Leviticus 13:23
Leviticus 13:23 in Multiple Translations
But if the spot remains unchanged and does not spread, it is only the scar from the boil, and the priest shall pronounce him clean.
But if the bright spot stay in his place, and spread not, it is a burning boil; and the priest shall pronounce him clean.
But if the bright spot stay in its place, and be not spread, it is the scar of the boil; and the priest shall pronounce him clean.
But if the bright mark keeps in the same place and gets no greater, it is the mark of the old wound, and the priest will say that he is clean.
But if the spot stays the same and doesn't spread, it's just the scar from the boil, and the priest will declare them clean.
But if the spot continue in his place, and growe not, it is a burning bile: therefore the Priest shall declare him to be cleane.
and if in its place the bright spot stay — it hath not spread — it [is] an inflammation of the ulcer; and the priest hath pronounced him clean.
But if the bright spot stays in its place, and hasn’t spread, it is the scar from the boil; and the priest shall pronounce him clean.
But if the bright spot shall stay in its place, and not spread, it is a burning boil; and the priest shall pronounce him clean.
But if it stay in its place, it is but the scar of an ulcer, and the man shall be clean.
But if that spot is unchanged and has not spread, it is only a scar from the boil, and the priest will declare that the person is permitted to be with other people again.
Berean Amplified Bible — Leviticus 13:23
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 13:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/אִם
תַּחְתֶּ֜י/הָ
תַּעֲמֹ֤ד
הַ/בַּהֶ֨רֶת֙
לֹ֣א
פָשָׂ֔תָה
צָרֶ֥בֶת
הַ/שְּׁחִ֖ין
הִ֑וא
וְ/טִהֲר֖/וֹ
הַ/כֹּהֵֽן
וְ/אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj | Conj
תַּחְתֶּ֜י/הָ
tachath
H8478
underneath
Prep | Suff
תַּעֲמֹ֤ד
ʻâmad
H5975
to stand
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
הַ/בַּהֶ֨רֶת֙
bôhereth
H934
bright spot
Art | N-fs
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
פָשָׂ֔תָה
pâsâh
H6581
to spread
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
צָרֶ֥בֶת
tsârebeth
H6867
burning
N-fs
הַ/שְּׁחִ֖ין
shᵉchîyn
H7822
boil
Art | N-ms
הִ֑וא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
וְ/טִהֲר֖/וֹ
ṭâhêr
H2891
be pure
Conj | V-Piel-3ms | Suff
הַ/כֹּהֵֽן
kôhên
H3548
priest
Art | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Leviticus 13:23
וְ/אִם
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.
תַּחְתֶּ֜י/הָ
tachath
H8478
"underneath"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means underneath or below, often used to describe physical locations or positions. It appears in various books, including Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to indicate something is under or beneath something else. The word has several related meanings.
Definition: : under/below 1) the under part, beneath, instead of, as, for, for the sake of, flat, unto, where, whereas n m 1a) the under part adv accus 1b) beneath prep 1c) under, beneath 1c1) at the foot of (idiom) 1c2) sweetness, subjection, woman, being burdened or oppressed (fig) 1c3) of subjection or conquest 1d) what is under one, the place in which one stands 1d1) in one's place, the place in which one stands (idiom with reflexive pronoun) 1d2) in place of, instead of (in transferred sense) 1d3) in place of, in exchange or return for (of things mutually interchanged) conj 1e) instead of, instead of that 1f) in return for that, because that in compounds 1g) in, under, into the place of (after verbs of motion) 1h) from under, from beneath, from under the hand of, from his place, under, beneath
Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: as, beneath, [idiom] flat, in(-stead), (same) place (where...is), room, for...sake, stead of, under, [idiom] unto, [idiom] when...was mine, whereas, (where-) fore, with. See also: Genesis 1:7; Deuteronomy 7:24; 1 Kings 20:42.
תַּעֲמֹ֤ד
ʻâmad
H5975
"to stand"
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
Means 'to stand' in a strong sense, like in Exodus 17:12 where Moses stood with his arms up to help Israel win a battle.
Definition: : stand/stop/establish 1) to stand, remain, endure, take one's stand 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stand, take one's stand, be in a standing attitude, stand forth, take a stand, present oneself, attend upon, be or become servant of 1a2) to stand still, stop (moving or doing), cease 1a3) to tarry, delay, remain, continue, abide, endure, persist, be steadfast 1a4) to make a stand, hold one's ground 1a5) to stand upright, remain standing, stand up, rise, be erect, be upright 1a6) to arise, appear, come on the scene, stand forth, appear, rise up or against 1a7) to stand with, take one's stand, be appointed, grow flat, grow insipid 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to station, set 1b2) to cause to stand firm, maintain 1b3) to cause to stand up, cause to set up, erect 1b4) to present (one) before (king) 1b5) to appoint, ordain, establish 1c) (Hophal) to be presented, be caused to stand, be stood before
Usage: Occurs in 497 OT verses. KJV: abide (behind), appoint, arise, cease, confirm, continue, dwell, be employed, endure, establish, leave, make, ordain, be (over), place, (be) present (self), raise up, remain, repair, [phrase] serve, set (forth, over, -tle, up), (make to, make to be at a, with-) stand (by, fast, firm, still, up), (be at a) stay (up), tarry. See also: Genesis 18:8; Joshua 21:44; 1 Chronicles 6:17.
הַ/בַּהֶ֨רֶת֙
bôhereth
H934
"bright spot"
Art | N-fs
This Hebrew word refers to a bright spot on the skin, possibly a scar, blister, or boil, and is used in Leviticus to describe a sign of leprosy. It is translated as a whitish spot in the KJV Bible. This term appears in discussions of skin conditions.
Definition: 1) white patch of skin, brightness, bright spot (on skin) 2) (CLBL) bright spot, scar, blister, boil 2a) resulting from fire 2b) resulting from inflammation of the skin 2c) possible sign of leprosy
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: bright spot. See also: Leviticus 13:2; Leviticus 13:25; Leviticus 14:56.
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.
פָשָׂ֔תָה
pâsâh
H6581
"to spread"
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to spread something out, like arms or wings. It is used to describe God's care and protection in Psalm 61:4. This verb is about making something wider or broader.
Definition: (Qal) to spread
Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: spread. See also: Leviticus 13:5; Leviticus 13:34; Leviticus 14:48.
צָרֶ֥בֶת
tsârebeth
H6867
"burning"
N-fs
A scar is a mark left by a burn or disease, like a scab or inflammation, used in the Bible to describe the aftermath of a fire or illness, as seen in the book of Leviticus.
Definition: adj burning, scorching
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: burning, inflammation. See also: Leviticus 13:23; Leviticus 13:28; Proverbs 16:27.
הַ/שְּׁחִ֖ין
shᵉchîyn
H7822
"boil"
Art | 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.
הִ֑וא
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.
וְ/טִהֲר֖/וֹ
ṭâhêr
H2891
"be pure"
Conj | V-Piel-3ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to be pure, either physically, morally, or ceremonially. It appears in Leviticus for purification rituals and in Psalm 51 where David asks God to purify his heart. This concept is central to Jewish and Christian ideas of cleanliness and holiness.
Definition: 1) to be clean, be pure 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be clean (physically-of disease) 1a2) to be clean ceremonially 1a3) to purify, be clean morally, made clean 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to cleanse, purify 1b1a) physically 1b1b) ceremonially 1b1c) morally 1b2) to pronounce clean 1b3) to perform the ceremony of cleansing 1c) (Pual) to be cleansed, be pronounced clean 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to purify oneself 1d1a) ceremonially 1d1b) morally 1d2) to present oneself for purification
Usage: Occurs in 80 OT verses. KJV: be (make, make self, pronounce) clean, cleanse (self), purge, purify(-ier, self). See also: Genesis 35:2; Numbers 19:12; Psalms 51:4.
הַ/כֹּהֵֽן
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.
Study Notes — Leviticus 13:23
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Leviticus 13:23 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 13:23
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 13:23
- Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 13:23
- Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 13:23
- Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 13:23
- Barnes' Notes on Leviticus 13:23
- Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 13:23
- Sermons on Leviticus 13:23
Context — Laws about Skin Diseases
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.
24When there is a burn on someone’s skin and the raw area of the burn becomes reddish-white or white, 25the priest must examine it. If the hair in the spot has turned white and the spot appears to be deeper than the skin, it is a disease that has broken out in the burn. The priest must pronounce him unclean; it is a diseased infection.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Galatians 6:1 | Brothers, if someone is caught in a trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him with a spirit of gentleness. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. |
| 2 | Job 34:31–32 | Suppose someone says to God, ‘I have endured my punishment; I will offend no more. Teach me what I cannot see; if I have done wrong, I will not do it again.’ |
| 3 | Matthew 26:75 | Then Peter remembered the word that Jesus had spoken: “Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” And he went outside and wept bitterly. |
| 4 | 1 Peter 4:2–3 | Consequently, he does not live out his remaining time on earth for human passions, but for the will of God. For you have spent enough time in the past carrying out the same desires as the Gentiles: living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing, and detestable idolatry. |
| 5 | 2 Corinthians 2:7 | So instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. |
| 6 | Genesis 38:26 | Judah recognized the items and said, “She is more righteous than I, since I did not give her to my son Shelah.” And he did not have relations with her again. |
| 7 | 2 Samuel 12:13 | Then David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the LORD.” “The LORD has taken away your sin,” Nathan replied. “You will not die. |
| 8 | Job 40:4–5 | “Behold, I am insignificant. How can I reply to You? I place my hand over my mouth. I have spoken once, but I have no answer— twice, but I have nothing to add.” |
| 9 | 2 Chronicles 19:2–3 | Jehu son of Hanani the seer went out to confront him and said to King Jehoshaphat, “Should you help the wicked and love those who hate the LORD? Because of this, the wrath of the LORD is upon you. However, some good is found in you, for you have removed the Asherah poles from the land and have set your heart on seeking God.” |
| 10 | Proverbs 28:13 | He who conceals his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy. |
Leviticus 13:23 Summary
This verse, Leviticus 13:23, is talking about a person who has a spot on their skin that the priest has examined, and if the spot doesn't change or spread, it's just a scar from a boil and the person is considered clean, as the priest can pronounce them clean, similar to what is mentioned in Leviticus 14:3-9. This is a picture of how God wants us to be clean and holy, as stated in Leviticus 11:44-45, and it reminds us that we all need cleansing from sin, which is available through Jesus Christ, as seen in 1 John 1:7. Just like the priest had to examine the spot to determine if it was clean or not, God examines our hearts and lives, and we need to be willing to let Him cleanse us from sin, as mentioned in Psalm 51:2. By trusting in God's power and love, we can be clean and holy, just like He is.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the spot not spreading in Leviticus 13:23?
The spot not spreading indicates that it is not a infectious disease, but rather a scar from a previous boil, as seen in Leviticus 13:23, and the priest can pronounce the person clean, similar to the instructions in Leviticus 14:3-9 for cleansing from infectious diseases.
How does the priest determine if the spot is a scar or an infection?
The priest examines the spot to see if it has changed or spread, as mentioned in Leviticus 13:22, and if it remains unchanged, it is considered a scar, as stated in Leviticus 13:23, allowing the priest to pronounce the person clean, in accordance with Leviticus 13:17.
What is the importance of the priest's examination in this process?
The priest's examination is crucial in determining the person's cleanliness, as seen in Leviticus 13:23, and it is a picture of God's desire for His people to be holy and set apart, as stated in Leviticus 11:44-45, and the process of examination and cleansing is also a reminder of the importance of spiritual cleansing, as mentioned in 1 John 1:9.
How does this verse relate to the broader theme of cleanliness in the Bible?
This verse is part of the larger discussion on cleanliness in Leviticus, emphasizing the importance of physical and spiritual purity, as seen in Leviticus 11:44-45, and it points to the ultimate cleansing that comes through Jesus Christ, as stated in 1 John 1:7, where it says that the blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sin.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I may be 'hiding' scars or infections, and how can I allow God to examine and cleanse me?
- How can I apply the principle of examination and cleansing from Leviticus 13:23 to my own spiritual life, and what are some steps I can take to ensure I am living a life that is pleasing to God?
- What does this verse teach me about God's desire for His people to be holy and set apart, and how can I live out this calling in my daily life?
- In what ways can I trust God's sovereignty and timing, even when I am waiting for healing or cleansing, just like the person in Leviticus 13:23 had to wait for the priest's examination?
Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 13:23
But if the bright spot stay in his place, [and] spread not,.... Continues as it was when first viewed: it [is] a burning boil; but not a plague of leprosy: and the priest shall pronounce him clean;
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 13:23
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
Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 13:23
Leviticus 13:23 But if the bright spot stay in his place, [and] spread not, it [is] a burning boil; and the priest shall pronounce him clean.Ver. 23. But if the bright spot stay.] Sin, if it reign not, is not imputed; for "we are not under the law, but under grace."
Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 13:23
(23) But if the bright spot stay.—As the spreading of the spot is a sure sign of the disease lurking in the system, its continuing in the same condition showed that it was simply the re-opening of the boil. The priest is therefore to pronounce the patient clean, or clear of leprosy.
Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 13:23
23. the scar of the boil] The Heb. for ‘scar’ occurs only here and in Leviticus 13:28. It is from a root signifying ‘to burn,’ which is found in Ezekiel 20:47 (Heb. 21:3), ‘all faces … shall be burnt.’
Barnes' Notes on Leviticus 13:23
A burning boil - Rather, the scar of the ulcer; literally, “the burn of the ulcer.”
Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 13:23
23. Bright spot… spread not — Diffusiveness is the decisive symptom of this disease.
Sermons on Leviticus 13:23
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Effective Study by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of starting with a short portion of scripture rather than trying to study a whole chapter. They highlight the value of breakin |
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A Friend of Sinners - Part 1 by David Wilkerson | This sermon emphasizes the importance of having a searchable heart before God, allowing the Holy Spirit to continually search and reveal any hidden sins or areas needing correction |
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A Friend of Sinners by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker warns about the rise of false teachers who will appear as attractive and charismatic individuals. These false teachers will preach a partial gospel, lea |
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Falling Away- Rescue and Restoration by Francis Chan | This sermon emphasizes the importance of not separating our beliefs and convictions from our actions, especially when it comes to helping others in need. It challenges the listener |
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Genesis by Jim Cymbala | Jim Cymbala preaches on Genesis 38, focusing on the flawed character of Judah and the messy circumstances surrounding his family. He emphasizes that despite Judah's moral failures, |
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Empowered to Love and Restore by Francis Chan | This sermon emphasizes the importance of not separating our actions from our beliefs and convictions, urging believers to actively engage in helping others in need, both physically |
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Called to Be Accountable by Andy Stanley | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of accountability in the Christian life. He argues that God does not expect us to struggle alone and that we all face the same |