Why the Leper Covered His Mouth: The Hidden Meaning Behind “He Shall Cover His Upper Lip”

The Torah commands that the metzora (leper) “cover his mustache,” as it says: “And he shall cover his upper lip.” (Vayikra 13:45)

What exactly does this mean, and why was it required?

Covering the Face – According to Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch

Rabbi Hirsch explains that the phrase “and he shall cover his upper lip” means the metzora should pull his head covering down over his face, even as far as his mouth — essentially covering his eyes and mouth.

This interpretation follows the Talmudic teaching (Moed Katan 15a): “From ‘he shall cover his upper lip’ we learn that his head must be wrapped.” Thus, the metzora was expected to wrap his head and let the covering hang down to his mouth, concealing his appearance as an outward sign of his isolation and impurity.

How could he walk like that in the street? Rabbi Hirsch suggests the fabric was probably light and semi-transparent, like fine linen or gauze — enough to preserve modesty and distance without completely blocking vision. The metzora, humbled and ashamed, would likely walk with eyes lowered, seeing only the ground beneath his feet.

It was not intended to be comfortable, but to be humbling.

Why Only the Mustache?

Why does the Torah specify “his mustache” and not his entire mouth?

Some commentators explain that the mouth had to remain uncovered so the metzora could fulfill another Torah instruction: “He shall call out: ‘Unclean! Unclean!’”

This public declaration warned others to keep their distance — just as in medieval times, lepers were made to wear bells on their hats to signal their approach.

Still, this explanation seems strained, since one could easily call out even with a covered mouth.

Ibn Ezra: A Practical Protection

Rabbi Abraham ibn Ezra offers a very different understanding.

He explains that “covering the mustache” refers to covering the mouth from below, not from above. In his view, the metzora wrapped a scarf or cloth around his chin and mouth up to the mustache, specifically to keep his saliva from spreading to others.

This interpretation treats the rule as a health measure — a physical safeguard to prevent contamination.

Rabbi Zalman Sorotzkin: A Moral Lesson

Rabbi Zalman Sorotzkin adds a symbolic layer to this command. The metzora’s affliction, he reminds us, traditionally comes as punishment for lashon hara — speaking evil or gossip. The same mouth that caused harm to others must now be covered and silenced.

He cites the Midrash, which says: “His lips shall cling together.” His mouth is literally sealed shut, as a physical sign of the moral damage his words once caused.

May we all be spared from gossip and the spiritual leprosy it brings — and may our mouths be used only for kindness, truth, and peace.