Leviticus 13:46
All the days wherein the plague shall be in him he shall be defiled; he is unclean: he shall dwell alone; without the camp shall his habitation be.
Leviticus 13:46 · King James Version
Meaning
The verse you are referring to comes from the book of Leviticus in the Bible. In this verse, it discusses the regulations surrounding someone who has contracted a contagious disease or plague. The individual is considered defiled and unclean during the time of their illness. As a result, they are required to dwell alone outside the camp to prevent the spread of the disease to others. This isolation was not only for the protection of the community but also for the well-being of the person afflicted. By separating themselves from the rest of the population, they would limit the risk of further contamination and have the opportunity to heal without putting others at risk. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of health and hygiene practices in ancient times, as well as the value placed on community welfare in preventing the spread of diseases.
Theological Overview
In this verse, the phrase "the days wherein the plague shall be in him" refers to the period during which a person is affected by a contagious skin disease or illness. The concept of being defiled or unclean in biblical times was closely tied to the idea of being separated from God and the community. The act of dwelling alone and residing outside the camp symbolizes isolation and exclusion from the rest of society. This physical separation served as a form of protection for the community from the spread of disease, but it also carried a spiritual weight, highlighting the importance of purity and holiness in the eyes of God. This verse underscores the significance of ritual purity in the Old Testament and serves as a reminder of the consequences of impurity in the eyes of God.
Leviticus 13:46 in other translations
American Standard Version
All the days wherein the plague is in him he shall be unclean; he is unclean: he shall dwell alone; without the camp shall his dwelling be.
World English Bible
All the days in which the plague is in him he shall be unclean. He is unclean. He shall dwell alone. Outside of the camp shall be his dwelling.
Douay-Rheims
All the time that he is a leper and unclean he shall dwell alone without the camp.
Geneva Bible (1599)
As long as the disease shall be vpon him, he shalbe polluted, for he is vncleane: he shall dwell alone, without the campe shall his habitation be.