skin disease, leper, leprosy

Definition

The term “leprosy” is used in the Bible to refer to several different skin diseases. A “leper” is a person who has leprosy. The term “leprous” describes a person or body part that is infected with leprosy.

• Certain kinds of leprosy cause the skin to become discolored with white patches, as when Miriam and Naaman had leprosy.
• In modern times, leprosy often causes hands, feet, and other body parts to become damaged and deformed.
• According to the instructions that God gave to the Israelites, when a person had leprosy, he was considered “unclean” and had to stay away from other people so that they would not become infected with the disease.
• A leper would often call out “unclean” so that others would be warned not to come near him.
• Jesus healed many lepers, and also people who had other kinds of diseases.

Translation Suggestions

• The term “leprosy” in the Bible can be translated as “skin disease” or “dreaded skin disease.”
• Ways to translate “leprous” could include “full of leprosy” or “infected with skin disease” or “covered with skin sores.”

(See also: Miriam, Naaman, clean)

Bible References

• Luke 5:13
• Luke 17:12
• Mark 1:40
• Mark 14:3
• Matthew 8:3
• Matthew 10:8-10
• Matthew 11:5

Word Data

• Strong’s: H6879, H6883, G30140, G30150