# The Leper explained — Olney Hymns

> Chapter companion for Olney Hymns by John Newton.

## What happens

The poem reflects on the leper's condition as a metaphor for sin, describing the initial denial, the inability to hide the disease, the isolation from others, and the desperate cry to Jesus for healing. It culminates in the Savior's gracious response, 'I will—be clean,' and the restoration of health, concluding with an invitation for all sinners to seek the same grace.

## Themes in this chapter

### Grace and Unmerited Favor

The leper's healing is an act of grace, as Jesus responds to the cry of faith with compassion and power, cleansing the unclean.

### Human Sinfulness and Depravity

Sin is depicted as a leprosy—incurable, defiling, and impossible to hide, emphasizing the depth of human depravity.

## Character check-ins

### The Leper

The speaker identifies with the leper, describing the experience of sin as a leprosy that cannot be hidden or cured by self-effort.

### Jesus Christ

The Savior who passes by, hears the leper's cry, and pronounces the healing word, demonstrating both power and love.

## Key lines

> Sin is a leprosy indeed Which none but Christ can heal.

Sin is like a serious skin disease that only Jesus can cure.

_The poem equates sin with leprosy, emphasizing its severity and the exclusive healing power of Christ._

> I will—be clean, and while he spoke I felt my health restored.

Jesus said, 'I am willing; be cleansed,' and instantly the leper was healed.

_This directly echoes the biblical account, highlighting the authority and compassion of Jesus._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/82-the-leper
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters