Definition and Background:
Quarantine refers to the practice of isolating individuals or groups to prevent the spread of disease. While the term "quarantine" itself is not found in the Bible, the concept is present, particularly in the context of ancient Israelite laws and practices concerning health and cleanliness.

Biblical Instances and Practices:
The Bible contains several instances where isolation or separation is mandated to prevent the spread of disease, particularly in the context of leprosy and other infectious conditions. These practices are primarily found in the Old Testament, specifically in the Mosaic Law.

1. Levitical Laws on Leprosy:
The Book of Leviticus provides detailed instructions on how to handle cases of leprosy, a term that likely covered a range of skin diseases. Leviticus 13 outlines the process by which a priest examines an individual suspected of having leprosy. If the disease is confirmed, the person is to be declared unclean and isolated from the community. Leviticus 13:46 states, "As long as he has the infection, he remains unclean. He must live alone in a place outside the camp."

2. Isolation for Other Conditions:
Leviticus 15 addresses other bodily discharges and conditions that require isolation. For example, a man with a discharge is considered unclean and must be isolated until the discharge ceases. The passage emphasizes the importance of cleanliness and the prevention of contamination within the community.

3. Purification and Reintegration:
The Bible also provides guidelines for the purification and reintegration of individuals who have been isolated. Leviticus 14 describes the ritual for cleansing a person healed of leprosy, which includes offerings and ceremonial washing. This process underscores the importance of both physical and spiritual cleanliness.

Theological Implications:
The biblical concept of quarantine reflects the broader theological themes of holiness, purity, and community. The laws concerning isolation and cleanliness serve as a reminder of the holiness of God and the need for His people to be set apart. They also highlight the importance of protecting the community from physical and spiritual defilement.

New Testament Considerations:
In the New Testament, Jesus' interactions with lepers and other marginalized individuals demonstrate a shift in focus from ritual purity to compassion and healing. Jesus often healed those who were isolated due to their conditions, as seen in Matthew 8:2-3, where a leper approaches Jesus and is healed: "A leper came and knelt before Him, 'Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.' Jesus reached out His hand and touched the man. 'I am willing,' He said, 'be clean!' And immediately his leprosy was cleansed."

Historical and Cultural Context:
The practice of quarantine in biblical times was not only a health measure but also a reflection of the cultural and religious understanding of disease and impurity. The Israelites' approach to disease prevention was advanced for its time and demonstrated a concern for both individual and communal well-being.

Modern Reflections:
While modern medicine has advanced significantly since biblical times, the principles of quarantine and isolation remain relevant in contemporary public health practices. The biblical emphasis on community responsibility and care for the vulnerable continues to inform Christian responses to health crises today.1. (n.) An enforced isolation of a person or thing infected with a contagious disease--originally a period of forty days.

2. (n.) Specifically, the term, originally of forty days, during which a ship arriving in port, and suspected of being infected a malignant contagious disease, is obliged to forbear all intercourse with the shore; hence, such restraint or inhibition of intercourse; also, the place where infected or prohibited vessels are stationed.

3. (n.) The period of forty days during which the widow had the privilege of remaining in the mansion house of which her husband died seized.

4. (v. t.) To compel to remain at a distance, or in a given place, without intercourse, when suspected of having contagious disease; to put under, or in, quarantine.

5462. sagar -- to shut, close
... over (2), given (1), given over (1), hand over (1), hands over (1), imprison (1),
imprisons (1), isolate (7), locked (1), pure (9), quarantine (3), quarantined ...
/hebrew/5462.htm - 6k

A Battle with Smallpox
... As soon as we were convinced of the nature of the disease, we sent for a physician
to come and quarantine us so that others would be protected, and the battle ...
/.../cole/trials and triumphs of faith/chapter xx a battle with.htm

Our God of the Impossible
... But, on getting out of quarantine, I found I could not draw on our treasurer
for the fifty dollars needed, as Mr. Goforth was not at home. ...
/.../goforth/how i know god answers prayer/viii our god of the.htm

Mission Work in Chicago
... very earnestly that God would keep him from breaking out until the nature of the
disease could be discovered and the brother be put under quarantine to protect ...
/.../cole/trials and triumphs of faith/chapter xix mission work in.htm

The Third Continental Journey.
... of a shelf or closet. The term of quarantine is fourteen days, but four
days are remitted by the Pope. The heat is oppressive, and ...
/.../chapter xiii the third continental.htm

Joshua Kocherthal.
... 3,000 had sailed from London, only 2,200 were destined to reach their homes in the
New World, 800 having died while en route and in quarantine on Governor's ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bente/american lutheranism/joshua kocherthal.htm

Gifts to the Prodigal
... Perhaps it is right that men who have offended against men should earn restoration
by acts, and should have to ride quarantine, as it were, for a time. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/gifts to the prodigal.htm

To the Rev. G. Browne
... REVD. AND DEAR SIR AND EXCELLENT FRIEND,"I arrived at Cadiz this morning by a small
coasting-vessel, after undergoing a quarantine of four days at Tarifa. ...
/.../borrow/letters of george borrow/to the rev g browne 3.htm

John Mark
... thing that could have been done to his relative to have put him back again without
acknowledgment, without repentance, without his riding quarantine for a bit ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/john mark.htm

The Story of one Furlough (1908-1910)
... measles. During the weeks I was in quarantine with them my throat received
the rest it needed, and became quite restored. * * * *. ...
/.../goforth/how i know god answers prayer/vii the story of one.htm

His Journey to South Russia.
... The quarantine prevented us from landing at Syra; but I conveyed a note through
the English Consul to my old friend Hildner, who came alongside our steamer. ...
/.../chapter xix his journey to.htm

Quarantine (3 Occurrences)
... vt) To compel to remain at a distance, or in a given place, without intercourse,
when suspected of having contagious disease; to put under, or in, quarantine. ...
/q/quarantine.htm - 8k

Quarantined (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (imp. & pp) of Quarantine. Multi-Version Concordance
Quarantined (1 Occurrence). Leviticus 14:46 "Moreover ...
/q/quarantined.htm - 6k

Quarantania

/q/quarantania.htm - 6k

Leper (34 Occurrences)
... without any details, but in Leviticus 13; Leviticus 14 (Priestly Code) the rules
for the recognition of the disease, the preliminary quarantine periods and the ...
/l/leper.htm - 28k

Leprosy (51 Occurrences)
... without any details, but in Leviticus 13; Leviticus 14 (Priestly Code) the rules
for the recognition of the disease, the preliminary quarantine periods and the ...
/l/leprosy.htm - 37k

Who was Miriam in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

What is the meaning of impurity in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Is an online church service a valid way to do church? | GotQuestions.org

Quarantine: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus