Dictionary of Bible Themes  »  5000 Humanity  »  5200 Human civilisation  »  5390 leprosy

An infectious skin disease. The leprosy mentioned in Scripture, however, covers a wider range of dermatological conditions than that now referred to as the modern Hansen's disease, known colloquially as leprosy.

Regulations for the control of leprosy

Sufferers are banned from society

Numbers 5:2 See also Leviticus 13:1-46; Deuteronomy 24:8-9; 2 Kings 7:3

Sufferers are banned from Levitical service

Leviticus 22:4

Sufferers are to report to a priest on being cured

Matthew 8:4 See also Luke 17:14; Leviticus 14:1-9

The healing of leprosy

2 Kings 5:1,14; Matthew 8:2-3 pp Mark 1:40-41; Luke 17:12-15

Spiritual significance of leprosy

As a validating sign from God

Exodus 4:6-7

As a judgment from God

Numbers 12:10-15; 2 Kings 5:27; 2 Chronicles 26:19-23

See also

2351  Christ, miracles
5182  skin
5297  disease
5333  healing
7340  clean and unclean
8341  separation
9210  judgment, God's