Original Word: λεπρός
Part of Speech: Adjective
Transliteration: lepros
Pronunciation: le-PRŌS
Phonetic Spelling: (lep-ros')
Definition: a leprous person, a leper.
Meaning: The term "lepros" refers to someone who is afflicted with a skin condition, traditionally translated as "leprous" or "leper." In biblical contexts, it often denotes a person suffering from a disease that causes scaling or peeling of the skin, which rendered them ceremonially unclean according to Jewish law.

Word Origin: Derived from the Greek verb λέπω (lepō), meaning "to peel" or "to scale."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: The Greek "lepros" corresponds to the Hebrew term צָרַעַת (tsara'ath), Strong's Hebrew 6883, which is used in the Old Testament to describe various skin diseases, including leprosy, as outlined in Leviticus 13-14. This Hebrew term encompasses a range of conditions that rendered individuals ceremonially unclean and required specific purification rituals.

Usage: The word "lepros" is used in the New Testament to describe individuals suffering from a skin disease, often translated as "leper" in English. It appears in contexts where Jesus heals those afflicted, demonstrating His compassion and divine authority.

Context: The term "lepros" is significant in the New Testament, where it is used to describe individuals suffering from a condition that made them social outcasts due to the ceremonial laws of cleanliness. In the Gospels, Jesus' interactions with lepers are notable for their demonstration of His willingness to reach out to the marginalized and His power to heal.

In Matthew 8:2-3 (BSB), a leper approaches Jesus, saying, "Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean." Jesus responds, "I am willing," and heals him, showcasing His authority over physical ailments and His compassion for those deemed untouchable by society. Similarly, in Luke 17:12-19 (BSB), Jesus heals ten lepers, emphasizing themes of gratitude and faith, as only one returns to thank Him.

The condition of leprosy in biblical times was not limited to what is known today as Hansen's disease but included a variety of skin disorders. The Levitical laws (Leviticus 13-14) provided detailed instructions for diagnosing and managing such conditions, underscoring the importance of ritual purity in Israelite society.

3015 leprós – leprous, also used (substantively) of a leper.

Word Origin
from lepis
Definition
scaly, leprous
NASB Translation
leper (4), lepers (4), leprous (1).

STRONGS NT 3015: λεπρός

λεπρός, λεπροῦ, ὁ (as if for λεπερος, from λεπίς, λεπος, λεπρεος, τό, a scale, husk, bark);

1. in Greek writings scaly, rough.

2. specifically, leprous, affected with leprosy (the Sept. several times for מְצֹרָע and צָרוּעַ ; (Theophrastus, c., p. 2, 6, 4) see λέπρα): Matthew 8:2; Matthew 10:8; Matthew 11:5; Mark 1:40; Luke 4:27; Luke 7:22; Luke 17:12; of one ((Simon)) who had formerly been a leper, Matthew 26:6; Mark 14:3.

leper.

From the same as lepra; scaly, i.e. Leprous (a leper) -- leper.

see GREEK lepra

λελεπρωμένος λεπροι λεπροί λεπροὶ λεπρόν λεπρος λεπρός λεπρὸς λεπρου λεπρού λεπροῦ λεπρους λεπρούς λεπροὺς leproi leproì lepros lepròs leprou leproû leprous leproùsInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts