Bible Dictionary
TETTER
Tetter is a pale-white skin eruption mentioned in Leviticus 13. Unlike leprosy, it was not considered a source of ceremonial uncleanness; the condition is commonly identified with vitiligo.
Definition
Tetter is a pale-white eruption or spot on the skin. It is commonly identified with vitiligo and is described as arising from a diseased condition without roughness, scales, or ulceration. Although difficult to cure, it did not make the sufferer ceremonially unclean.
Biblical Usage
The condition is mentioned in the legislation concerning skin disorders in Leviticus 13. Unlike leprosy as treated in that passage, the pale-white eruption did not render the person unclean.
Historical Background
The term is the Revised Version rendering of the King James Version’s “freckled spot.” The source gives the Latin name vitiligo and records an ancient recommendation of capers and lupins as a remedy.
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>tet'-er (bohaq; alphos): The term "freckled spot" in the King James Version is thus rendered in the Revised Version (British and American). The eruption referred to in Le 13:39 is a pale white spot on the skin. This is described by Gorraeus as an eruption arising from a diseased state of the system without roughness of skin, scales or ulceration. It did not render the sufferer unclean, although it is difficult of cure. The disease is commonly known by its Latin name vitiligo. Pliny recommended the use of capers and lupins to remove it.</p><p>See FRECKLED SPOT; LEPROSY.</p>