Definition: And if it spread much abroad in the skin, then the priest shall pronounce him unclean: it [is] a plague.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Leviticus 13:22. It's a pretty serious and unusual passage about something that happens when a person who has been touched by God is exposed to something considered impure or evil. Here’s the explanation in simpler terms: What it means: This verse describes a situation where someone who has been physically touched by God – meaning they’ve been consecrated, blessed, or otherwise spiritually significant – becomes contaminated and potentially dangerous. It warns against worshipping or treating them as if they are unclean. Let's unpack the key parts: “And if it spread much abroad in the skin…” This is a crucial part. It means that if this contamination spreads widely throughout the body, it becomes a problem. It’s not just a small area; it’s a general infection or influence. “…then the priest shall pronounce him unclean:” This tells us that the priests – religious leaders – are tasked with identifying and dealing with this situation. They're going to say something about the person being considered “unclean.” “Unclean” in this context means they’ve been touched by God in a way that is considered unacceptable or dangerous. “it [is] a plague.” This is the most important part! The verse emphasizes that this contamination can cause a plague . A plague is an outbreak of disease, often deadly. It's a severe and widespread affliction. What it’s trying to say: The verse essentially warns against worshipping or treating someone who has been touched by God in a way that could be harmful or destructive. It’s a message about respecting the holiness and divine nature of God, and recognizing that even seemingly ordinary people can be affected by something that is beyond our control. It's a reminder that we should treat everyone with respect and reverence, not as equals but as potentially carrying a spiritual burden. Important Note: This verse appears to be an ancient text, and its meaning has been interpreted in various ways throughout history. It’s important to understand the context of the original Hebrew text when interpreting these kinds of stories. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Discuss a specific aspect of this verse (like its historical context)? Give you a simpler analogy to help understand it?