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,a 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. 6The priest will examine him again on the seventh day, and if the sore has faded and has not spread on the skin, the priest shall pronounce him clean; it is a rash. The person must wash his clothes and be clean. 7But if the rash spreads further on his skin after he has shown himself to the priest for his cleansing, he must present himself again to the priest. 8The priest will reexamine him, and if the rash has spread on the skin, the priest must pronounce him unclean; it is a skin disease. 9When anyone develops a skin disease, he must be brought to the priest. 10The priest will examine him, and if there is a white swelling on the skin that has turned the hair white, and there is raw flesh in the swelling, 11it is a chronic skin disease and the priest must pronounce him unclean. He need not isolate him, for he is unclean. 12But if the skin disease breaks out all over his skin so that it covers all the skin of the infected person from head to foot, as far as the priest can see, 13the priest shall examine him, and if the disease has covered his entire body, he is to pronounce the infected person clean. Since it has all turned white, he is clean. 14But whenever raw flesh appears on someone, he will be unclean. 15When the priest sees the raw flesh, he must pronounce him unclean. The raw flesh is unclean; it is a skin disease. 16But if the raw flesh changes and turns white, he must go to the priest. 17The priest will reexamine him, and if the infection has turned white, the priest is to pronounce the infected person clean; then he is clean. 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. 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. 26But if the priest examines it and there is no white hair in the spot, and it is not beneath the skin but has faded, the priest shall isolate him for seven days. 27On the seventh day the priest is to reexamine him, and if it has spread further on the skin, the priest must pronounce him unclean; it is a diseased infection. 28But if the spot is unchanged and has not spread on the skin but has faded, it is a swelling from the burn, and the priest is to pronounce him clean; for it is only the scar from the burn. 29If a man or woman has an infection on the head or chin, 30the priest shall examine the infection, and if it appears to be deeper than the skin and the hair in it is yellow and thin, the priest must pronounce him unclean; it is a scaly outbreak, an infectious disease of the head or chin. 31But if the priest examines the scaly infection and it does not appear to be deeper than the skin, and there is no black hair in it, the priest shall isolate the infected person for seven days. 32On the seventh day the priest is to reexamine the infection, and if the scaly outbreak has not spread and there is no yellow hair in it, and it does not appear to be deeper than the skin, 33then the person must shave himself except for the scaly area. Then the priest shall isolate him for another seven days. 34On the seventh day the priest shall examine the scaly outbreak, and if it has not spread on the skin and does not appear to be deeper than the skin, the priest is to pronounce him clean. He must wash his clothes, and he will be clean. 35If, however, the scaly outbreak spreads further on the skin after his cleansing, 36the priest is to examine him, and if the scaly outbreak has spread on the skin, the priest need not look for yellow hair; the person is unclean. 37If, however, in his sight the scaly outbreak is unchanged and black hair has grown in it, then it has healed. He is clean, and the priest is to pronounce him clean. 38When a man or a woman has white spots on the skin, 39the priest shall examine them, and if the spots are dull white, it is a harmless rash that has broken out on the skin; the person is clean. 40Now if a man loses his hair and is bald, he is still clean. 41Or if his hairline recedes and he is bald on his forehead, he is still clean. 42But if there is a reddish-white sore on the bald head or forehead, it is an infectious disease breaking out on it. 43The priest is to examine him, and if the swelling of the infection on his bald head or forehead is reddish-white like a skin disease, 44the man is diseased; he is unclean. The priest must pronounce him unclean because of the infection on his head. 45A diseased person must wear torn clothes and let his hair hang loose,b and he must cover his mouth and cry out, ‘Unclean, unclean!’ 46As long as he has the infection, he remains unclean. He must live alone in a place outside the camp. Laws about Mildew 47If any fabric is contaminated with mildewc—any wool or linen garment, 48any weave or knit of linen or wool, or any article of leather— 49and if the mark in the fabric, leather, weave, knit, or leather article is green or red, then it is contaminated with mildew and must be shown to the priest. 50And the priest is to examine the mildew and isolate the contaminated fabric for seven days. 51On the seventh day the priest shall reexamine it, and if the mildew has spread in the fabric, weave, knit, or leather, then regardless of how it is used, it is a harmful mildew; the article is unclean. 52He is to burn the fabric, weave, or knit, whether the contaminated item is wool or linen or leather. Since the mildew is harmful, the article must be burned up. 53But when the priest reexamines it, if the mildew has not spread in the fabric, weave, knit, or leather article, 54the priest is to order the contaminated article to be washed and isolated for another seven days. 55After it has been washed, the priest is to reexamine it, and if the mildewed article has not changed in appearance, it is unclean. Even though the mildew has not spread, you must burn it, whether the rot is on the front or back. 56If the priest examines it and the mildew has faded after it has been washed, he must cut the contaminated section out of the fabric, leather, weave, or knit. 57But if it reappears in the fabric, weave, or knit, or on any leather article, it is spreading. You must burn the contaminated article. 58If the mildew disappears from the fabric, weave, or knit, or any leather article after washing, then it is to be washed again, and it will be clean. 59This is the law concerning a mildew contamination in wool or linen fabric, weave, or knit, or any leather article, for pronouncing it clean or unclean.” Footnotes: 2 a Forms of the Hebrew tzaraath, traditionally translated as leprosy, were used for various skin diseases; here and throughout verses 3–46. 45 b Or uncover his head 47 c Forms of the Hebrew tzaraath, traditionally translated as leprosy regarding skin diseases, are translated as mildew regarding blemishes on garments, utensils, or buildings; here and throughout the remainder of this chapter. Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub  Leviticus 13 Summary Laws about Skin DiseasesVerses 1–8 – First Examination of Suspected Skin Disease Verses 9–17 – Chronic or Severe Infection Verses 18–23 – Boil Aftermath Verses 24–28 – Burn Aftermath Verses 29–37 – Scalp or Beard Infection Verses 38–44 – Non-serious Skin Spots vs. Leprous Plaque Verses 45–46 – Conduct of the Unclean Verses 47–59 – Contaminated Garments This detailed chapter elucidates the LORD's directives to Moses and Aaron regarding the identification, treatment, and isolation of individuals afflicted with various skin conditions and fabric contamination. The purpose was to maintain the purity of the community and, by extension, their sanctity before the LORD. Historical Setting Skin diseases in the ancient Near East were feared because they were visible, enduring, and sometimes contagious. Egyptian medical papyri mention similar afflictions, yet Israel’s approach is uniquely priest-led, blending hygiene with worship. Medical and Sanitary Insights “Leprosy” (Hebrew ṣaraʿat) here covers various dermatological conditions, from psoriasis to fungal infections. The seven-day quarantine, re-inspection, and garment disposal embody sound public-health practice, centuries before germ theory. Cutting off contagion saved lives in a densely camped nation. The Priest’s Role and Spiritual Symbolism Only a priest could pronounce clean or unclean (v. 2). This fused medicine with ministry, teaching that ultimate healing and acceptance come through God’s appointed mediator. Isaiah 1:6 likens sin to untreated wounds, and Jeremiah 17:14 cries, “Heal me, O LORD, and I will be healed.” Archaeological Notes Excavations at Qumran and other desert sites reveal communal rules for lepers living outside encampments, echoing Leviticus 13:46. Leather fragments with fungal staining found in Judean caves demonstrate how mildew could ruin prized garments, highlighting the practical side of v. 52. Connections to the New Testament Jesus “stretched out His hand and touched the man” with leprosy (Luke 5:13), reversing the Levitical distance. He then told the healed man, “Go, show yourself to the priest” (v. 14), honoring Moses’ law while revealing Himself as the greater Priest who makes clean. Believers now approach God “having our bodies washed with pure water” (Hebrews 10:22). Practical Applications Today 1. Healthy boundaries: quarantines and hygiene protect communities. 2. Sin awareness: visible uncleanness mirrors hidden heart issues; confession brings cleansing (1 John 1:9). 3. Compassion: while guarding health, God still commands dignity for the suffering—He makes a path back into fellowship. Cross-References within the Old Testament • Numbers 12 – Miriam’s leprosy and seven-day exclusion. • 2 Kings 5 – Naaman’s cleansing in the Jordan. • Deuteronomy 24:8 – Priests’ authority over skin diseases reaffirmed. • Psalm 51:7 – “Wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.” Key Hebrew Terms • ṣaraʿat – a broader term than modern “leprosy,” encompassing various skin and surface contaminations. • tsaraʿ – verb “to strike with skin disease,” used figuratively of judgment (2 Kings 15:5). • negā‘ – “plague” or “infection,” appearing 61 times in this chapter, underscoring seriousness. Outline of Priestly Inspection 1. Visual survey: color, depth, hair change (vv. 3, 25). 2. Initial status: isolate seven days if uncertain (v. 4). 3. Re-examine: spread or change = unclean; stability = clean (vv. 5-6). 4. Declare verdict; prescribe washing or burning for garments (vv. 58-59). 5. Public notification for persistent uncleanness (v. 45). Typology of Cleansing The chapter sets up Leviticus 14’s ritual of atonement: two birds, running water, cedar, scarlet yarn, hyssop. These foreshadow Christ’s death and resurrection—one bird slain, one released alive (Leviticus 14:6-7; cf. Romans 4:25). Physical cleansing points to the deeper cleansing in the Messiah. Conclusion Leviticus 13 weaves health, holiness, and hope together. God cares about bodies and souls, creates orderly procedures to protect the camp, and foreshadows a Redeemer who will once for all say, “Be clean.” Connections to Additional Scriptures 1 Peter 1:15-16But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do, for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy.' Hebrews 4:14-16 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we profess. 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Teaching Points Holiness and PurityLeviticus 13 emphasizes the importance of holiness and purity in the community of Israel. The detailed instructions for diagnosing skin diseases highlight God's concern for both physical and spiritual cleanliness. Role of the Priest The priests were responsible for examining individuals and determining their cleanliness. This underscores the priestly role as mediators between God and the people, pointing to the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ. Isolation and Restoration Those diagnosed with leprosy were isolated from the community, symbolizing the separation sin causes between individuals and God. However, the chapter also provides a path for restoration, reflecting God's desire for reconciliation. Symbolism of Leprosy Leprosy in the Bible often symbolizes sin. Just as leprosy spreads and defiles, sin corrupts and separates us from God. The meticulous process of examination and cleansing points to the need for thorough repentance and purification. Practical Applications Pursue HolinessJust as the Israelites were called to be physically clean, we are called to pursue spiritual holiness in our lives, avoiding sin and seeking God's righteousness. Community Responsibility The community played a role in maintaining purity. We, too, should support one another in our spiritual journeys, encouraging accountability and growth. Seek Spiritual Cleansing Regular self-examination and repentance are crucial. We should seek God's forgiveness and cleansing through prayer and the study of His Word. Value of Restoration Embrace the process of restoration and reconciliation, both with God and within our communities, when sin has caused separation. People 1. The LORD (YHWH)The chapter begins with the LORD speaking to Moses and Aaron, providing them with instructions regarding skin diseases. The LORD is the divine authority giving the laws and guidelines. The Hebrew name used here is יְהוָה (YHWH), which is the personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible. 2. Moses Moses is the leader of the Israelites and the recipient of God's laws. He is responsible for conveying God's instructions to the people. In Hebrew, his name is מֹשֶׁה (Mosheh). 3. Aaron Aaron, the brother of Moses, is the high priest. He plays a crucial role in the examination of skin diseases. His name in Hebrew is אַהֲרֹן (Aharon). 4. The Priest The priest, often referring to Aaron or his sons, is responsible for examining individuals with skin conditions. The Hebrew term for priest is כֹּהֵן (kohen). The priest determines whether a person is clean or unclean based on specific criteria outlined in the chapter. 5. The Person with a Skin Disease This refers to any individual who has a skin condition that needs to be examined. The chapter provides detailed descriptions of various symptoms and conditions that the priest must evaluate. 6. The Person Declared Unclean If the priest determines that a person has a contagious skin disease, that person is declared unclean. They must follow specific protocols, such as living outside the camp, to prevent the spread of the disease. 7. The Person Declared Clean If the priest determines that a person's skin condition is not contagious or has healed, the person is declared clean and can return to normal community life. Places 1. The CampLeviticus 13:46: "As long as he has the infection, he remains unclean. He must live alone in a place outside the camp." Description: The camp refers to the encampment of the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness. Those who were deemed unclean due to skin diseases were required to live outside this area to prevent the spread of infection. The Hebrew word for camp is "מַחֲנֶה" (machaneh), which denotes a place of temporary dwelling or encampment. 2. The Tent Leviticus 13:47-49: "If any fabric is contaminated with mildew—any wool or linen garment, any weave or knit of linen or wool, or any article of leather— and if the contamination in the fabric, the leather, the weave or knit, or any article is greenish or reddish, it is a mildew and must be shown to the priest." Description: While not explicitly named as a place, the tent is implied as the location where personal belongings such as garments and leather items would be kept. The Hebrew word for tent is "אֹהֶל" (ohel), which signifies a dwelling place or habitation, often used to describe the temporary shelters of the Israelites. Events 1. Instructions for Examining Skin Diseases (Leviticus 13:1-3)The LORD instructs Moses and Aaron on how to examine a person with a swelling, rash, or bright spot on the skin to determine if it is a defiling skin disease. The priest is to examine the affected area. 2. Determining Uncleanness (Leviticus 13:4-8) If the hair in the infected area has not turned white and the infection is not deeper than the skin, the person is to be isolated for seven days. The priest will re-examine the person on the seventh day to determine if the disease has spread. 3. Chronic Skin Disease (Leviticus 13:9-11) If the disease is chronic, the priest declares the person unclean without isolation. The Hebrew term for "unclean" is טָמֵא (tamei), indicating a state of ritual impurity. 4. White Swelling and Raw Flesh (Leviticus 13:12-17) If the skin disease covers the entire body, the person is considered clean. However, if raw flesh appears, the person is unclean. 5. Boils and Burns (Leviticus 13:18-28) The chapter provides specific instructions for examining boils and burns that develop into skin diseases. The priest must determine if these are defiling skin diseases. 6. Infections on the Head or Chin (Leviticus 13:29-37) Special procedures are outlined for infections on the head or chin, which may indicate a defiling disease. The priest examines the area for signs of deeper infection. 7. White Spots on the Skin (Leviticus 13:38-39) If a person has white spots on the skin, the priest examines them to determine if they are a harmless condition known as "tetter" or "bohak." 8. Baldness and Bald Spots (Leviticus 13:40-44) The text addresses baldness and bald spots, clarifying that these do not necessarily indicate uncleanness unless there is a reddish-white infection. 9. The Unclean Person's Conduct (Leviticus 13:45-46) A person declared unclean must wear torn clothes, let their hair be unkempt, cover the lower part of their face, and cry out, "Unclean, unclean!" They must live outside the camp. 10. Contaminated Fabrics (Leviticus 13:47-59) The chapter concludes with instructions for dealing with mildew or mold in fabrics, leather, or woven materials. The priest examines the items to determine if they are contaminated and prescribes burning if necessary. Topics 1. Examination of Skin Diseases (Leviticus 13:1-8)This section outlines the procedures for a priest to examine a person with a suspected skin disease. The Hebrew term "צָרַעַת" (tzara'at) is often translated as "leprosy," but it refers to a variety of skin conditions. The priest's role is to determine whether the condition is unclean. 2. Chronic Skin Diseases (Leviticus 13:9-17) Instructions are given for identifying chronic skin diseases. If the disease covers the entire body, the person is considered clean, but if raw flesh appears, they are unclean. This reflects the Hebrew understanding of purity and impurity. 3. Boils and Burns (Leviticus 13:18-28) The text provides guidelines for examining boils and burns that may develop into infectious skin diseases. The priest must determine the status of the infection based on specific signs. 4. Infections on the Head or Chin (Leviticus 13:29-37) This section addresses infections that occur on the head or chin, often translated as "scall" or "scurf." The priest examines the affected area to decide if it is unclean. 5. White Spots on the Skin (Leviticus 13:38-39) Instructions are given for white spots on the skin, which are identified as a harmless condition called "bohak" in Hebrew, and the person is declared clean. 6. Baldness and Bald Spots (Leviticus 13:40-44) The text distinguishes between natural baldness and bald spots that may indicate an infectious disease. The priest's examination determines the person's cleanliness. 7. The Unclean Person (Leviticus 13:45-46) This section describes the behavior and isolation required of a person declared unclean due to a skin disease. They must live outside the camp and announce their unclean status. 8. Contaminated Fabrics (Leviticus 13:47-59) The chapter concludes with laws regarding mildew or mold in fabrics, leather, or woven materials. The Hebrew term "נֶגַע" (nega) refers to a plague or mark. The priest examines the material, and if it is unclean, it must be burned. Themes 1. Diagnosis of Skin DiseasesThe chapter begins with detailed instructions for the priests on how to examine skin diseases. The Hebrew term "tzaraath" (צָרַעַת) is often translated as "leprosy," but it encompasses a variety of skin conditions. The priest acts as a mediator to determine the cleanliness or uncleanliness of an individual (Leviticus 13:2-3). 2. Isolation and Quarantine If a person is suspected of having a contagious skin disease, they are to be isolated for a period of time. This reflects a concern for community health and purity, emphasizing the need for separation to prevent the spread of disease (Leviticus 13:4-5). 3. Signs of Cleanness and Uncleanness The chapter provides specific signs that indicate whether a person is clean or unclean. This includes the color and spread of the disease, highlighting the importance of discernment and careful observation (Leviticus 13:6-8). 4. Role of the Priest The priest serves as a judge and mediator, determining the status of the afflicted person. This underscores the spiritual and communal role of the priesthood in maintaining holiness and purity within the community (Leviticus 13:9-11). 5. Holiness and Purity The laws reflect a broader theme of holiness, as physical cleanliness is linked to spiritual purity. The Hebrew concept of "tahor" (טָהוֹר) for clean and "tamei" (טָמֵא) for unclean is central to understanding the relationship between physical and spiritual states (Leviticus 13:12-13). 6. Contamination of Garments The chapter also addresses how garments can become contaminated, symbolizing the pervasive nature of impurity and the need for vigilance in all aspects of life (Leviticus 13:47-52). 7. Restoration and Cleansing The process for declaring someone clean after healing involves specific rituals, pointing to the possibility of restoration and the importance of following God’s prescribed methods for purification (Leviticus 13:29-37). 8. Community Responsibility The laws emphasize the community's responsibility to maintain purity and health, reflecting a collective commitment to God's standards and the well-being of all members (Leviticus 13:45-46). Answering Tough Questions 1. How could priests with no formal medical training accurately diagnose skin diseases (Leviticus 13:1–8)? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. How do you interpret the detailed guidance on diagnosing skin diseases in light of the medical knowledge available at that time? 2. In what ways do these verses underscore the role of priests in ancient Israelite society? 3. How might these practices have contributed to public health and community cohesion? 4. What spiritual significance, if any, do you perceive in the distinction between clean and unclean? 5. What parallels, if any, can be drawn between the isolation mandated in these verses and modern practices of quarantine? 6. How might the lives of those declared "unclean" be affected by these laws? 7. How do these laws reflect on the perception of physical afflictions during that period? 8. What lessons can we learn from the priest's role in diagnosing and isolating diseases? 9. How can we interpret the laws about fabric contamination in the contemporary context? 10. What is the significance of cleanliness in your own spiritual journey? 11. How does the text help us to understand the ancient Israelite's relationship with the material world? 12. How do you reconcile the notion of ritual impurity with our current understanding of disease and contagion? 13. Are there ways in which societal responses to visible physical ailments have changed or remained the same since these laws were written? 14. How can we show compassion and understanding towards those who are suffering, as modelled by the priests' role in this chapter? 15. What modern practices, if any, remind you of the detailed examination and re-examination described in this chapter? 16. Can the idea of isolation and reintegration in these verses inform how we deal with societal issues today? 17. How can we apply the concepts of "clean" and "unclean" in our personal lives outside the realm of physical health? 18. How might these verses reshape our understanding of the connection between faith and health? 19. How do the practices of diagnosing, isolating, and reintegrating individuals with skin diseases align or contrast with current public health strategies? 20. How can we foster communities that, like the priests, help to identify, heal, and reintegrate those who are suffering? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions |
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