λέπρα
lépra
G3014 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A condition characterized by scaliness of the skin; in Greco-Roman medical and general usage, generally denoting a skin disease marked by white or scaly patches, not necessarily the clinical condition now called Hansen's disease. The term is used more broadly in Hellenistic and biblical literature for various skin afflictions exhibiting scaling, whiteness, or flaking of the skin. In some contexts, refers specifically to a visible disease rendering a person ritually impure or unclean according to Israelite and Second Temple period law.
Semantic Range
scaliness, scaling skin disease, patchy or flaking skin disorder, visible skin condition associated with impurity, any of various skin afflictions causing ritual impurity in biblical contexts
Root / Etymology
From the Greek root λεπ- ('scale, peel') and related to λεπίς ('scale'), indicating something that flakes or peels off. The form λέπρα derives from the idea of scaling or being scaly. Not directly related etymologically to the modern term 'leprosy' beyond its transmission into English from Greek through Latin.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In both classical and Hellenistic Greek, λέπρα refers to a range of scaly skin conditions, as described by ancient physicians (such as Hippocrates and Galen), distinct from but related to other skin diseases (e.g., psōra, φθίριωσις). In the Septuagint, λέπρα is used to translate the Hebrew 'tzara‘at' (צָרַעַת), a term for a range of skin afflictions and sometimes mold/mildew in houses or garments (cf. Leviticus 13–14), though not necessarily the later medical condition known as leprosy (Hansen’s disease). In the New Testament, λέπρα describes conditions causing ritual uncleanness requiring inspection and ritual purification according to Israelite law, not a specific clinical diagnosis. English translations typically render λέπρα as 'leprosy,' but this often misleads modern readers, as the ancient referent was broader and more variable.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from the same as λεπίς; scaliness, i.e. "leprosy":--leprosy.
Root Family
λεπ- (lépra) — to peel, to flake, to scale
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3014-01 |
λέπρα | lepra | N NOM F SG |
leprosy | scaling skin disease | scaling skin disease | 3 |
G3014-02 |
λέπρας | lepras | N GEN F SG |
of leprosy | of scaly skin disease | having seen | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
4 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3014-01 |
Matthew 8:3 | λέπρα | lepra | N NOM F SG |
leprosy | scaling skin disease | scaling skin disease |
G3014-01 |
Mark 1:42 | λέπρα | lepra | N NOM F SG |
leprosy | scaling skin disease | scaling skin disease |
G3014-02 |
Luke 5:12 | λέπρας | lepras | N GEN F SG |
of leprosy | of scaly skin disease | having seen |
G3014-01 |
Luke 5:13 | λέπρα | lepra | N NOM F SG |
leprosy | scaling skin disease | scaling skin disease |