Leviticus 13:46 Meaning and Explanation
“All the days wherein the plague shall be in him he shall be defiled; he is unclean: he shall dwell alone; without the camp shall his habitation be.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →A leper remains defiled as long as the plague persists and must live outside the camp.
The Context of Leviticus 13:46
Mandatory isolation for lepers during the duration of leprosy.
What Does Leviticus 13:46 Mean?
The leper's unclean status is permanent for the duration of the plague. As long as leprosy affects him, he cannot be healed of his unclean status and cannot return to normal community life. Dwelling alone outside the camp is not a punishment but a practical necessity to prevent spread of the disease and to protect the community.
This isolation is total: the leper's residence is separate from the camp, he is cut off from normal social and religious participation, and he remains defiled throughout the duration of his illness. The permanence of the unclean status continues until the plague resolves or is declared healed by priestly judgment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Leviticus 13:46
What does Leviticus 13:46 mean?
A leper remains defiled as long as the plague persists and must live outside the camp.
What is the context of Leviticus 13:46?
Mandatory isolation for lepers during the duration of leprosy.