In the biblical context, the concept of an "infected person" is primarily associated with the laws and narratives concerning leprosy and other skin diseases, which were considered both a physical ailment and a source of ceremonial impurity. The Bible provides detailed instructions on how to handle such cases, reflecting the ancient understanding of disease and its implications for community and worship.

Levitical Laws on Skin Diseases

The primary biblical text addressing infected persons is found in Leviticus 13-14. These chapters provide comprehensive guidelines for diagnosing and managing skin diseases, commonly referred to as leprosy, though the term likely encompassed a variety of skin conditions. The priests were responsible for examining individuals and determining their status. Leviticus 13:2-3 states: "When a person has a swelling or rash or 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 deeper than the skin of his body, it is an infectious skin disease. After the priest examines him, he must pronounce him unclean."

The infected person was declared "unclean" and was required to live outside the camp to prevent the spread of disease and maintain the purity of the community. Leviticus 13:45-46 further instructs: "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."

Purification and Restoration

Leviticus 14 outlines the process for the purification and restoration of a person who has been healed from an infectious skin disease. This involved a series of rituals, including sacrifices and offerings, to reintegrate the individual into the community and restore their status before God. The ritual included the use of two birds, cedarwood, scarlet yarn, and hyssop, symbolizing cleansing and renewal. Leviticus 14:2-4 describes: "This is the law of the one afflicted with a skin disease on the day of his cleansing, when he is brought to the priest. The priest is to go outside the camp to examine him, and if the skin disease of the afflicted person has healed, the priest shall order that two live clean birds, cedarwood, scarlet yarn, and hyssop be brought for the one to be cleansed."

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, Jesus' interactions with infected persons, particularly lepers, highlight His compassion and authority over disease. Jesus' healing of lepers is a significant aspect of His ministry, demonstrating His power to cleanse and restore. In Matthew 8:2-3 , a leper approaches Jesus, saying, "Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean." Jesus responds with compassion, "I am willing, be cleansed," and immediately the leprosy is cleansed. This act not only restores the individual physically but also socially and spiritually, as they are reintegrated into the community and religious life.

Spiritual Implications

The biblical treatment of infected persons underscores the importance of holiness, purity, and community in the life of God's people. Physical ailments were often seen as a reflection of spiritual realities, and the process of cleansing and restoration pointed to the need for spiritual renewal and redemption. The laws concerning infected persons served as a reminder of the pervasive nature of sin and the need for divine intervention to restore wholeness.

Throughout Scripture, the healing of infected persons serves as a powerful metaphor for God's redemptive work in the lives of individuals, illustrating the transformative power of grace and the hope of restoration through faith.