Leviticus 13:3
Leviticus 13:3 in Multiple Translations
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.
And the priest shall look on the plague in the skin of the flesh: and when the hair in the plague is turned white, and the plague in sight be deeper than the skin of his flesh, it is a plague of leprosy: and the priest shall look on him, and pronounce him unclean.
and the priest shall look on the plague in the skin of the flesh: and if the hair in the plague be turned white, and the appearance of the plague be deeper than the skin of his flesh, it is the plague of leprosy; and the priest shall look on him, and pronounce him unclean.
And if, when the priest sees the mark on his skin, the hair on the place is turned white and the mark seems to go deeper than the skin, it is the mark of a leper: and the priest, after looking at him, will say that he is unclean.
The priest will inspect whatever is on the skin. If the hair there has turned white and if the issue seems to be more than something on the surface, it is a serious skin disease, and the priest who inspects it will declare the person unclean.
And the Priest shall looke on the sore in the skinne of his flesh: if the heare in the sore be turned into white, and the sore seeme to be lower then the skinne of his flesh, it is a plague of leprosie. therefore the Priest shall looke on him, and pronounce him vncleane:
and the priest hath seen the plague in the skin of the flesh, and the hair in the plague hath turned white, and the appearance of the plague [is] deeper than the skin of his flesh — it [is] a plague of leprosy, and the priest hath seen him, and hath pronounced him unclean.
The priest shall examine the plague in the skin of the body. If the hair in the plague has turned white, and the appearance of the plague is deeper than the body’s skin, it is the plague of leprosy; so the priest shall examine him and pronounce him unclean.
And the priest shall look on the plague in the skin of the flesh: and when the hair in the plague is turned white, and the plague in sight is deeper than the skin of his flesh, it is a plague of leprosy: and the priest shall look on him, and pronounce him unclean.
And if he see the leprosy in his skin, and the hair turned white, and the place where the leprosy appears lower than the skin and the rest of the flesh: it is the stroke of the leprosy, and upon his judgment he shall be separated.
The priest must examine that part of the person’s skin. If the hair in that area has become white and it appears that the sore is deeper than just on the skin, it is a contagious skin disease. When the priest sees that, he must declare that the person must stay away from other people [MTY].
Berean Amplified Bible — Leviticus 13:3
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 13:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/רָאָ֣ה
הַ/כֹּהֵ֣ן
אֶת
הַ/נֶּ֣גַע
בְּ/עֽוֹר
הַ֠/בָּשָׂר
וְ/שֵׂעָ֨ר
בַּ/נֶּ֜גַע
הָפַ֣ךְ
לָבָ֗ן
וּ/מַרְאֵ֤ה
הַ/נֶּ֨גַע֙
עָמֹק֙
מֵ/ע֣וֹר
בְּשָׂר֔/וֹ
נֶ֥גַע
צָרַ֖עַת
ה֑וּא
וְ/רָאָ֥/הוּ
הַ/כֹּהֵ֖ן
וְ/טִמֵּ֥א
אֹתֽ/וֹ
וְ/רָאָ֣ה
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
הַ/כֹּהֵ֣ן
kôhên
H3548
priest
Art | N-ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הַ/נֶּ֣גַע
negaʻ
H5061
plague
Art | N-ms
בְּ/עֽוֹר
ʻôwr
H5785
skin
Prep | N-ms
הַ֠/בָּשָׂר
bâsâr
H1320
flesh
Art | N-ms
וְ/שֵׂעָ֨ר
sêʻâr
H8181
hair
Conj | N-ms
בַּ/נֶּ֜גַע
negaʻ
H5061
plague
Prep | N-ms
הָפַ֣ךְ
hâphak
H2015
to overturn
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
לָבָ֗ן
lâbân
H3836
white
Adj
וּ/מַרְאֵ֤ה
marʼeh
H4758
appearance
Conj | N-ms
הַ/נֶּ֨גַע֙
negaʻ
H5061
plague
Art | N-ms
עָמֹק֙
ʻâmôq
H6013
deep
Adj
מֵ/ע֣וֹר
ʻôwr
H5785
skin
Prep | N-ms
בְּשָׂר֔/וֹ
bâsâr
H1320
flesh
N-ms | Suff
נֶ֥גַע
negaʻ
H5061
plague
N-ms
צָרַ֖עַת
tsâraʻath
H6883
leprosy
N-fs
ה֑וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
וְ/רָאָ֥/הוּ
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
Conj | V-Qal-3ms | Suff
הַ/כֹּהֵ֖ן
kôhên
H3548
priest
Art | N-ms
וְ/טִמֵּ֥א
ṭâmêʼ
H2930
to defile
Conj | V-Piel-3ms
אֹתֽ/וֹ
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Leviticus 13:3
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/כֹּהֵ֣ן
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.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הַ/נֶּ֣גַע
negaʻ
H5061
"plague"
Art | 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.
בְּ/עֽוֹר
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.
הַ֠/בָּשָׂר
bâsâr
H1320
"flesh"
Art | N-ms
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/שֵׂעָ֨ר
sêʻâr
H8181
"hair"
Conj | 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.
בַּ/נֶּ֜גַע
negaʻ
H5061
"plague"
Prep | 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.
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.
לָבָ֗ן
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/מַרְאֵ֤ה
marʼeh
H4758
"appearance"
Conj | N-ms
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.
הַ/נֶּ֨גַע֙
negaʻ
H5061
"plague"
Art | 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.
עָמֹק֙
ʻâmôq
H6013
"deep"
Adj
Means deep, describing something that is physically or emotionally profound, like the depths of the ocean or a mysterious situation, as seen in Psalm 36:6. It can also describe something that is unsearchable or hard to understand. This concept is used to convey a sense of awe or wonder.
Definition: 1) deep, mysterious, depths 1a) deep 1b) unsearchable
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: ([idiom] exceeding) deep (thing). See also: Leviticus 13:3; Job 12:22; Psalms 64:7.
מֵ/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.
נֶ֥גַע
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.
צָרַ֖עַת
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.
ה֑וּא
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/רָאָ֥/הוּ
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
Conj | V-Qal-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/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.
וְ/טִמֵּ֥א
ṭâmêʼ
H2930
"to defile"
Conj | V-Piel-3ms
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.
אֹתֽ/וֹ
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
Study Notes — Leviticus 13:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Leviticus 13:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 13:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 13:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Leviticus 13:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 13:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 13:3
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Leviticus 13:3
- Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 13:3
- Barnes' Notes on Leviticus 13:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 13:3
- Sermons on Leviticus 13:3
Context — Laws about Skin Diseases
1Then the LORD said to Moses and Aaron,
2“When someone has a swelling or rash or bright spot on his skin that may be an infectious skin disease, he must be brought to Aaron the priest or to one of his sons who is a priest.
3The 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.
4If, however, the spot on his skin is white and does not appear to be deeper than the skin, and the hair in it has not turned white, the priest shall isolate the infected person for seven days. 5On the seventh day the priest is to reexamine him, and if he sees that the infection is unchanged and has not spread on the skin, the priest must isolate him for another seven days.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Romans 3:19–20 | Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God. Therefore no one will be justified in His sight by works of the law. For the law merely brings awareness of sin. |
| 2 | Acts 20:28 | Keep watch over yourselves and the entire flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which He purchased with His own blood. |
| 3 | Malachi 2:7 | For the lips of a priest should preserve knowledge, and people should seek instruction from his mouth, because he is the messenger of the LORD of Hosts. |
| 4 | Leviticus 10:10 | You must distinguish between the holy and the common, between the clean and the unclean, |
| 5 | Genesis 13:3 | From the Negev he journeyed from place to place toward Bethel, until he came to the place between Bethel and Ai where his tent had formerly been pitched, |
| 6 | 1 Timothy 1:20 | Among them are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan to be taught not to blaspheme. |
| 7 | Ezekiel 44:23 | They are to teach My people the difference between the holy and the common, and show them how to discern between the clean and the unclean. |
| 8 | Matthew 16:19 | I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” |
| 9 | Hosea 7:9 | Foreigners consume his strength, but he does not notice. Even his hair is streaked with gray, but he does not know. |
| 10 | Hebrews 13:7 | Remember your leaders who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. |
Leviticus 13:3 Summary
This verse, Leviticus 13:3, talks about how a priest would check if someone had a skin disease. If the disease had certain symptoms, like white hair and a sore that was deeper than the skin, the priest would say the person was unclean. This was not just about physical health, but also about spiritual purity, as we see in verses like Psalm 51:7, where David asks to be cleansed from his sins. It reminds us that God cares about our whole being, body and spirit, and wants us to be clean and pure, as taught in 1 John 1:9.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the role of the priest in determining if someone has a skin disease?
According to Leviticus 13:3, the priest is to examine the infection on the person's skin and pronounce them unclean if the infection meets certain criteria, as also seen in Leviticus 13:2 where the person is brought to the priest for examination.
What are the specific criteria for determining a skin disease in this verse?
The criteria include the hair in the infection turning white and the sore appearing to be deeper than the skin, as stated in Leviticus 13:3, which is similar to the conditions described in Deuteronomy 24:8-9 for leprosy.
Why is it important for the priest to pronounce someone unclean?
Pronouncing someone unclean was a way of protecting the community from potential infection, as seen in Numbers 5:2-3, and also served as a reminder of the importance of spiritual purity, as taught in 2 Corinthians 7:1.
How does this verse relate to spiritual purity?
The concept of physical uncleanness in Leviticus 13:3 can be seen as a symbol for spiritual uncleanness, emphasizing the need for spiritual cleansing and purity, as discussed in Psalm 51:7 and 1 John 1:9.
Reflection Questions
- What does this verse reveal about God's concern for the physical and spiritual well-being of His people?
- How can I apply the principle of seeking spiritual examination and cleansing in my own life, just as the person in this verse seeks examination from the priest?
- In what ways can I balance the need for community and fellowship with the need to protect myself and others from spiritual 'infection'?
- What does this verse teach me about the importance of humility and submission to authority, as the person in this verse submits to the priest's examination and pronouncement?
Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 13:3
And the priest shall look on the plague in the skin of the flesh,.... Whether it be a swelling, scab, or a bright spot that appears, and judge of it by the following rules, and none but a priest
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 13:3
And the priest shall look on the plague in the skin of the flesh: and when the hair in the plague is turned white, and the plague in sight be deeper than the skin of his flesh, it is a plague of
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Leviticus 13:3
On the plague, i.e. the sign or appearance of the plague of leprosy. And it is observable, that the same signs of it are given by Moses here, and by the learned physicians in their works. And when the leprosy came to its height, not the hair only, but also the skin was turned white, as . And this change of colour was an evidence both of the abundance of excrementitious humours, and of the weakness of nature, as we see in old and sick persons. Deeper than the skin; for the leprosy did consume both the skin and the flesh, as appears from . Pronounce him unclean, Heb. make him unclean, i. e ministerially and declaratively, in which sense ministers are said to remit sins, , and to destroy nations, .
Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 13:3
Leviticus 13:3 And the priest shall look on the plague in the skin of the flesh: and [when] the hair in the plague is turned white, and the plague in sight [be] deeper than the skin of his flesh, it [is] a plague of leprosy: and the priest shall look on him, and pronounce him unclean.Ver. 3. The plague in the skin of the flesh.] That is, the white bright spot. Compare Exodus 4:6 Numbers 12:10. Is turned white.] This might note such as have continued long and are aged in any wickedness. Be deeper than the skin of his flesh.] Compare Numbers 12:12 2 Kings 5:14. Such are they whose wickedness is not only acted by their hands, but seated in their hearts and sunk into their spirits: like the spots of the leopard, which no art can cure, no water wash off, because they are not in the skin, but in the flesh and bones, in the sinews and most inner parts. Ingrained diseases are not easily stirred, much less destroyed.
Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 13:3
(3) When the hair in the plague is turned white.—Better, and the hair in the plagued spot, &c. The first symptom indicating the existence of the disorder is that the hair, which is generally jet-black among the Hebrews, turns white on the affected spot. The authorities during the second Temple defined it that there must at least be two hairs white, at the root and in the body of the bright spot, before the patient can be declared unclean. The word plague, in accordance with a usage common in Hebrew—to put the abstract for the concrete—denotes here the plagued spot, or the spot affected by the plague, whilst in Leviticus 13:4 it means the person affected by this disorder. Thus in Leviticus 19:32, “the hoary head” stands for hoary-headed person.And the plague in sight be deeper than the skin.—Better, and the appearance of the plagued spot be deeper, &c. The second symptom which shows the development of the disorder is that the spot affected by this plague appears to be deeper than the rest of the skin. Pronounce him unclean.—Literally, make him unclean. According to the frequently occurring phraseology a man is said to do that which in his official capacity he pronounces as done, or orders to be done. Thus Ezekiel is said “to destroy the city” when he simply foretold its destruction (Ezekiel 43:3). The existence of these two symptoms made it incumbent upon the priest to declare the person unclean, and hence imparting defilement.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Leviticus 13:3
Verse 3. The priest shall - pronounce him unclean.] וטמא אתו vetimme otho; literally, shall pollute him, i. e., in the Hebrew idiom, shall declare or pronounce him polluted; and in Leviticus 13:23, it is said, the priest shall pronounce him clean, וטהרו הכהן vetiharo haccohen, the priest shall cleanse him, i. e., declare him clean. In this phrase we have the proper meaning of Mt 16:19: Whatsoever ye bind on earth, shall be bound in heaven; and whatsoever ye loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. By which our Lord intimates that the disciples, from having the keys, i. e., the true knowledge of the doctrine, of the kingdom of heaven, should, from particular evidences, be at all times able to distinguish between the clean and the unclean, the sincere and the hypocrite; and pronounce a judgment as infallible as the priest did in the case of the leprosy, from the tokens already specified. And as this binding and loosing, or pronouncing fit or unfit for fellowship with the members of Christ, must in the case of the disciples be always according to the doctrine of the kingdom of heaven, the sentence should be considered as proceeding immediately from thence, and consequently as Divinely ratified. The priest polluted or cleansed, i. e., declared the man clean or unclean, according to signs well known and infallible. The disciples or ministers of Christ bind or loose, declare to be fit or unfit for Church fellowship, according to unequivocal evidences of innocence or guilt. In the former case, the priest declared the person fit or unfit for civil society; in the latter, the ministers of Christ declare the person against whom the suspicion of guilt is laid, fit or unfit for continued association with the Church of God. The office was the same in both, a declaration of the truth, not from any power that they possessed of cleansing or polluting, of binding or of loosing, but by the knowledge they gained from the infallible signs and evidences produced on the respective cases.
Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 13:3
3. The distinctive marks of leprosy are—the hair, which is generally very dark among Jews, turns while, and the swelling appears deep-seated; in that case the priest is at once to declare the man unclean.
Barnes' Notes on Leviticus 13:3
The hair in the plague is turned white - The sparing growth of very fine whitish hair on leprous spots in the place of the natural hair, appears to have been always regarded as a characteristic symptom.
Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 13:3
3. The priest shall look — The eye is still the chief instrument in the diagnosis of diseases.
Sermons on Leviticus 13:3
| Sermon | Description | |
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Knowing the Inner Man Body Soul and Spirit by Major Ian Thomas | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that the content of the gospel is Jesus Christ Himself. He explains that Jesus is the one who gave Himself for our redemption and the one wh |
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Ministering to the Lord by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the book of Romans, particularly chapters 1-11. He highlights how Paul, empowered by the Holy Spirit, condemns the entire human race through |
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Sin by Oswald J. Smith | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the penalties of sin, both physical and spiritual death. He emphasizes that death exists in the world because of sin and it was not part of G |
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God's Law by Oswald J. Smith | In this sermon, the speaker begins by reading the well-known verses from Matthew 28:18-20, known as the Great Commission. He emphasizes the importance of making disciples and calli |
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The Gospel of Jesus Christ: A Burden for Young People by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of the gospel of Jesus Christ as the foundation and constant motivation for believers. He highlights the need for constant pr |
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Kirk Cameron Testimony by Kirk Cameron | The video begins with the speaker introducing a gospel track that serves as an icebreaker and a tool for sharing the gospel message. He explains how the track uses an optical illus |
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Christ, the True Vine by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on John 15 and explores the purpose and means by which God achieves His glory through believers. The text emphasizes that God has called believ |