Original Word: λεπρός
Part of Speech: Adjective
Transliteration: lepros
Pronunciation: le-PRŌS
Phonetic Spelling: (lep-ros')
KJV: leper
NASB: leper, lepers, leprous
Word Origin: [from lepo "to peel"]

1. scaly, i.e. leprous (a leper)

leper.

From the same as lepra; scaly, i.e. Leprous (a leper) -- leper.

see GREEK lepra

3015 leprós – leprous, also used (substantively) of a leper.

Word Origin
from lepis
Definition
scaly, leprous
NASB Translation
leper (4), lepers (4), leprous (1).

STRONGS NT 3015: λεπρός

λεπρός, λεπροῦ, ὁ (as if for λεπερος, from λεπίς, λεπος, λεπρεος, τό, a scale, husk, bark);

1. in Greek writings scaly, rough.

2. specifically, leprous, affected with leprosy (the Sept. several times for מְצֹרָע and צָרוּעַ ; (Theophrastus, c., p. 2, 6, 4) see λέπρα): Matthew 8:2; Matthew 10:8; Matthew 11:5; Mark 1:40; Luke 4:27; Luke 7:22; Luke 17:12; of one ((Simon)) who had formerly been a leper, Matthew 26:6; Mark 14:3.

Definition and Scope

The term refers to a person who is visibly afflicted with a chronic skin condition broadly called “leprosy” in English translations. In Scripture the word emphasizes the state of ritual uncleanness rather than the specific medical diagnosis that modern medicine labels Hansen’s disease.

Leprosy in Biblical Culture

• Considered both a physical malady and a ceremonial stigma.
• Generated social isolation: “He shall live alone; his dwelling shall be outside the camp” (Leviticus 13:46).
• Required priestly inspection for diagnosis and for any declaration of cleansing (Leviticus 14).
• Symbolized sin’s corrosive spread and the need for divine intervention.

New Testament Occurrences (9)

1. Matthew 8:2; Mark 1:40 – An individual leper approaches Jesus in faith and is immediately cleansed.
2. Matthew 11:5; Luke 7:22 – Jesus cites the cleansing of lepers as evidence that messianic prophecy is being fulfilled: “The blind receive sight… the lepers are cleansed.”
3. Luke 4:27 – Jesus recalls that “there were many lepers in Israel… yet not one of them was cleansed except Naaman the Syrian,” underscoring divine sovereignty and foreshadowing Gentile inclusion.
4. Luke 17:12 – Ten lepers cry out for mercy; only one, a Samaritan, returns to give glory to God, illustrating gratitude and faith.
5. Matthew 10:8 – Jesus commissions the Twelve: “Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons.”
6. Matthew 26:6; Mark 14:3 – Simon the leper hosts Jesus in Bethany, showing that former lepers could be fully reintegrated into community life after cleansing.

Messianic Significance

Isaiah 35:5–6 foretells that in the coming age the disabled would be healed; cleansing lepers is therefore a messianic sign. Jesus’ ministry validates His identity, while His disciples’ ability to do the same demonstrates the kingdom’s in-breaking power.

Ritual Cleansing as Typology of Salvation

The elaborate Mosaic rites for restoration (Leviticus 14), including sacrifice, washing, and anointing, prefigure the atonement accomplished by Christ. Physical cleansing anticipates the deeper purification of heart promised in Hebrews 9:13-14.

Pastoral and Ministry Lessons

• Compassion overrides cultural barriers; Jesus “touched” the untouchable (Mark 1:41), teaching believers to engage the marginalized.
• Healing is holistic: physical restoration, social reintegration, and spiritual renewal.
• Thanksgiving is integral to faith (Luke 17:15-19).

Historical Interpretation in the Church

Patristic writers saw the healed leper as the image of the sinner pardoned by grace. Medieval Christians organized leper hospitals, motivated by Jesus’ example. The Reformers emphasized that cleansing lepers illustrated justification by faith apart from works.

Contemporary Application

Believers are called to reflect Christ’s mercy toward those deemed “unclean” by society—whether through illness, poverty, or stigma—demonstrating the gospel’s power to restore.

λελεπρωμένος λεπροι λεπροί λεπροὶ λεπρόν λεπρος λεπρός λεπρὸς λεπρου λεπρού λεπροῦ λεπρους λεπρούς λεπροὺς leproi leproì lepros lepròs leprou leproû leprous leproùsInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts