What is the meaning of Leviticus 13:15?

When the priest sees the raw flesh

- Leviticus 13 lays out an orderly, God-given process for diagnosing skin disorders. The priest functions as God’s appointed inspector (see Leviticus 13:2–3; Deuteronomy 33:10).

- “Raw flesh” describes living tissue exposed by the sore. Its visibility signals active infection, not mere scarring.

- Because the priest “sees,” discernment is visual and factual, not speculative—echoing Exodus 4:6–7, where a visible sign confirmed God’s word.

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He must pronounce him unclean

- The directive is mandatory (“must”), showing obedience to God outweighs personal sympathy (compare Leviticus 10:1–2; 1 Samuel 15:22).

- Declaring “unclean” doesn’t condemn the person’s worth; it identifies ceremonial status, preventing contagion and protecting worship (Numbers 5:2–4).

- The priest’s word carries covenant authority, foreshadowing Christ’s authoritative declarations in Mark 1:41–44.

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The raw flesh is unclean

- God defines what defiles; human opinions cannot overturn it (Isaiah 55:8–9).

- Uncleanness here is both physical (risk of spread) and symbolic of sin’s corruption (Psalm 38:5; Isaiah 1:6).

- A visible lesion mirrors inward impurity, preparing hearts to value cleansing sacrifices detailed in Leviticus 14:12–18.

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It is a skin disease

- The statement settles any doubt: this is not a harmless blemish (contrast Leviticus 13:12–13, where full white indicated healing).

- Identifying the condition ensures the right remedy—temporary isolation, ongoing inspection, and eventual offering when healed (Leviticus 14:1–7).

- Physical diagnosis points to a greater need: spiritual healing fulfilled in Christ, who bears our infirmities and restores fellowship (Isaiah 53:4–5; 1 Peter 2:24).

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summary

Leviticus 13:15 shows God’s care for holiness and health in Israel. The priest visually confirms an active, infectious sore, must label it “unclean,” and classifies it as genuine skin disease. This clear process protects the community, teaches the seriousness of impurity, and anticipates the complete cleansing found in the Messiah.