Topical Encyclopedia Infection, as understood in modern medical terms, refers to the invasion and multiplication of microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites that are not normally present within the body. While the Bible does not explicitly discuss infection in the scientific sense, it addresses related concepts such as disease, impurity, and the need for cleanliness, which can be associated with the prevention and understanding of infections.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, the concept of infection is often intertwined with the laws of cleanliness and purity. The Mosaic Law contains numerous regulations that can be seen as preventive measures against the spread of infectious diseases. Leviticus 13 and 14 provide detailed instructions for diagnosing and managing skin diseases, often translated as "leprosy," which could include a variety of infectious skin conditions. The priests were responsible for examining individuals and determining their cleanliness or uncleanliness, which had both health and spiritual implications. Leviticus 13:45-46 states: "The person afflicted with an infectious skin disease is to wear torn clothes, let his hair hang loose, cover his mouth, and cry out, ‘Unclean, unclean!’ As long as he has the infection, he remains unclean. He must live alone in a place outside the camp." This passage highlights the isolation of individuals with infectious conditions to prevent the spread of disease within the community. New Testament Context In the New Testament, Jesus' healing ministry often involved individuals with conditions that could be considered infectious. His interactions with lepers, for example, demonstrate both His compassion and His authority over disease. In Matthew 8:2-3 , a leper approaches Jesus, saying, "Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean." Jesus responds, "I am willing," and heals him, illustrating the power of Christ to cleanse and restore. The New Testament also emphasizes spiritual purity and the cleansing of sin, drawing a parallel between physical and spiritual healing. In 1 John 1:7 , it is written, "But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin." This cleansing is seen as a form of spiritual healing, akin to the physical healing from infection. Theological Implications From a theological perspective, infection and disease are often viewed as consequences of the fallen world, resulting from the original sin of Adam and Eve. The presence of disease serves as a reminder of humanity's need for redemption and the ultimate healing that comes through Jesus Christ. The Bible encourages believers to seek God's guidance and healing in times of illness, as seen in James 5:14-15 : "Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick." Practical Considerations The biblical emphasis on cleanliness and isolation of the sick can be seen as early forms of public health measures. These practices underscore the importance of community health and the responsibility of individuals to protect one another from the spread of disease. While the Bible does not provide a scientific explanation for infection, its principles of cleanliness, care for the sick, and reliance on God's healing power remain relevant for believers today. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) The act or process of infecting.2. (n.) That which infects, or causes the communicated disease; any effluvium, miasm, or pestilential matter by which an infectious disease is caused. 3. (n.) The state of being infected; contamination by morbific particles; the result of infecting influence; a prevailing disease; epidemic. 4. (n.) That which taints or corrupts morally; as, the infection of vicious principles. 5. (n.) Contamination by illegality, as in cases of contraband goods; implication. 6. (n.) Sympathetic communication of like qualities or emotions; influence. Greek 167. akatharsia -- uncleanness ... Cognate: 167 (from 1 "not" and 2513 , "clean because unmixed, pure") -- ritual , caused by leprosy, open infection, child birth, touching a corpse, etc. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/167.htm - 7k Strong's Hebrew 5061. nega -- a stroke, plague, mark... Word Origin from naga Definition a stroke, plague, mark NASB Word Usage affliction (2), another (1), assault (2), infection (30), mark (32), plague (6 ... /hebrew/5061.htm - 6k Library Whether the Blessed virgin was Cleansed from the Infection of the ... Whether the Aforesaid Powers are More Infected than the Others? Petilianus Said: "But that I May Thoroughly Investigate the ... Whether Christ's Flesh in the Patriarchs was Infected by Sin? The Relation of the Will of God to Sanctification Whether Original Sin Infects the Will Before the Other Powers? Whether if Eve, and not Adam, had Sinned, their Children Would ... Psalm I. Gehazi Second Journey through Galilee - the Healing of the Leper. Thesaurus Infection (24 Occurrences)... 4. (n.) That which taints or corrupts morally; as, the infection of vicious principles. ... Multi-Version Concordance Infection (24 Occurrences). ... /i/infection.htm - 14k Infectious (19 Occurrences) Plague (142 Occurrences) Infected (5 Occurrences) Fever (13 Occurrences) Taking (445 Occurrences) Taint (1 Occurrence) Dropsy (1 Occurrence) Cremation Catch (46 Occurrences) Resources Is belief in God a virus? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about aromatherapy? | GotQuestions.org What is a biblical view of social action? | GotQuestions.org Infection: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Infection (24 Occurrences)Leviticus 13:2 Leviticus 13:3 Leviticus 13:4 Leviticus 13:5 Leviticus 13:6 Leviticus 13:9 Leviticus 13:12 Leviticus 13:13 Leviticus 13:17 Leviticus 13:20 Leviticus 13:22 Leviticus 13:25 Leviticus 13:27 Leviticus 13:29 Leviticus 13:30 Leviticus 13:31 Leviticus 13:32 Leviticus 13:42 Leviticus 13:43 Leviticus 13:44 Leviticus 13:46 Leviticus 14:3 Leviticus 14:32 Deuteronomy 24:8 Subtopics Related Terms |
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