λέπρα

leprosy

Definition

In the New Testament, λέπρα refers to a severe skin disease, commonly translated as 'leprosy.' However, it likely encompassed various contagious skin conditions, not just modern Hansen's disease. In the Gospels, it describes the ailment of individuals Jesus heals, such as the man in Matthew 8:3 and the man in Mark 1:42. The term denotes a state of ritual impurity under Mosaic Law (Leviticus 13-14), requiring priestly examination for cleansing. Jesus' touch and command to show oneself to the priest (Luke 5:12-13) directly engage with these legal and social dimensions.

Biblical Usage

Λέπρα appears exclusively in the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke) in narratives of Jesus' healing miracles. Each occurrence follows a similar pattern: a person with leprosy approaches Jesus, requests healing, is healed immediately by Jesus' touch or word, and is then instructed to show himself to the priest as the Law of Moses commands (e.g., Matthew 8:3-4, Luke 5:12-14). This consistent usage highlights Jesus' authority over both disease and ritual law.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek verb λέπω (lepō), meaning 'to peel' or 'to scale,' referring to the flaking skin symptomatic of the disease. The noun λέπρα directly denotes the scaly condition itself. It is used in the Greek translation of the Old Testament (the Septuagint) to translate the Hebrew צָרַעַת (tsara'ath), which covered a range of skin afflictions and mildew.

Semantic Range

Λέπρα is theologically significant as it represents both physical suffering and ritual impurity under the Old Covenant. Jesus' healing of leprosy demonstrates His messianic authority to cleanse and restore what is unclean, symbolizing the forgiveness of sins and the breaking of sin's isolating power. His command to follow the Mosaic law (e.g., Luke 5:14) shows He fulfills rather than abolishes the Law. Understanding this Greek term enriches reading by connecting Jesus' miracles to the Levitical system, showing His work as the ultimate purification.

In first-century Jewish culture, λέπρα (leprosy) meant more than a medical condition; it carried severe social and religious consequences. Those afflicted were considered ritually unclean (Leviticus 13:45-46), requiring them to live apart from the community and announce their presence. Healing required not just physical recovery but official certification by a priest (Leviticus 14). Jesus' touch of a leper (Mark 1:41) was a radical act of compassion that crossed profound social and religious boundaries.

νόσος (nosos, G3554) — a general term for 'disease' or 'sickness,' without the specific ritual impurity connotations of leprosy. μαλακία (malakia, G3119) — denotes 'weakness' or 'sickness,' often of a chronic or debilitating nature, but not specifically a skin disease.

Word Details

Scripture References