Unveiling the Word
Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies is crucial for gaining deeper insight into the original context and meaning of Scripture. The Greek word λέπρα (lepra) is particularly significant because it is used to describe a severe skin disease, commonly translated as “leprosy.” This word appears multiple times in the New Testament, first in Matthew 8:3, where Jesus heals a man afflicted with leprosy. The term carries not only a physical connotation but also a spiritual and cultural one, as it relates to purity laws, social exclusion, and divine healing. Understanding λέπρα provides a window into how ancient societies viewed disease and healing, both physically and spiritually.
Necessary Information
Greek Word: λέπρα (lepra) [pronounced LEP-rah].
Etymology: The term λέπρα comes from the root word λεπώ (lepō), meaning “to peel” or “to scale.” It suggests something that can be flaked off or shed, much like the skin lesions characteristic of leprosy or similar diseases. The root emphasizes the nature of the affliction as involving the outer skin layer, marked by scaly and peeling skin.
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Part of Speech: Noun. λέπρα is a feminine noun in Greek. It falls under the first declension, which is typical for feminine nouns in the Greek language.
The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.
Defining Meanings
- Leprosy or Skin Disease: The primary meaning of λέπρα is “leprosy,” which in the biblical context often refers to various skin conditions that could render someone ceremonially unclean according to Jewish law. This isn’t limited to what modern medicine defines as leprosy (Hansen’s disease) but includes a range of skin diseases marked by scaling, flaking, or discoloration.
- Symbol of Uncleanness: Beyond its literal meaning, λέπρα was also understood metaphorically as a symbol of impurity or sin in the biblical context. The removal or healing of λέπρα was often seen as an act of divine cleansing and restoration, not only of physical health but also of one’s spiritual standing and community integration.
Exploring Similar Words
- καθαρισμός (katharismos) [pronounced ka-tha-ris-MOS]: Refers to “cleansing” or “purification.” Unlike λέπρα, which denotes a specific condition, καθαρισμός emphasizes the process of becoming clean, whether physically, ritually, or spiritually.
- νοσός (nosos) [pronounced NO-sos]: This word means “disease” or “illness” in general. It is a more encompassing term that includes all kinds of ailments, unlike λέπρα, which specifically refers to skin conditions that result in visible lesions or scaling.
- μαστιγόω (mastigoō) [pronounced mas-ti-GOH-o]: Means “to scourge” or “to afflict.” While this word describes physical suffering or punishment, it differs from λέπρα by focusing more on the act of inflicting pain rather than the condition itself.
Reviewing the Word’s Morphology
λέπρα is a first declension, feminine noun. Here is its declension in the singular and plural forms:
| Case / Number | Singular | Plural |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | λέπρα | λέπραι |
| Genitive | λέπρας | λεπτῶν |
| Dative | λέπρᾳ | λέπραις |
| Accusative | λέπραν | λέπρας |
| Vocative | λέπρα | λέπραι |
For more information on Greek declensions, Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.
Studying Lexicon Insights
λέπρα is consistently translated as “leprosy” in New Testament contexts, but its usage extends beyond the specific disease to encompass a variety of skin conditions that made individuals ritually unclean. Lexicons indicate that this term’s theological implications include separation from community and worship until cleansing occurred. This layered meaning in Greek texts provides insight into both physical healing and spiritual purification. The healing stories involving λέπρα often reflect broader themes of restoration and reconciliation within the community and with God.
This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.
Tracing Related Scriptures
- Matthew 8:3 – “Jesus stretched out His hand and touched him, saying, ‘I am willing; be cleansed.’ And immediately his leprosy [λέπρα] was cleansed.”
- Luke 5:13 – “And He stretched out His hand and touched him, saying, ‘I am willing; be cleansed.’ And immediately the leprosy [λέπρα] left him.”
- Luke 17:12 – “As He entered a village, ten men with leprosy [λεπροὶ] who stood at a distance met Him.”
Analyzing Classical Usage
| Author | Name of Work | English Text with Greek Word |
|---|---|---|
| Hippocrates | On Epidemics | “The disease presented as λεπτά scales peeling off.” |
| Herodotus | Histories | “Those with λεπτότητα (scales) were considered unclean.” |
| Septuagint | Leviticus 13:3 | “The priest shall look at the leprosy (λέπρα) on the skin.” |
Noteworthy Summary
The word λέπρα in Greek texts represents both a physical and metaphorical ailment. While it refers to leprosy or skin disease, it also symbolizes spiritual impurity and separation from the community. Its occurrence in the New Testament highlights Jesus’ role in healing and restoring not just physical health but also social and spiritual wholeness. Understanding λέπρα deepens our comprehension of Biblical narratives and the cultural significance of purity and healing.
Did You Know?
- Fact 1: The Greek word λέπρα is related to the root λεπ-, meaning “to peel,” emphasizing the nature of the disease’s effect on the skin.
- Fact 2: Leprosy in the New Testament context could mean several types of skin conditions, not necessarily the modern definition of Hansen’s disease.
- Fact 3: In Biblical times, the healing of λέπρα was seen as a divine act that reinstated both physical health and communal status.
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