King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
Then the priest shall look: and, behold, [if] the bright spots in the skin of their flesh [be] darkish white; it [is] a freckled spot [that] groweth in the skin; he [is] clean.
Complete Jewish Bible:
then the cohen is to examine them. If he sees that the bright spots on the skin are dull white, it is only a rash that has broken out on the skin; he is clean.
Berean Standard Bible:
the 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.
American Standard Version:
then the priest shall look; and, behold, if the bright spots in the skin of their flesh be of a dull white, it is a tetter, it hath broken out in the skin; he is clean.
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
Then the priest{H3548} shall look{H7200}: and, behold, if the bright spots{H934} in the skin{H5785} of their flesh{H1320} be darkish{H3544} white{H3836}; it is a freckled spot{H933} that groweth{H6524} in the skin{H5785}; he is clean{H2889}.
Cross-References (KJV):
Romans 7:22
- For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:
Romans 7:25
- I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.
James 3:2
- For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same [is] a perfect man, [and] able also to bridle the whole body.
Ecclesiastes 7:20
- For [there is] not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.
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Commentary for Leviticus 13:39
Leviticus 13:39 is part of a larger section in the book of Leviticus that deals with the regulations for diagnosing and managing skin diseases, commonly translated as leprosy, among the Israelites. The historical context of this verse is rooted in the ancient world's understanding of infectious diseases and the need to maintain the ritual purity of the community, which was essential for participation in religious life.
In the verses preceding Leviticus 13:39, detailed instructions are given to the priests, who served not only as religious leaders but also as public health officials. They were tasked with examining skin conditions to determine whether they were ritually clean or unclean. The specific concern of verse 39 is with the appearance of "bright spots" in the skin that are "darkish white." The Hebrew term used here for "freckled spot" is distinctive and suggests a skin condition that is not as severe as other forms of leprosy described earlier in the chapter.
The verse indicates that if the priest observes this particular type of skin discoloration, which appears to be a milder dermatological issue, the affected individual is deemed "clean." This means that the person does not pose a ritual threat to the community, is not contagious, and is therefore allowed to participate in communal and religious activities without restriction.
The themes of Leviticus 13:39 include ritual purity, the role of priests in maintaining community health, and the careful distinction between various skin conditions and their implications for social interaction. This verse reflects the broader priestly concern for order, holiness, and the well-being of the Israelite community in the face of potential health risks. It also underscores the importance of expert examination and diagnosis in determining the status of individuals within the social and religious fabric of ancient Israelite society.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
- 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. - Strong's Number: H7200
There are 1212 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: רָאָה
Transliteration: râʼâh
Pronunciation: raw-aw'
Description: a primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative); advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. - 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. - Strong's Number: H5785
There are 82 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: עוֹר
Transliteration: ʻôwr
Pronunciation: ore
Description: from עוּר; skin (as naked); by implication, hide, leather; hide, leather, skin. - Strong's Number: H1320
There are 241 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: בָּשָׂר
Transliteration: bâsâr
Pronunciation: baw-sawr'
Description: from בָּשַׂר; flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of aman; body, (fat, lean) flesh(-ed), kin, (man-) kind, [phrase] nakedness, self, skin. - Strong's Number: H3544
There are 9 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: כֵּהֶה
Transliteration: kêheh
Pronunciation: kay-heh'
Description: from כָּהָה; feeble, obscure; somewhat dark, darkish, wax dim, heaviness, smoking. - Strong's Number: H3836
There are 24 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: לָבָן
Transliteration: lâbân
Pronunciation: law-bawn'
Description: or (Genesis 49:12) לָבֵן; from לָבַן; white; white. - Strong's Number: H933
There are 1 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: בֹּהַק
Transliteration: bôhaq
Pronunciation: bo'-hak
Description: from an unused root meaning to be pale; white scurf; freckled spot. - Strong's Number: H6524
There are 33 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: פָּרַח
Transliteration: pârach
Pronunciation: paw-rakh'
Description: a primitive root; to break forth as a bud, i.e. bloom; generally, to spread; specifically, to fly (as extending the wings); figuratively, to flourish; [idiom] abroad, [idiom] abundantly, blossom, break forth (out), bud, flourish, make fly, grow, spread, spring (up). - Strong's Number: H2889
There are 87 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: טָהוֹר
Transliteration: ṭâhôwr
Pronunciation: taw-hore'
Description: or טָהֹר; from טָהֵר; pure (in a physical, chemical, ceremonial or moral sense); clean, fair, pure(-ness).