Unveiling the Word

Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies is essential for unlocking the depth and nuance of the New Testament texts. The Greek word λεπρός (lepros) is particularly significant as it describes a person afflicted with leprosy or a skin condition that rendered them ceremonially unclean according to Jewish law. Appearing first in Matthew 8:2, λεπρός is more than a mere descriptor of illness; it carries deep theological and cultural implications. Its study is vital for comprehending how ancient Jewish and early Christian communities understood purity, illness, and divine healing.

Necessary Information

Greek Word: λεπρός (lepros) [pronounced le-PROS].

Etymology: The term λεπρός is derived from the root word λεπός (lepō), which means “to peel” or “to scale off.” This root conveys the physical symptoms associated with skin diseases, where the skin peels or scales away, highlighting the visible signs of impurity and the condition’s isolating impact.

Part of Speech: Adjective. λεπρός is an adjective in Greek, used to describe someone suffering from a skin disease. It is a second declension adjective, which agrees in gender, number, and case with the noun it modifies. The term could be used to describe both males and females, but its usage in the New Testament is predominantly masculine.

The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Defining Meanings

1. Leprous: The primary meaning of λεπρός is “leprous” or “afflicted with leprosy.” This condition, as understood in the biblical context, encompassed various skin diseases that led to social exclusion and ritual impurity.
2. Diseased: By extension, λεπρός can also mean “diseased” in general, referring to someone suffering from a chronic skin condition. In antiquity, such diseases were often thought to be not only physical ailments but also spiritual or moral afflictions.

Exploring Similar Words

1. νοσέω (noseo) [pronounced no-SEO]: This verb means “to be sick” or “to be ill.” Unlike λεπρός, which specifically refers to leprosy, νοσέω is a more general term for illness.
2. καθαρισμός (katharismos) [pronounced ka-tha-ris-MOS]: This noun means “cleansing” or “purification.” It is often used in the context of the ritual purification process necessary for a leper to be declared clean after being healed.
3. μαστιγόω (mastigoō) [pronounced mas-ti-GOH-o]: Meaning “to scourge” or “to afflict,” this word emphasizes the act of suffering or punishment, whereas λεπρός describes a state or condition of disease.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

λεπρός is an adjective that follows the second declension pattern. Here is its declension in the singular and plural forms:

For more on Greek declensions, Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Studying Lexicon Insights

The word λεπρός appears in several Greek lexicons, each emphasizing slightly different aspects of its use and significance. In New Testament contexts, it primarily refers to a person afflicted with a condition leading to ritual impurity, necessitating separation from the community until cleansing. In classical contexts, λεπρός retains the physical connotation of a skin condition but is also metaphorically used to describe impurity or moral taint. Across theological discussions, λεπρός highlights themes of isolation, purity laws, and divine healing, which are central to understanding the socio-religious framework of the New Testament.
This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. Matthew 8:2 – “And a leper [λεπρός] came to Him and bowed down before Him, and said, ‘Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.'”
2. Luke 5:12 – “While He was in one of the cities, behold, there was a man covered with leprosy [λεπρός]; and when he saw Jesus, he fell on his face and implored Him, saying, ‘Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.'”
3. Mark 1:40 – “And a leper [λεπρός] came to Jesus, beseeching Him and falling on his knees before Him, and saying, ‘If You are willing, You can make me clean.'”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Noteworthy Summary

The word λεπρός in the Greek New Testament is a potent descriptor of both physical affliction and spiritual impurity. As an adjective, it defines those who suffered from diseases that made them ritually unclean, requiring separation from society and subsequent divine or ritual cleansing. The term captures the comprehensive biblical view of illness as affecting both body and soul, highlighting the need for holistic healing.

Did You Know?

• Fact 1: The word λεπρός has a strong connection to purification laws in Leviticus, where those healed must present themselves to a priest to be declared clean.
• Fact 2: In ancient texts, λεπρός was not limited to what modern medicine defines as leprosy but encompassed several skin conditions.
• Fact 3: The story of Jesus healing a λεπρός is one of the first direct miracles recorded in the Synoptic Gospels, signifying His authority over both physical and spiritual realms.