Leviticus 13:20
Leviticus 13:20 in Multiple Translations
The priest shall examine it, and if it appears to be beneath the skin and the hair in it has turned white, the priest shall pronounce him unclean; it is a diseased infection that has broken out in the boil.
And if, when the priest seeth it, behold, it be in sight lower than the skin, and the hair thereof be turned white; the priest shall pronounce him unclean: it is a plague of leprosy broken out of the boil.
and the priest shall look; and, behold, if the appearance thereof be lower than the skin, and the hair thereof be turned white, then the priest shall pronounce him unclean: it is the plague of leprosy, it hath broken out in the boil.
And after looking at it, if it seems to go deeper than the skin, and the hair on it is turned white, then the priest will say that the man is unclean: it is the leper's disease, it has come out in the bad place.
The priest shall inspect it, and if it seems to be more than something on the surface, and if the hair there has turned white, the priest shall declare him unclean. It is a serious skin disease that has infected the boil.
And when the Priest seeth it, if it appeare lower then the skinne, and the heare thereof bee changed into white, ye Priest then shall pronounce him vncleane: for it is a plague of leprosie, broken out in the bile.
and the priest hath seen, and lo, its appearance [is] lower than the skin, and its hair hath turned white, and the priest hath pronounced him unclean; it [is] a plague of leprosy — in an ulcer it hath broken out.
The priest shall examine it. Behold, if its appearance is deeper than the skin, and its hair has turned white, then the priest shall pronounce him unclean. It is the plague of leprosy. It has broken out in the boil.
And if, when the priest seeth it, behold, it is in sight lower than the skin, and the hair of it is turned white; the priest shall pronounce him unclean: it is a plague of leprosy broken out of the boil.
And when he shall see the place of the leprosy lower than the other flesh, and the hair turned white, he shall declare him unclean, for the plague of leprosy is broken out in the ulcer.
The priest must examine it. And if it seems to be deeper than just on the skin, and if the hair in that spot has become white, it is a contagious skin disease that has appeared where the boil had been. And the priest will declare that the person must stay away from other people.
Berean Amplified Bible — Leviticus 13:20
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Leviticus 13:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/רָאָ֣ה
הַ/כֹּהֵ֗ן
וְ/הִנֵּ֤ה
מַרְאֶ֨/הָ֙
שָׁפָ֣ל
מִן
הָ/ע֔וֹר
וּ/שְׂעָרָ֖/הּ
הָפַ֣ךְ
לָבָ֑ן
וְ/טִמְּא֧/וֹ
הַ/כֹּהֵ֛ן
נֶֽגַע
צָרַ֥עַת
הִ֖וא
בַּ/שְּׁחִ֥ין
פָּרָֽחָה
וְ/רָאָ֣ה
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
הַ/כֹּהֵ֗ן
kôhên
H3548
priest
Art | N-ms
וְ/הִנֵּ֤ה
hinnêh
H2009
behold
Conj | Part
מַרְאֶ֨/הָ֙
marʼeh
H4758
appearance
N-ms | Suff
שָׁפָ֣ל
shâphâl
H8217
low
Adj
מִן
min
H4480
from
Prep
הָ/ע֔וֹר
ʻôwr
H5785
skin
Art | N-ms
וּ/שְׂעָרָ֖/הּ
sêʻâr
H8181
hair
Conj | N-ms | Suff
הָפַ֣ךְ
hâphak
H2015
to overturn
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
לָבָ֑ן
lâbân
H3836
white
Adj
וְ/טִמְּא֧/וֹ
ṭâmêʼ
H2930
to defile
Conj | V-Piel-3ms | Suff
הַ/כֹּהֵ֛ן
kôhên
H3548
priest
Art | N-ms
נֶֽגַע
negaʻ
H5061
plague
N-ms
צָרַ֥עַת
tsâraʻath
H6883
leprosy
N-fs
הִ֖וא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
בַּ/שְּׁחִ֥ין
shᵉchîyn
H7822
boil
Prep | N-ms
פָּרָֽחָה
pârach
H6524
to sprout
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Leviticus 13:20
וְ/רָאָ֣ה
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
הַ/כֹּהֵ֗ן
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.
וְ/הִנֵּ֤ה
hinnêh
H2009
"behold"
Conj | Part
This Hebrew word is an expression that means 'behold' or 'look', often used to draw attention to something. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, and is translated as 'behold' or 'lo' in the KJV.
Definition: behold, lo, see, if
Usage: Occurs in 799 OT verses. KJV: behold, lo, see. See also: Genesis 1:29; Genesis 42:35; Deuteronomy 19:18.
מַרְאֶ֨/הָ֙
marʼeh
H4758
"appearance"
N-ms | Suff
This Hebrew word refers to a sight or appearance, and can describe something beautiful or a supernatural vision. It encompasses various aspects of seeing, including physical and mental perceptions, and is used in different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) sight, appearance, vision 1a) sight, phenomenon, spectacle, appearance, vision 1b) what is seen 1c) a vision (supernatural) 1d) sight, vision (power of seeing)
Usage: Occurs in 82 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] apparently, appearance(-reth), [idiom] as soon as beautiful(-ly), countenance, fair, favoured, form, goodly, to look (up) on (to), look(-eth), pattern, to see, seem, sight, visage, vision. See also: Genesis 2:9; Job 41:1; Isaiah 11:3.
שָׁפָ֣ל
shâphâl
H8217
"low"
Adj
This word means to be low or humble, either in physical height or in social status, often used to describe someone's character or condition. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament, such as in Psalms and Proverbs. It signifies a lack of pride or arrogance.
Definition: 1) low, humble 1a) low (in height) 1b) low (in station), humble (of condition or spirit) 1c) humiliated 1d) lowly (as subst)
Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: base(-st), humble, low(-er, -ly). See also: Leviticus 13:20; Ecclesiastes 12:4; Psalms 138:6.
מִן
min
H4480
"from"
Prep
This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.
Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)
Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.
הָ/ע֔וֹר
ʻôwr
H5785
"skin"
Art | 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.
וּ/שְׂעָרָ֖/הּ
sêʻâr
H8181
"hair"
Conj | N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this word refers to hair on people or animals, like in Leviticus 13:30 where it talks about hair loss. It can also describe a hairy garment.
Definition: 1) hair 1a) hair (of animals, man) 1b) hair (of garment made of hair) Aramaic equivalent: se.ar (שְׂעַר "hair" H8177)
Usage: Occurs in 27 OT verses. KJV: hair(-y), [idiom] rough. See also: Genesis 25:25; Leviticus 14:8; Psalms 68:22.
הָפַ֣ךְ
hâphak
H2015
"to overturn"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
To overturn means to turn something around or change it completely, often implying a reversal or transformation. This can be seen in the Bible when something is turned upside down or changed radically.
Definition: 1) to turn, overthrow, overturn 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to overturn, overthrow 1a2) to turn, turn about, turn over, turn around 1a3) to change, transform 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to turn oneself, turn, turn back 1b2) to change oneself 1b3) to be perverse 1b4) to be turned, be turned over, be changed, be turned against 1b5) to be reversed 1b6) to be overturned, be overthrown 1b7) to be upturned 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to transform oneself 1c2) to turn this way and that, turn every way 1d) (Hophal) to turn on someone
Usage: Occurs in 92 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] become, change, come, be converted, give, make (a bed), overthrow (-turn), perverse, retire, tumble, turn (again, aside, back, to the contrary, every way). See also: Genesis 3:24; Job 30:15; Psalms 30:12.
לָבָ֑ן
lâbân
H3836
"white"
Adj
Means white in Hebrew, used to describe something pure or clean, like freshly fallen snow.
Definition: white
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: white. See also: Genesis 30:35; Leviticus 13:21; Zechariah 6:6.
וְ/טִמְּא֧/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/כֹּהֵ֛ן
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.
נֶֽגַע
negaʻ
H5061
"plague"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word refers to a plague or disease, like leprosy. It is used in Leviticus to describe the effects of sin and in Deuteronomy to warn against disobedience. The word can also mean a wound or a spot.
Definition: 1) stroke, plague, disease, mark, plague spot 1a) stroke, wound 1b) stroke (metaphorical of disease) 1c) mark (of leprosy)
Usage: Occurs in 62 OT verses. KJV: plague, sore, stricken, stripe, stroke, wound. See also: Genesis 12:17; Leviticus 13:55; Psalms 38:12.
צָרַ֥עַת
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.
הִ֖וא
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.
בַּ/שְּׁחִ֥ין
shᵉchîyn
H7822
"boil"
Prep | N-ms
This word describes a boil or inflamed spot, which can refer to leprosy or other skin conditions in the Bible.
Definition: 1) boil, inflamed spot, inflammation, eruption 1a) of man, leprosy, of man and beast
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: boil, botch. See also: Exodus 9:9; Leviticus 13:23; Isaiah 38:21.
פָּרָֽחָה
pârach
H6524
"to sprout"
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
This verb means to fly or bloom, describing something that spreads out or flourishes. It can also mean to break forth like a bud or to grow abundantly. It's used to picture flourishing or spreading out.
Definition: 1) to bud, sprout, shoot, bloom 1a) (Qal) to bud, sprout, send out shoots, blossom 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to bud or sprout 1b2) to show buds or sprouts
Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abroad, [idiom] abundantly, blossom, break forth (out), bud, flourish, make fly, grow, spread, spring (up). See also: Genesis 40:10; Psalms 92:14; Psalms 72:7.
Study Notes — Leviticus 13:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Leviticus 13:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 13:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 13:20
- Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 13:20
- Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 13:20
- Barnes' Notes on Leviticus 13:20
- Sermons on Leviticus 13:20
Context — Laws about Skin Diseases
18When a boil appears on someone’s skin and it heals,
19and a white swelling or a reddish-white spot develops where the boil was, he must present himself to the priest.
20The priest shall examine it, and if it appears to be beneath the skin and the hair in it has turned white, the priest shall pronounce him unclean; it is a diseased infection that has broken out in the boil.
21But when the priest examines it, if there is no white hair in it, and it is not beneath the skin and has faded, the priest shall isolate him for seven days. 22If it spreads any further on the skin, the priest must pronounce him unclean; it is an infection.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | John 5:14 | Afterward, Jesus found the man at the temple and said to him, “See, you have been made well. Stop sinning, or something worse may happen to you.” |
| 2 | Leviticus 13:3 | The priest is to examine the infection on his skin, and if the hair in the infection has turned white and the sore appears to be deeper than the skin, it is a skin disease. After the priest examines him, he must pronounce him unclean. |
| 3 | 2 Peter 2:20 | If indeed they have escaped the corruption of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, only to be entangled and overcome by it again, their final condition is worse than it was at first. |
| 4 | Matthew 12:45 | Then it goes and brings with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and dwell there; and the final plight of that man is worse than the first. So will it be with this wicked generation.” |
Leviticus 13:20 Summary
Leviticus 13:20 teaches us that God cares about our physical and spiritual well-being, and He has given us guidelines to follow for our own good, as seen in Deuteronomy 10:12-13. The priest's examination of the boil is a reminder that God examines our hearts, and we must be willing to submit to His standards, as mentioned in Psalm 51:10. Just as the presence of white hair in the boil signifies a deeper issue, we must be aware of the signs of spiritual infection in our lives and seek God's cleansing, as promised in 1 John 1:9.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the priest examining the boil in Leviticus 13:20?
The priest's examination is crucial in determining whether the boil is a sign of a diseased infection, as seen in Leviticus 13:20, and this process is similar to how God examines our hearts, as mentioned in Proverbs 17:3.
Why does the presence of white hair in the boil make it unclean?
The white hair in the boil, as stated in Leviticus 13:20, signifies a deeper infection, much like how sin can infect our lives, as warned in Psalm 51:5.
How does this verse relate to the concept of spiritual cleanliness?
Just as the boil needed to be examined and declared clean or unclean, our spiritual state needs to be examined in light of God's Word, as seen in Psalm 139:23-24, to ensure we are living a life pleasing to Him.
What can we learn from the priest's role in declaring someone unclean?
The priest's role, as seen in Leviticus 13:20, teaches us about the importance of spiritual authority and the need for humility in submitting to God's standards, as emphasized in Hebrews 13:17.
Reflection Questions
- How do I respond when God examines my life and reveals areas of 'infection' or sin?
- In what ways can I apply the principle of examination and cleansing in my own spiritual walk, as illustrated in Leviticus 13:20?
- What are some 'boils' in my life that I have been trying to hide or ignore, and how can I bring them before God for healing?
- How can I balance the need for spiritual cleanliness with the reality of living in a fallen world, as discussed in Leviticus 13:20 and Romans 7:14-25?
Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 13:20
And if, when the priest seeth it,.... And has thoroughly viewed it and considered it: behold, it [be] in sight lower than the skin; having eaten into and taken root in the flesh under the skin: and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 13:20
The flesh also, in which, even in the skin thereof, was a boil, and is healed, a boil , [ shªchiyn (H7822), a burning sore, an inflamed ulcer; Septuagint, helkos]; and
Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 13:20
(20) Behold, it be in sight lower than the skin.—Better, Behold, its appearance is lower than the other skin. If upon examination the priest finds that the spot has assumed a deeper appearance than the rest of the skin, and the hair turned white—which were the two critical symptoms—he forthwith declared it leprosy.
Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 13:20
Leprosy developing in the place of an old boil or a burn (18–28) The distinguishing marks of leprosy are similar to those already indicated; it would seem that in these cases they are more easily recognised, for only one shutting up for seven days is required. The Heb. word (shĕ ?ḥ ?în) for ‘boil’ is used of Hezekiah (2 Kings 20:7) and Job (Job 2:7); also for ‘the botch (boil R.V.) of Egypt’ (Deuteronomy 28:17). As Egypt was notorious for malignant skin diseases, this expression may denote some form of leprosy.
Barnes' Notes on Leviticus 13:20
Lower than the skin - Rather, reaching below the scarf skin.
Sermons on Leviticus 13:20
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Fullness of Life by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the audience's personal infirmities and challenges them to be honest with themselves and with God. He uses the story of a man with an infirmit |
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Sanctification : 2. a Renewed Soul by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the importance of renewing our minds in order to be transformed into the likeness of Christ. The mind is emphasized as a crucial part of our |
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A Shocking Christmas Message by Shane Idleman | This sermon emphasizes the seriousness of sin and the need for repentance, highlighting Jesus' direct commands to 'go and sin no more' to individuals caught in sin. It challenges t |
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The Blessing of Affliction by Bill McLeod | In this sermon, the preacher shares a personal anecdote about a man named Brother Harry who initially struggled with his preaching. However, after surrendering to God, his life tur |
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God Can Meet Our Every Need by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the power of even a brief contribution in a meeting. He encourages listeners to trust in God's ability to bless others through their short wo |
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The 'No More' of Grace by Roy Hession | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of freedom in the New Testament. He emphasizes that freedom does not mean being completely immune to evil, but rather being made f |
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John's Gospel - a Victim of Self-Help by John Vissers | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that there are various options people often choose when faced with problems in life. These options include relying on superstitions, blaming |