Overview
Scurvy was a debilitating disease characterized by weakness, bleeding gums, and deteriorating skin. In biblical times, it resulted from prolonged nutritional deficiency during difficult seasons or travel. Scripture references it as a physical ailment that affected one's ability to serve in sacred duties.
Key Scriptures
"No one of your offspring throughout their generations who has a blemish may approach to offer the bread of his God. For no one who has a blemish shall draw near, a man blind or lame, or one who has a mutilated face or a limb too long, or a man who has an injured foot or an injured hand, or a hunchback or a dwarf or a man with a defect in his sight or an itching disease or scabs or crushed testicles" (Leviticus 21:17-20, ESV).
"When you bring blind animals for sacrifice, is that not wrong? When you sacrifice lame or diseased animals, is that not wrong?" (Malachi 1:8, NIV).
Application
Though we are no longer under Old Testament ceremonial laws, we honor God by stewarding our physical health as temples of the Holy Spirit and serving Him with our whole selves.