Why Don’t You Use the Word ‘Leprosy’?
Most Bible translations use the word ‘leprosy’ to describe a condition that appears throughout Scripture. But here’s the thing: it wasn’t actually leprosy at all!
The Hebrew word tzaraath (צָרַעַת) described a variety of skin conditions, clothing mold, and even dry rot and mould infecting walls. It wasn’t the same as Hansen’s Disease (modern ‘leprosy’).
So why do most modern Bible translations call it leprosy?
Tradition.
You see, the Greek Septuagint translators chose the most similar word they could find: lepra (λεπρα) — a Greek word which was too specific, meaning psoriasis and similar skin conditions.
Yet the original Hebrew tzaraath (צָרַעַת) was used as a name for:
- Any skin disease or infection that discolors the skin.
- Mold or mildew in clothing.
- Fungal growth in house walls.
Yes, tzaraath refers to any disease, infection, or fungus that discolors the skin, clothing, or walls.
That’s why in our translation, we avoid using the word leprosy. Instead, we use terms like skin disease or infection to more accurately reflect what the original Hebrew text was describing. This helps modern readers better understand what these passages were actually talking about.
So when you see ‘lepers’ in other Bible translations, remember that they could be suffering from any skin disease or infection, not just what we call Hansen’s Disease today.