Leviticus 13:23

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

But if the bright spot stay in his place, [and] spread not, it [is] a burning boil; and the priest shall pronounce him clean.

Complete Jewish Bible:

But if the bright spot stays where it was and has not spread, it is the scar of the boil; and the cohen is to declare him clean.

Berean Standard Bible:

But if the spot remains unchanged and does not spread, it is only the scar from the boil, and the priest shall pronounce him clean.

American Standard Version:

But if the bright spot stay in its place, and be not spread, it is the scar of the boil; and the priest shall pronounce him clean.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

But if the bright spot^{H934} stay^{H5975} in his place, and spread^{H6581} not, it is a burning^{H6867} boil^{H7822}; and the priest^{H3548} shall pronounce him clean^{H2891}.

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for Leviticus 13:23

1. Themes:
- **Ritual Purity and Cleanliness:** Leviticus 13:23 deals with the regulations concerning skin diseases, which were considered to affect a person's ritual purity. The Israelites believed that certain skin conditions could render a person ritually unclean, which would prevent them from participating in religious activities and potentially spread uncleanness within the community.
- **Role of the Priesthood:** The verse emphasizes the role of priests as arbiters of physical and ritual health. They were responsible for diagnosing skin conditions and determining whether an individual could be considered clean or unclean according to the law.
- **Health and Religious Law:** The passage reflects the interplay between health concerns and religious law, as the priests were required to make medical assessments within a spiritual and legal framework.

2. Historical Context:
- **Time of Writing:** The Book of Leviticus is traditionally attributed to Moses and is believed to have been written around the 14th century BCE, during the time the Israelites were in the wilderness after the Exodus from Egypt.
- **Social Order:** The laws in Leviticus were meant to establish a distinct identity for the Israelites, setting them apart from neighboring cultures. Health and purity laws played a significant role in this identity formation.
- **Cultic Practice:** The detailed instructions for priests reflect the complex cultic practices of the time, which were central to the religious life of the Israelites. The priestly responsibilities included various offerings and sacrifices, as well as the oversight of the Tabernacle, the portable worship center used during the wilderness period.
- **Pre-scientific Understanding:** The diagnostic criteria for skin conditions in Leviticus reflect a pre-scientific understanding of disease. The text does not distinguish between what we would now consider infectious diseases, allergic reactions, or other skin disorders. Instead, it categorizes them based on appearance and change over time, with the aim of maintaining the ritual purity of the community.

In summary, Leviticus 13:23 is part of a larger section of laws concerning ritual purity and the role of priests in diagnosing and managing skin diseases. It reflects the historical context of the ancient Israelites, who intertwined religious and health practices to maintain the sanctity of their community and worship practices.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H934
   There are 11 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: בֹּהֶרֶת
   Transliteration: bôhereth
   Pronunciation: bo-heh'-reth
   Description: feminine active participle of the same as בָּהִיר; a whitish spot on the skin; bright spot.
   
2. Strong's Number: H5975
   There are 495 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: עָמַד
   Transliteration: ʻâmad
   Pronunciation: aw-mad'
   Description: a primitive root; to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive); abide (behind), appoint, arise, cease, confirm, continue, dwell, be employed, endure, establish, leave, make, ordain, be (over), place, (be) present (self), raise up, remain, repair, [phrase] serve, set (forth, over, -tle, up), (make to, make to be at a, with-) stand (by, fast, firm, still, up), (be at a) stay (up), tarry.
   
3. Strong's Number: H6581
   There are 18 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: פָּשָׂה
   Transliteration: pâsâh
   Pronunciation: paw-saw'
   Description: a primitive root; to spread; spread.
   
4. Strong's Number: H6867
   There are 3 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: צָרֶבֶת
   Transliteration: tsârebeth
   Pronunciation: tsaw-reh'-beth
   Description: from צוּעָר; conflagration (of fire or disease); burning, inflammation.
   
5. Strong's Number: H7822
   There are 12 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: שְׁחִין
   Transliteration: shᵉchîyn
   Pronunciation: shekh-een'
   Description: from an unused root probably meaning to burn; inflammation, i.e. an ulcer; boil, botch.
   
6. Strong's Number: H3548
   There are 653 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: כֹּהֵן
   Transliteration: kôhên
   Pronunciation: ko-hane'
   Description: active participle of כָּהַן; literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman); chief ruler, [idiom] own, priest, prince, principal officer.
   
7. Strong's Number: H2891
   There are 79 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: טָהֵר
   Transliteration: ṭâhêr
   Pronunciation: taw-hare'
   Description: a primitive root; properly, to be bright; i.e. (by implication); to be pure (physical sound, clear, unadulterated; Levitically, uncontaminated; morally, innocent or holy); be (make, make self, pronounce) clean, cleanse (self), purge, purify(-ier, self).