53 And if the priest shall look, and, behold, the plague be not spread in the garment, either in the warp, or in the woof, or in any thing of skin;
53 "But if, when the priest examines it, the mold has not spread in the fabric, the woven or knitted material, or the leather article,
53 "And if the priest examines, and if the disease has not spread in the garment, in the warp or the woof or in any article made of skin,
53 But if when the priest examines it the spot has not spread in the garment,
53 "But if the priest examines it, and indeed the plague has not spread in the garment, either in the warp or in the woof, or in anything made of leather,
53 "But if the priest examines it and finds that the contaminated area has not spread in the clothing, the fabric, or the leather,
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Leviticus 13:53
Commentary on Leviticus 13:47-59
(Read Leviticus 13:47-59)
The garment suspected to be tainted with leprosy was not to be burned immediately. If, upon search, it was found that there was a leprous spot, it must be burned, or at least that part of it. If it proved to be free, it must be washed, and then might be used. This also sets forth the great evil there is in sin. It not only defiles the sinner's conscience, but it brings a stain upon all he has and all that he does. And those who make their clothes servants to their pride and lust, may see them thereby tainted with leprosy. But the robes of righteousness never fret, nor are moth-eaten.