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Tzaraath (Hebrew: צָרַעַת ṣāraʿaṯ), variously transcribed into English and frequently translated as leprosy (though it is not Hansen's disease, the disease known as "leprosy" in modern times[1]), is a term used in the Bible to describe various ritually impure disfigurative conditions of the human skin,[2] clothing,[3] and houses.[4] Skin tzaraath generally involves patches that are white and contain unusually colored hair.[1] Clothing and house tzaraath consists of a reddish or greenish discoloration.[5]
The laws of tzaraath are given in depth in chapters 13–14 of Leviticus, and several Biblical stories describe individuals who have contracted tzaraath.
- ^ a b D. L. Kaplan, "Biblical leprosy: an anachronism whose time has come", J Am Acad Dermatol 1993 Mar;28(3):507-10. doi: 10.1016/0190-9622(93)70071-z.
- ^ Leviticus 13:2–46
- ^ Leviticus 13:47–59
- ^ Leviticus 14:34–53
- ^ Leviticus 13:49, 14:37