affliction has departed from them") means the discoloration has faded or diminished after the first washing. Only then does the item require a second washing to achieve purity. If the affliction remains unchanged, the item is deemed impure and must be burned (as stated in earlier verses).

Rambam's Insight

In Hilchot Tumat Tzara'at (16:10), the Rambam clarifies that the second washing is not merely a repetition but a confirmation of the item's purity. The process ensures that the affliction was not merely temporarily hidden but truly eradicated.

Symbolism in Midrash

The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 16:6) connects tzara'at on garments to moral failings, particularly lashon hara (evil speech). Just as the garment requires purification, so too must a person rectify their speech and behavior. The two washings symbolize the need for sincere repentance (teshuvah)—first, ceasing the sinful act, and second, internalizing change to prevent recurrence.

Halachic Implications

The Gemara (Niddah 66a) discusses whether the second washing must follow immediately or can occur after a delay. The conclusion is that the second washing must be performed in sequence to confirm the item's purity, reflecting the importance of consistent spiritual correction.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Niddah 19b
The verse is referenced in the discussion about the laws of ritual purity, specifically concerning garments affected by leprosy and the process of their purification.
📖 Shabbat 64b
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the laws of washing garments and the conditions under which they are considered clean.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Leviticus 13:58 mean in simple terms?
A: Leviticus 13:58 discusses the laws of tzara'at (often mistranslated as 'leprosy'), which was a spiritual affliction that could appear on clothing, fabrics, or leather. This verse explains that if a garment or item was suspected of having tzara'at and the discoloration faded after washing, it needed to be washed a second time. If the discoloration did not return, the item was declared clean (tahor). This teaches us about the importance of purity (taharah) in Jewish law.
Q: Why is washing a garment twice important in this verse?
A: According to Rashi and the Talmud (Nega'im 11:2), washing the garment twice ensures that the discoloration (tzara'at) is truly gone and not just temporarily faded. The first washing removes the visible signs, and the second washing confirms that the impurity does not return. This double-check reflects the Torah's careful approach to spiritual purity (kedushah) and avoiding impurity (tumah).
Q: Does this law about tzara'at on clothing apply today?
A: Since the laws of tzara'at (afflictions on skin, clothing, or houses) require a Kohen (priest) to examine and declare them pure or impure, and we currently do not have the Temple or Kohanim functioning in this capacity, these laws are not practically observed today. However, the Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 16:6) teaches that tzara'at was often a consequence of lashon hara (evil speech), so we still learn from this verse the importance of guarding our speech and maintaining spiritual purity.
Q: What can we learn from Leviticus 13:58 about personal growth?
A: The process of washing the garment twice teaches that true purification requires effort and confirmation. Just as the garment must be checked again to ensure the impurity is gone, we too must continually examine our actions and correct our mistakes. The Rambam (Hilchot Tumat Tzara'at) emphasizes that tzara'at was a wake-up call for repentance (teshuvah), reminding us to improve our behavior and refine our character.