Leviticus 13:11
Leviticus 13:11 in Multiple Translations
it is a chronic skin disease and the priest must pronounce him unclean. He need not isolate him, for he is unclean.
It is an old leprosy in the skin of his flesh, and the priest shall pronounce him unclean, and shall not shut him up: for he is unclean.
it is an old leprosy in the skin of his flesh, and the priest shall pronounce him unclean: he shall not shut him up; for he is unclean.
It is an old disease in the skin of his flesh, and the priest will say that he is unclean; he will not have to be shut up, for he is clearly unclean.
it is a serious skin disease and the priest must declare them unclean. He doesn't need to place the person in isolation because they are unclean.
It is an old leprosie in the skin of his flesh: and the Priest shall pronounce him vncleane, and shall not shut him vp, for he is vncleane.
an old leprosy it [is] in the skin of his flesh, and the priest hath pronounced him unclean; he doth not shut him up, for he [is] unclean.
it is a chronic leprosy in the skin of his body, and the priest shall pronounce him unclean. He shall not isolate him, for he is already unclean.
It is an old leprosy in the skin of his flesh, and the priest shall pronounce him unclean, and shall not shut him up; for he is unclean.
It shall be judged an inveterate leprosy, and grown into the skin. The priest therefore shall declare him unclean, and shall not shut him up, because he is evidently unclean.
it is a permanent skin disease, and the priest will declare that he must stay away from other people. The priest does not need to tell that person that he must avoid other people, because other people already are wanting to stay away from him.
Berean Amplified Bible — Leviticus 13:11
BAB
Word Study
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Leviticus 13:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
צָרַ֨עַת
נוֹשֶׁ֤נֶת
הִוא֙
בְּ/ע֣וֹר
בְּשָׂר֔/וֹ
וְ/טִמְּא֖/וֹ
הַ/כֹּהֵ֑ן
לֹ֣א
יַסְגִּרֶ֔/נּוּ
כִּ֥י
טָמֵ֖א
הֽוּא
צָרַ֨עַת
tsâraʻath
H6883
leprosy
N-fs
נוֹשֶׁ֤נֶת
yâshên
H3462
to sleep
V-Niphal
הִוא֙
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
בְּ/ע֣וֹר
ʻôwr
H5785
skin
Prep | N-ms
בְּשָׂר֔/וֹ
bâsâr
H1320
flesh
N-ms | Suff
וְ/טִמְּא֖/וֹ
ṭâmêʼ
H2930
to defile
Conj | V-Piel-3ms | Suff
הַ/כֹּהֵ֑ן
kôhên
H3548
priest
Art | N-ms
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יַסְגִּרֶ֔/נּוּ
çâgar
H5462
to shut
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms | Suff
כִּ֥י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
טָמֵ֖א
ṭâmêʼ
H2931
unclean
Adj
הֽוּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Leviticus 13:11
צָרַ֨עַת
tsâraʻath
H6883
"leprosy"
N-fs
Leprosy is a skin disease that appears in Leviticus 13-14, where Moses gives rules for diagnosing and treating it. It also refers to mildew in clothing and buildings. In the Bible, leprosy is often a symbol of sin and uncleanness.
Definition: 1) leprosy 1a) in people, malignant skin disease (Le 13:1-14:57) 1b) in clothing, a mildew or mould (Le 13:47-52) 1c) in buildings, a mildew or mould (Le 14:34-53)
Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: leprosy. See also: Leviticus 13:2; Leviticus 13:51; 2 Chronicles 26:19.
נוֹשֶׁ֤נֶת
yâshên
H3462
"to sleep"
V-Niphal
Means to sleep or be lazy, it also implies growing old or stale, as seen in the story of David's mighty warriors in 2 Samuel 23:32. It can also mean to die or be in a deep sleep. This word is used to describe a state of inactivity.
Definition: 1) to sleep, be asleep 1a) (Qal) to sleep, go to sleep, be asleep 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to remain a long time, be stored up 1b2) to be festering (of leprosy) 1c) (Piel) to cause to sleep, entice to sleep
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: old (store), remain long, (make to) sleep. See also: Genesis 2:21; Psalms 4:9; Psalms 3:6.
הִוא֙
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
בְּ/ע֣וֹר
ʻôwr
H5785
"skin"
Prep | N-ms
This Hebrew word means skin, like human skin or animal hide, and is used in the Bible to describe leather. It appears in Exodus 25:5 to describe the materials used to build the tabernacle. The word is also used in Genesis 3:21 to describe the clothing God made for Adam and Eve.
Definition: 1) skin, hide 1a) skin (of men) 1b) hide (of animals)
Usage: Occurs in 82 OT verses. KJV: hide, leather, skin. See also: Genesis 3:21; Leviticus 13:35; Jeremiah 13:23.
בְּשָׂר֔/וֹ
bâsâr
H1320
"flesh"
N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word for flesh refers to the body or a person, and can also describe living things or animals. In the Bible, it is used to describe humans and animals, as in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: 1) flesh 1a) of the body 1a1) of humans 1a2) of animals 1b) the body itself 1c) male organ of generation (euphemism) 1d) kindred, blood-relations 1e) flesh as frail or erring (man against God) 1f) all living things 1g) animals 1h) mankind Aramaic equivalent: be.shar (בְּשַׁר "flesh" H1321)
Usage: Occurs in 241 OT verses. KJV: body, (fat, lean) flesh(-ed), kin, (man-) kind, [phrase] nakedness, self, skin. See also: Genesis 2:21; Numbers 11:21; Psalms 16:9.
וְ/טִמְּא֖/וֹ
ṭâmêʼ
H2930
"to defile"
Conj | V-Piel-3ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means to be foul or contaminated, often in a moral or ceremonial sense. It is used in the Bible to describe something that is unclean or polluted. In the book of Leviticus, it talks about being unclean and how to become clean again.
Definition: 1) to be unclean, become unclean, become impure 1a) (Qal) to be or become unclean 1a1) sexually 1a2) religiously 1a3) ceremonially 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to defile oneself, be defiled 1b1a) sexually 1b1b) by idolatry 1b1c) ceremonially 1b2) to be regarded as unclean 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to defile 1c1a) sexually 1c1b) religiously 1c1c) ceremonially 1c2) to pronounce unclean, declare unclean (ceremonially) 1c3) to profane (God's name) 1d) (Pual) to be defiled 1e) (Hithpael) to be unclean 1f) (Hothpael) to be defiled
Usage: Occurs in 142 OT verses. KJV: defile (self), pollute (self), be (make, make self, pronounce) unclean, [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 34:5; Leviticus 22:5; Psalms 79:1.
הַ/כֹּהֵ֑ן
kôhên
H3548
"priest"
Art | N-ms
In the Bible, a priest is a person who serves God and leads others in worship, like the Levitical priests in Exodus. They were responsible for making sacrifices and following God's laws. This term is also used to describe Jesus as a priest-king.
Definition: 1) priest, principal officer or chief ruler 1a) priest-king (Melchizedek, Messiah) 1b) pagan priests 1c) priests of Jehovah 1d) Levitical priests 1e) Zadokite priests 1f) Aaronic priests 1g) the high priest Aramaic equivalent: ka.hen (כָּהֵן "priest" H3549)
Usage: Occurs in 653 OT verses. KJV: chief ruler, [idiom] own, priest, prince, principal officer. See also: Genesis 14:18; Leviticus 13:33; Numbers 17:2.
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יַסְגִּרֶ֔/נּוּ
çâgar
H5462
"to shut"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms | Suff
To shut means to close something, like a door or a container. In the Bible, this word is used to describe surrendering or giving something up, like in the book of Ezra where the Israelites shut themselves in to pray.
Definition: 1) to shut, close 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to shut 1a2) to close, close up 1a3) closed up, closely joined, shut up 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be shut up 1b2) to be shut or closed 1c) (Piel) to shut up, deliver up 1d) (Pual) to be shut up 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to deliver up 1e2) to shut up, imprison 2) pure gold Aramaic equivalent: se.gar (סְגַר "to shut" H5463)
Usage: Occurs in 87 OT verses. KJV: close up, deliver (up), give over (up), inclose, [idiom] pure, repair, shut (in, self, out, up, up together), stop, [idiom] straitly. See also: Genesis 2:21; 1 Kings 11:27; Psalms 17:10.
כִּ֥י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
טָמֵ֖א
ṭâmêʼ
H2931
"unclean"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to be unclean in a spiritual sense, often due to sin or impurity, as seen in Leviticus. It can refer to people, places, or things. The concept is key to understanding biblical purity laws.
Definition: 1) unclean, impure 1a) ethically and religiously 1b) ritually 1c) of places
Usage: Occurs in 78 OT verses. KJV: defiled, [phrase] infamous, polluted(-tion), unclean. See also: Leviticus 5:2; Numbers 9:6; Isaiah 6:5.
הֽוּא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
Study Notes — Leviticus 13:11
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Leviticus 13:11 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 13:11
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 13:11
- Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 13:11
- Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 13:11
- Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 13:11
- Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 13:11
Context — Laws about Skin Diseases
9When anyone develops a skin disease, he must be brought to the priest.
10The priest will examine him, and if there is a white swelling on the skin that has turned the hair white, and there is raw flesh in the swelling,
11it is a chronic skin disease and the priest must pronounce him unclean. He need not isolate him, for he is unclean.
12But if the skin disease breaks out all over his skin so that it covers all the skin of the infected person from head to foot, as far as the priest can see, 13the priest shall examine him, and if the disease has covered his entire body, he is to pronounce the infected person clean. Since it has all turned white, he is clean.Leviticus 13:11 Summary
In Leviticus 13:11, we see that the priest has the authority to declare someone unclean if they have a chronic skin disease. This means that the person is not allowed to participate in certain activities or be around others, as a way of maintaining ritual purity, similar to the instructions in Numbers 5:2-3. This concept of uncleanness can also remind us of our own spiritual impurity and the need for cleansing through faith in God, as promised in 1 John 1:9 and Hebrews 9:14. Just as the priest examines the skin disease to determine its severity, we should examine our own hearts and lives to seek spiritual purity and redemption, as encouraged in 2 Corinthians 13:5 and Lamentations 3:40.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the priest's examination in Leviticus 13:11?
The priest's examination is to determine the severity and type of skin disease, as outlined in Leviticus 13:9-10, in order to make a pronouncement of cleanness or uncleanness, as seen in Leviticus 13:11 and Numbers 5:2-3.
Why does the priest not need to isolate the person with a chronic skin disease in Leviticus 13:11?
The person is already considered unclean, and the purpose of isolation is to prevent the spread of the disease to others, but in this case, the disease is chronic and not contagious, as implied by the lack of isolation instructions, unlike in Leviticus 13:4-5.
How does the concept of uncleanness in Leviticus 13:11 relate to spiritual purity?
The concept of uncleanness in Leviticus 13:11 serves as a physical illustration of the spiritual impurity that results from sin, as seen in Isaiah 64:6 and Romans 3:23, highlighting the need for spiritual cleansing and redemption through faith in God, as promised in 1 John 1:9 and Hebrews 9:14.
What is the significance of the priest's role in declaring someone unclean in Leviticus 13:11?
The priest's role in declaring someone unclean serves as a reminder of God's holiness and the importance of maintaining ritual purity, as emphasized in Exodus 28:3 and Leviticus 10:10, and points to the future role of Jesus Christ as our High Priest, who cleanses us from sin, as seen in Hebrews 4:14-16 and 1 Timothy 2:5.
Reflection Questions
- What does the concept of uncleanness in Leviticus 13:11 reveal about God's character and His desire for purity in our lives?
- How can we apply the principle of spiritual cleansing, as implied in Leviticus 13:11, to our own lives and relationships with God and others?
- In what ways can the priest's examination and pronouncement in Leviticus 13:11 serve as a reminder of our need for spiritual examination and repentance, as encouraged in 2 Corinthians 13:5 and Lamentations 3:40?
- What does the distinction between chronic and acute skin diseases in Leviticus 13:11 teach us about God's attention to detail and care for our physical and spiritual well-being, as seen in Matthew 10:30 and Psalm 139:13-14?
Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 13:11
It [is] an old leprosy in the skin of his flesh,.... An inveterate one, of long standing and continuance, an obstinate one, not to be cured by medicine; as this sort of leprosy was, and therefore the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 13:11
And the priest shall see him: and, behold, if the rising be white in the skin, and it have turned the hair white, and there be quick raw flesh in the rising; If the rising be white.
Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 13:11
Leviticus 13:11 It [is] an old leprosy in the skin of his flesh, and the priest shall pronounce him unclean, and shall not shut him up: for he [is] unclean.Ver. 11. It is an old leprosy.] So habituated sinners, that are crooked and aged with good opinions of themselves, these are seldom or never set straight again.
Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 13:11
(11) It is an old leprosy.—Either of these symptoms showed that it was the re-appearance of the old distemper, and rendered quarantine needless. The priest is, therefore, to pronounce him unclean at once.
Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 13:11
9–17. The first part of this section is obscure; most modern commentators explain Leviticus 13:9-11 as referring to another form of leprosy in which the rising described in Leviticus 13:10 appears without any of the premonitory symptoms of Lev 13:2; if in addition to the white hair (already mentioned in Leviticus 13:3) there is ‘quick raw flesh’ (Leviticus 13:10) in the rising, this is a sure sign of leprosy, and the man must be declared unclean at once without waiting for any further examination. By ‘quick raw flesh’ (Heb. ‘the rawness of raw flesh,’ or lit. ‘the quickness of quick flesh’) is understood an appearance like that of raw meat. The Heb. words for ‘raw flesh’ [bâsâr ḥ ?ay] are used of raw meat in 1 Samuel 2:15; Prof. Macalister describes it as ‘red granulation tissue’ (HDB. iii. 96a). The words ‘old leprosy’ must then mean a leprosy of long standing which has not manifested itself in the preliminary stages, but, when first noticed, shews this definite indication of the disease. It is possible that these verses may include the case when the first symptoms described in Leviticus 13:2 have been either unobserved or concealed. Another explanation of Lev 13:9-11 is that they describe a fresh outbreak in one who has been pronounced clean, or who has been cured of a previous attack. The traditional interpretation of ‘quick raw flesh’ (the quickening of living flesh, A. V. mg.) is ‘sound flesh.’ The appearance of this sound flesh in a rising was, in the opinion of the rabbis, evidence that an old leprosy had developed fresh activity.
The words of Lev 13:7, ‘after that he hath shewn himself to the priest for his cleansing,’ are by some considered as referring to the third of the inspections prescribed in Leviticus 13:2-6. It has been observed that the suspected person at the first and second inspection must either be pronounced unclean, or shut up for further enquiry, and he cannot be pronounced clean till the third examination. Then Leviticus 13:7-8 would refer to the reappearance of leprous symptoms after a man had been pronounced clean by the priest, and Leviticus 13:9-11 would supply further rules for such cases.
Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 13:11
10-12. The rising — This was a decisive indication when it was white and accompanied by white hair and raw flesh in the swelling.