Topical Encyclopedia In biblical terminology, the term "scabbed" refers to a condition of the skin that is often associated with impurity or imperfection. This condition is mentioned in the context of the Old Testament laws and regulations, particularly those concerning ceremonial cleanliness and the qualifications for offerings and priesthood.Old Testament References The concept of being "scabbed" is primarily found in the book of Leviticus, which contains detailed laws given to the Israelites regarding cleanliness and holiness. In Leviticus 21:20, the term is used in the context of physical blemishes that disqualify a descendant of Aaron from serving as a priest: "or who is a hunchback or a dwarf, or who has an eye defect or a festering rash or scabs or a crushed testicle." . Here, the presence of scabs is listed among other physical imperfections that render a priest unfit for service at the altar, emphasizing the requirement for physical wholeness in those who serve in the sanctuary. Similarly, in Leviticus 22:22, the term is used concerning animals that are to be offered as sacrifices: "You are not to present to the LORD an animal that is blind, injured, maimed, or has a wart, festering rash, or scabs. You are not to place any of these on the altar as a food offering presented to the LORD." . This regulation underscores the importance of offering only unblemished animals, symbolizing purity and perfection in the sacrifices made to God. Symbolic and Theological Implications The mention of scabs in these contexts highlights the broader biblical theme of holiness and the separation between the sacred and the profane. In the ancient Israelite religious system, physical imperfections were often seen as symbolic of spiritual or moral imperfections. The requirement for priests and sacrifices to be without blemish served as a tangible representation of the holiness that God demands from His people. From a theological perspective, these laws point to the ultimate need for spiritual purity and the perfect sacrifice, which Christians believe is fulfilled in Jesus Christ. The New Testament presents Christ as the unblemished Lamb of God, whose sacrifice atones for the sins of humanity (1 Peter 1:19). Cultural and Historical Context In the ancient Near Eastern context, skin diseases and conditions like scabs were often viewed with suspicion and fear, as they could be contagious and lead to ritual impurity. The Levitical laws provided a framework for maintaining community health and ensuring that the worship of God was conducted in a manner that reflected His holiness. Conclusion The biblical references to being "scabbed" serve as a reminder of the high standards of purity and holiness required by God. They reflect the broader biblical narrative of the need for redemption and the provision of a perfect mediator between God and humanity. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (imp. & p. p.) of Scab.2. (a.) Abounding with scabs; diseased with scabs. 3. (a.) Fig.: Mean; paltry; vile; worthless. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia SCAB, SCABBEDskab, skab'-ed, skabd (yallepheth, micpachath, cappachath, verb sippach; semasia, leichen): These are generic terms for any skin disease in which there are patches of hard crusts on the surface. The commonest of these are the forms now named eczema, herpes and, perhaps, psoriasis, all of which are common in Bible lands. Milder cases in which the disease was localized and in small patches (the semasia of the Septuagint) did not render the bearer unclean, and they were to be distinguished by the priest (Leviticus 13:2, 6) from the more virulent and spreading eruptions which (Leviticus 13:7) were regarded as causes of ceremonial uncleanness. These severer forms are the leichen of Septuagint mentioned in Leviticus 21:20, which disqualified any son of Aaron from serving as a priest, and when affecting an animal rendered it unfit to be offered as a burnt offering (Leviticus 22:22). Hippocrates speaks of these cases as obstinate and persistent, and Galen believed that they might degenerate into leprosy; hence, the terms in which Aeschylus speaks of it (Choephori 281). Celsus, however, recognized that leichen was a papular eruption, not a true scab. The name yallepheth seems to have been given to it on account of the firmness of attachment of the scabs, while the term micpachath refers to its tendency to spread and cover the surface. A cognate word in Ezekiel 13:18 is the name of a large Tallith or prayer veil used by the false prophetesses in Israel (translated "kerchief"). Scabs were especially disfiguring on the head, and this infliction was threatened as a punishment on the daughters of Zion for their wanton haughtiness (Isaiah 3:17). In Middle English, "scab" is used for itch or mange, and as a term of opprobrium, as in Greene, Bacon and Bungay, 35, 1591. Strong's Hebrew 3217. yallepheth -- scab, scurf (an eruptive disease)... scabbed. From an unused root apparently meaning to stick or scrape; scurf or tetter -- scabbed. 3216, 3217. yallepheth. 3218 . Strong's Numbers. /hebrew/3217.htm - 6k Library I Wish Now to Review Your Sacred Rites; and I Pass no Censure on ... Tidings from Jud??a. Rom. xii. 1 False Professors Solemnly Warned What Manner of Man Ought not to Come to Rule. section iii. A Question for a Questioner How the Bishop is to Treat the Innocent, the Guilty, and the ... The Doctrine A Few Sighs from Hell; Thesaurus Scabbed (3 Occurrences)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. SCAB, SCABBED. skab ... Alexander Macalister. Multi-Version Concordance Scabbed (3 Occurrences). Leviticus ... /s/scabbed.htm - 9k Scurvy (3 Occurrences) Scabs (4 Occurrences) Scab (7 Occurrences) Scabbard (6 Occurrences) Ulcerous (1 Occurrence) Overspread (2 Occurrences) Wen (1 Occurrence) Itch (11 Occurrences) Exposeth (1 Occurrence) Resources Scabbed: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Scabbed (3 Occurrences)Leviticus 21:20 Leviticus 22:22 Isaiah 3:17 Subtopics Related Terms |
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