Trędowaty, jego choroba i status w świetle nauki Kpł 13,1-14,57

Abstract

The article discusses the legal provisions of the Leviticus ritual lepers. The first part addresses the matter of understanding disease in the Bible, showing its relationship with human sin. It speaks about the relationship of the disease with God and the world of demons. The second part presents the biblical terminology for leprosy. It indicates that the Bible understands leprosy as various skin diseases. Further, it discusses the presented cases of leprosy and groups them clearly into the classifications of a patient with leprosy as ritually impure or pure. It also indicates ambiguous situations, stressing that the exclusion element indicates a leper as standing on the border of death, deprived of participation in God’s promises. The last section shows the steps which led to the ritual cleansing of the leper. It shows the course of the rite of purification and sacrifices which bring about atonement. The article suggests the role of the priest as one who does not serve as a physician, but is aware of the ritual purity of God’s people.