Lexical Summary sappachath: Scab, eruption, or swelling Original Word: סַפַחַת Strong's Exhaustive Concordance scab From caphach; the mange (as making the hair fall off) -- scab. see HEBREW caphach NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain derivation Definition an eruption, scab NASB Translation scab (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs סַמַּ֫חַת noun feminine eruption, scab, either malignant or harmless; — absoluteאוֺ בַהֶרֵת ׳שְׂאֵת אוֺ ס Leviticus 13:2; compare Leviticus 14:56. Topical Lexicon Definition within the Levitical Purity Code סַפַּחַת depicts a shallow, inflamed skin eruption often rendered “scab” (Leviticus 13:2) and listed alongside “swelling” (שְׂאֵת) and “bright spot” (בַּהֶרֶת). It belongs to the broader category of מְצֹרָעַת, the skin afflictions regulated in Leviticus 13–14. Though modern medicine distinguishes eczema, psoriasis, or impetigo, the Law treats סַפַּחַת for its ritual rather than clinical consequences: potential uncleanness and exclusion from the sanctuary. Diagnostic Role in Priestly Ministry The priest served as examiner, not healer. Upon appearance of a סַפַּחַת, “he shall be brought to Aaron the priest or to one of his sons” (Leviticus 13:2). Observation, seven-day quarantines, and re-inspection determined whether the eruption was superficial (clean) or spreading (unclean). Thus סַפַּחַת trained Israel to seek mediation through God-appointed representatives, underscoring that holiness is conferred, not self-declared. Symbolic Theology of Purity and Sin Like every blemish in Leviticus, סַפַּחַת portrays the invasive, defiling power of sin. What begins as a small patch can permeate the person and, by extension, threaten the camp. The requirement to diagnose and, if necessary, isolate mirrors the New Covenant call to self-examination (1 Corinthians 11:28) and disciplined purity within the church (1 Corinthians 5:6-8). Community Health and Social Implications Quarantine protected the congregation from contagion and maintained public confidence in worship. Declaring one “unclean” restricted access to communal life, yet the Law held out hope: “This is the law… for a scab” (Leviticus 14:56). After healing, the priestly ritual—including sacrifice, washing, and the application of blood and oil—restored the sufferer both physically and socially. Fulfillment and Foreshadowing in the Gospel Levitical procedures prefigure the ministry of Jesus Christ, who “touched the man with leprosy” and said, “I am willing; be clean” (Matthew 8:3). The Lord performs instantly what the Law could only certify: true cleansing. His atoning blood satisfies the legal demand symbolized by the offerings of Leviticus 14, granting believers continual access to God (Hebrews 10:19-22). Lessons for Contemporary Ministry 1. Vigilance: Leaders must discern early signs of moral or doctrinal compromise, addressing them before they spread. Forms and Transliterations וְלַסַּפַּ֖חַת ולספחת סַפַּ֙חַת֙ ספחת sap·pa·ḥaṯ sapPachat sappaḥaṯ velassapPachat wə·las·sap·pa·ḥaṯ wəlassappaḥaṯLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Leviticus 13:2 HEB: שְׂאֵ֤ת אֽוֹ־ סַפַּ֙חַת֙ א֣וֹ בַהֶ֔רֶת NAS: a swelling or a scab or a bright spot, KJV: a rising, a scab, or bright spot, INT: A swelling or A scab or A bright Leviticus 14:56 2 Occurrences |
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