Leviticus 13:21
Leviticus 13:21 in Multiple Translations
But 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.
But if the priest look on it, and, behold, there be no white hairs therein, and if it be not lower than the skin, but be somewhat dark; then the priest shall shut him up seven days:
But if the priest look on it, and, behold, there be no white hairs therein, and it be not lower than the skin, but be dim; then the priest shall shut him up seven days:
But if, after looking at it, he sees that there are no white hairs on it, and it is not deeper than the skin, and it is not very bright, then let the priest keep him shut up for seven days:
However, if when the priest inspects it, it doesn't have white hair in it and doesn't seem to be more than superficial, and has faded, the priest is to place the person in isolation for seven days.
But if the Priest looke on it, and there be no white heares therein, and if it bee not lower then the skin, but be darker, then the Priest shall shut him vp seuen dayes.
'And if the priest see it, and lo, there is no white hair in it, and it is not lower than the skin, and is become weak, then hath the priest shut him up seven days;
But if the priest examines it, and behold, there are no white hairs in it, and it isn’t deeper than the skin, but is dim, then the priest shall isolate him seven days.
But if the priest shall look on it, and behold, there are no white hairs in it, and if it is not lower than the skin, but somewhat dark; then the priest shall shut him up seven days:
But if the hair be of the former colour, and the scar somewhat obscure, and be not lower than the flesh that is near it, he shall shut him up seven days.
But when the priest examines it, if there is no white hair in that spot and it is only on the surface of the skin and has become less bright/shiny, then the priest will order him to stay away from other people for seven days.
Berean Amplified Bible — Leviticus 13:21
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 13:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/אִ֣ם
יִרְאֶ֣/נָּה
הַ/כֹּהֵ֗ן
וְ/הִנֵּ֤ה
אֵֽין
בָּ/הּ֙
שֵׂעָ֣ר
לָבָ֔ן
וּ/שְׁפָלָ֥ה
אֵינֶ֛/נָּה
מִן
הָ/ע֖וֹר
וְ/הִ֣יא
כֵהָ֑ה
וְ/הִסְגִּיר֥/וֹ
הַ/כֹּהֵ֖ן
שִׁבְעַ֥ת
יָמִֽים
וְ/אִ֣ם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj | Conj
יִרְאֶ֣/נָּה
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff
הַ/כֹּהֵ֗ן
kôhên
H3548
priest
Art | N-ms
וְ/הִנֵּ֤ה
hinnêh
H2009
behold
Conj | Part
אֵֽין
ʼayin
H369
nothing
Part
בָּ/הּ֙
Prep | Suff
שֵׂעָ֣ר
sêʻâr
H8181
hair
N-ms
לָבָ֔ן
lâbân
H3836
white
Adj
וּ/שְׁפָלָ֥ה
shâphâl
H8217
low
Conj | Adj
אֵינֶ֛/נָּה
ʼayin
H369
nothing
Part | Suff
מִן
min
H4480
from
Prep
הָ/ע֖וֹר
ʻôwr
H5785
skin
Art | N-ms
וְ/הִ֣יא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Conj | Pron
כֵהָ֑ה
kêheh
H3544
faint
Adj
וְ/הִסְגִּיר֥/וֹ
çâgar
H5462
to shut
Conj | V-Hiphil-3ms | Suff
הַ/כֹּהֵ֖ן
kôhên
H3548
priest
Art | N-ms
שִׁבְעַ֥ת
shebaʻ
H7651
seven
Adj
יָמִֽים
yôwm
H3117
day
N-mp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Leviticus 13:21
וְ/אִ֣ם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj | Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
יִרְאֶ֣/נָּה
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff
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.
אֵֽין
ʼayin
H369
"nothing"
Part
This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.
Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.
בָּ/הּ֙
""
Prep | Suff
שֵׂעָ֣ר
sêʻâr
H8181
"hair"
N-ms
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.
לָבָ֔ן
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.
וּ/שְׁפָלָ֥ה
shâphâl
H8217
"low"
Conj | 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.
אֵינֶ֛/נָּה
ʼayin
H369
"nothing"
Part | Suff
This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.
Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.
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/ע֖וֹר
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.
וְ/הִ֣יא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Conj | 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.
כֵהָ֑ה
kêheh
H3544
"faint"
Adj
Faint means to become weak or dim, like when the light of a candle burns out. It can also describe someone who is feeling tired or sluggish, like when the Israelites were faint from hunger in the wilderness.
Definition: dim, dull, colourless, be dark, faint
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: somewhat dark, darkish, wax dim, heaviness, smoking. See also: Leviticus 13:6; Leviticus 13:39; Isaiah 42:3.
וְ/הִסְגִּיר֥/וֹ
çâgar
H5462
"to shut"
Conj | V-Hiphil-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.
הַ/כֹּהֵ֖ן
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.
שִׁבְעַ֥ת
shebaʻ
H7651
"seven"
Adj
This word means the number seven, which was considered a special or sacred number. It can also mean seven times or a week, and is used in the Bible to describe completeness or perfection. The KJV translates it as seven or sevenfold.
Definition: 1) seven (cardinal number) 1a) as ordinal number 1b) in combination-17, 700 etc Aramaic equivalent: shiv.ah (שִׁבְעָה "seven" H7655)
Usage: Occurs in 344 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] by) seven(-fold),-s, (-teen, -teenth), -th, times). Compare H7658 (שִׁבְעָנָה). See also: Genesis 4:24; Leviticus 23:15; 2 Samuel 21:6.
יָמִֽים
yôwm
H3117
"day"
N-mp
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
Study Notes — Leviticus 13:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Leviticus 13:21 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 13:21
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 13:21
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Leviticus 13:21
- Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 13:21
- Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 13:21
- Sermons on Leviticus 13:21
Context — Laws about Skin Diseases
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. 23But if the spot remains unchanged and does not spread, it is only the scar from the boil, and the priest shall pronounce him clean.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Corinthians 5:5 | hand this man over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved on the Day of the Lord. |
Leviticus 13:21 Summary
This verse is talking about how the priest would examine someone who had a skin infection to see if it was getting better or worse. If the infection had faded and there was no white hair, the priest would isolate the person for seven days to see if it would come back (as seen in Leviticus 13:22). This teaches us that God wants us to be patient and wait on Him, just like the priest waited to see if the infection would come back, and to trust in His timing and guidance, as seen in Psalms 27:14. It also reminds us that spiritual cleanliness is just as important as physical cleanliness, and that we should strive to be pure and holy, as seen in 1 Peter 1:15-16.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of isolating someone for seven days in Leviticus 13:21?
The purpose of isolating someone for seven days is to determine if the infection has spread or if the person is healed, as seen in Leviticus 13:22 and Leviticus 13:23, which explains the next steps after the isolation period.
Why does the presence of white hair in the infection matter in this verse?
The presence of white hair in the infection is a sign of uncleanness, as mentioned in Leviticus 13:20, and its absence is a good sign, but not a guarantee of cleanliness, hence the need for further observation.
How does this verse relate to the concept of spiritual cleanliness in the Bible?
This verse relates to the concept of spiritual cleanliness in the Bible, as seen in Psalms 51:7, where David asks to be cleansed from his sins, and in Matthew 8:2-3, where Jesus cleanses a leper, highlighting the importance of spiritual purity.
What can we learn from the role of the priest in this verse?
We can learn from the role of the priest in this verse that God has appointed leaders to guide and care for His people, as seen in Exodus 18:13-26, and that we should submit to their authority and guidance, as seen in Hebrews 13:17.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to be 'isolated' or set apart for a time to examine my spiritual health?
- How can I apply the principles of physical cleanliness in Leviticus 13:21 to my spiritual life, and what are some 'infections' that I need to be aware of?
- What are some ways that I can seek spiritual guidance and care from my church leaders, and how can I submit to their authority?
- How can I balance the need for community and fellowship with the need for solitude and self-examination, as seen in this verse?
Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 13:21
But if the priest look on it,.... Upon a person in a like case as first described, having had a boil, and that healed, and afterwards a white swelling, or a bright spot in the place of it: and,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 13:21
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
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Leviticus 13:21
But be somewhat dark, or, and be contracted; of which .
Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 13:21
(21) But if the priest.—In the absence, however, of these two symptoms, the patient is to be put in quarantine for one week only.
Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 13:21
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.
Sermons on Leviticus 13:21
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Question and Answer - Part 1 (W/ Paul Washer) by Voddie Baucham | In this sermon, the speaker highlights how modern society has become so accustomed to artificial things that we have lost the ability to appreciate the simple pleasures and realiti |
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The Real or the Plastic? by Art Katz | In this sermon transcript, the speaker reflects on a night of a general meeting where an internationally known speaker delivered a message. The speaker expresses their disappointme |
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(Nicaragua) the Ministry of Refreshing Others by David Wilkerson | In this video, the preacher emphasizes the importance of relying on the Holy Spirit rather than the flesh. The congregation expresses their love for the Lord through joyful shouts |
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The Last Time by Ralph Sexton | In this sermon, the preacher shares a powerful story about a Russian mini-sub that got caught in a fishing net 620 feet under the ocean. The sailors struggled to free themselves bu |
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God Breaks Us to Humble Us (Tamil) by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of believing in God's ability to bring heavenly life on earth, highlighting how doubt can hinder us. It discusses how Jesus always solved prob |
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Understanding Marriage - What Submission Is by David Guzik | In this sermon, Pastor David Guzik discusses the concept of submission as it relates to the Christian life. He emphasizes the idea that believers should regard themselves as being |
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There Is Wrath by Ralph Sexton | In this sermon, the preacher describes a powerful service where people were deeply convicted about the consequences of God's absence. A little girl approached the preacher, pleadin |