What is the meaning of Leviticus 13:14?

But whenever

• The phrase signals an ongoing, repeatable circumstance. God is setting out a standing rule for every instance of the condition, not a one–time guideline (cf. Leviticus 13:2 “Anyone who has a skin disease…”).

• It reminds the community—and us—that holiness requires constant awareness. Unclean situations can surface at any moment (Matthew 26:41; 1 Peter 1:15–16).

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raw flesh appears

• “Raw flesh” points to living tissue exposed by disease, evidence that the infection is active rather than healed (Leviticus 13:10–11).

• Spiritual parallel: sin that is active and uncovered needs immediate attention, not concealment (Psalm 32:3–5; Hebrews 4:13).

• The priest’s role was to identify the raw flesh; today Scripture and the Holy Spirit expose what is spiritually “raw” in us (John 16:8; James 1:23–25).

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on someone

• Uncleanness is personal. Each Israelite had to present himself to the priest (Leviticus 13:2, 9).

• Our walk with God is likewise individual; no one else’s righteousness can cover our impurity (Ezekiel 18:20; Romans 14:12).

• Yet the community is affected when one member is unclean, underscoring corporate responsibility (Joshua 7:1; 1 Corinthians 12:26).

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he will be unclean.

• God pronounces the state, not merely the priest. The declaration aligns with divine holiness (Leviticus 11:44–45; 2 Corinthians 6:17).

• Unclean does not equal unforgivable. Provision for cleansing follows in Leviticus 14:1–9, portraying Christ’s atoning work (Hebrews 9:13–14; 1 John 1:7).

• Practical implications for Israel included exclusion from camp worship (Numbers 5:2–3). For believers, unconfessed sin hinders fellowship with God (Psalm 66:18; 1 John 1:6–9).

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summary

Leviticus 13:14 establishes a timeless principle: whenever active corruption surfaces, it renders a person unfit for holy fellowship until addressed. The verse teaches vigilance, personal accountability, and the necessity of divine cleansing—truths fully realized in the saving work of Jesus, who heals all who bring their “raw flesh” to Him.