# skin disease, leper, leprosy

## Definition:

The term “leprosy” is used in the Bible to refer to several different skin diseases. A “leper” is a person who has leprosy. The term “leprous” describes a person or body part that is infected with leprosy.

* Certain kinds of leprosy cause the skin to become discolored with white patches, as when Miriam and Naaman had leprosy.
* In modern times, leprosy often causes hands, feet, and other body parts to become damaged and deformed.
* According to the instructions that God gave to the Israelites, when a person had leprosy, he was considered “unclean” and had to stay away from other people so that they would not become infected with the disease.
* A leper would often call out “unclean” so that others would be warned not to come near him.
* Jesus healed many lepers, and also people who had other kinds of diseases.

## Translation Suggestions:

* The term “leprosy” in the Bible can be translated as “skin disease” or “dreaded skin disease.”
* Ways to translate “leprous” could include “full of leprosy” or “infected with skin disease” or “covered with skin sores.”

(See also: [Miriam](../names/miriam.md), [Naaman](../names/naaman.md), [clean](../kt/clean.md))

## Bible References:

* [Luke 5:13](rc://en/tn/help/luk/05/13)
* [Luke 17:12](rc://en/tn/help/luk/17/12)
* [Mark 1:40](rc://en/tn/help/mrk/01/40)
* [Mark 14:3](rc://en/tn/help/mrk/14/03)
* [Matthew 8:3](rc://en/tn/help/mat/08/03)
* [Matthew 10:8-10](rc://en/tn/help/mat/10/08)
* [Matthew 11:5](rc://en/tn/help/mat/11/05)

## Word Data:

* Strong’s: H6879, H6883, G30140, G30150
