The Hebrew word garab refers to a skin disease characterized by rough, scabby inflammation — likely a form of mange or eczema. It appears in the priestly legislation of Leviticus and Deuteronomy among the list of blemishes that disqualify priests from service and animals from sacrifice. The term reflects the ancient Israelite concern with bodily wholeness as a symbol of ritual purity.
In the Levitical system, bodily integrity symbolized spiritual wholeness. A priest with garab could not approach the altar (Lev 21:20), and an animal with such a blemish was unacceptable as an offering (Lev 22:22). This points to the holiness of God requiring that what approaches Him be unblemished — a principle fulfilled ultimately in Christ, the spotless Lamb (1 Pet 1:19). Deuteronomy 28:27 uses garab as one of the covenant curses for disobedience.