In biblical times, a leprous person was someone afflicted with a skin disease commonly referred to as leprosy. The term "leprosy" in the Bible encompasses a variety of skin conditions, not necessarily limited to what is known today as Hansen's disease. The Hebrew term "tzaraath" is often translated as leprosy, but it could refer to a range of skin afflictions.

Biblical Laws and Regulations:

The Mosaic Law provided detailed instructions regarding the diagnosis and treatment of leprosy. Leviticus chapters 13 and 14 outline the procedures for identifying and managing leprous conditions. A person suspected of having leprosy was to be examined by a priest, who would determine the nature of the disease.

Leviticus 13:2-3 states: "When a person has a swelling or a rash or a bright spot on his skin that could become an infectious skin disease, he must be brought to Aaron the priest or to one of his sons who is a priest. The priest is to examine the sore on his skin, and if the hair in the sore has turned white and the sore appears to be more than skin deep, it is an infectious skin disease. When the priest examines him, he must pronounce him unclean."

If declared leprous, the individual was considered ceremonially unclean and was required to live outside the camp or community to prevent the spread of the disease. Leviticus 13:45-46 describes the condition of a leprous person: "The person with such an infectious disease must wear torn clothes, let his hair be unkempt, cover the lower part of his face, and cry out, 'Unclean! Unclean!' As long as he has the infection, he remains unclean. He must live alone; he must live outside the camp."

Cleansing and Restoration:

The process for cleansing a leprous person who had been healed was also detailed in the Law. Leviticus 14 outlines the ritual for purification, which included offerings and sacrifices. The priest would perform a series of rituals involving two live clean birds, cedarwood, scarlet yarn, and hyssop. After the initial cleansing, the person was to wash their clothes, shave off all their hair, and bathe in water.

Leviticus 14:8-9 states: "The one to be cleansed must wash his clothes, shave off all his hair, and bathe with water; then he will be ceremonially clean. After this, he may come into the camp, but he must remain outside his tent for seven days. On the seventh day he must shave off all his hair—his head, his beard, his eyebrows, and the rest of his hair. He must wash his clothes and bathe himself with water, and he will be clean."

New Testament References:

In the New Testament, leprosy is mentioned in the context of Jesus' healing ministry. Jesus demonstrated compassion and authority over disease by healing leprous individuals. One notable account is found in Matthew 8:2-3 : "Suddenly a leper came and knelt before Him, saying, 'Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.' Jesus reached out His hand and touched the man. 'I am willing,' He said, 'be clean!' And immediately his leprosy was cleansed."

The healing of lepers by Jesus not only restored their physical health but also reintegrated them into society, as they were no longer considered unclean. This act of healing was a powerful demonstration of Jesus' divine authority and compassion.

Symbolism and Spiritual Lessons:

Leprosy in the Bible is often seen as a symbol of sin and its corrupting influence. Just as leprosy rendered a person unclean and separated them from the community, sin separates individuals from God. The cleansing of a leprous person can be viewed as a metaphor for spiritual purification and redemption.

The account of Naaman, a Syrian commander who was healed of leprosy by following the prophet Elisha's instructions to wash in the Jordan River (2 Kings 5), illustrates the themes of obedience, faith, and God's power to cleanse and restore.