Leviticus 13:10

KJV

And the priest shall see [him]: and, behold, [if] the rising [be] white in the skin, and it have turned the hair white, and [there be] quick raw flesh in the rising;

KJV (with Strong's)

And the priest {H3548} shall see {H7200} him: and, behold, if the rising {H7613} be white {H3836} in the skin {H5785}, and it have turned {H2015} the hair {H8181} white {H3836}, and there be quick {H4241} raw {H2416} flesh {H1320} in the rising {H7613};

Complete Jewish Bible

The cohen is to examine him, and if he sees that there is a white swelling in the skin which has turned the hair white and inflamed flesh in the swelling,

Berean Standard Bible

The priest will examine him, and if there is a white swelling on the skin that has turned the hair white, and there is raw flesh in the swelling,

American Standard Version

and the priest shall look; and, behold, if there be a white rising in the skin, and it have turned the hair white, and there be quick raw flesh in the rising,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 13:10 serves as a pivotal diagnostic criterion within the Mosaic Law concerning *tzara'at*, a severe skin affliction with profound ritual and communal implications. This verse precisely delineates three definitive symptoms—a white swelling on the skin, the turning of hair within the lesion to white, and critically, the presence of "quick raw flesh" within the rising. When the priest observes this specific combination, it immediately confirms the individual's state of ritual uncleanness, necessitating their immediate exclusion from the holy Israelite camp to preserve communal purity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 13 meticulously details the laws concerning *tzara'at*, a term commonly but often inaccurately translated as "leprosy." The chapter, commencing with the initial instructions in [Leviticus 13:1](/leviticus/13-1 "Leviticus 13:1 - Laws Concerning Tzara'at"), provides a comprehensive guide for identifying various manifestations of this affliction, whether on human skin, scalp, or beard, and remarkably, even on garments and houses. This breadth underscores that *tzara'at* was not a single medical disease but a category of defiling conditions. The priest's prescribed role throughout this chapter is not that of a healer, but a divinely appointed diagnostician and arbiter of ritual status. His judgments were crucial for maintaining the sanctity and purity of the Israelite community, which was consecrated by God's presence in the Tabernacle. The chapter outlines a progression from initial observation to isolation, re-examination, and potential purification. Verse 10 represents a definitive, immediate diagnosis of uncleanness, bypassing the need for a seven-day isolation period because the symptoms were unequivocally severe.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, *tzara'at* transcended a mere physical ailment, carrying immense social, ritual, and spiritual weight. Unlike modern medical concerns focused on public health, the primary objective of these laws was the preservation of ritual purity within the camp, which was considered holy due to the indwelling presence of Yahweh's Tabernacle. An individual afflicted with *tzara'at* was declared ritually unclean and was compelled to live outside the community, often in isolation, to prevent the defilement of the sacred space. The priest, acting as the mediator of the covenant and the guardian of cultic purity, held the exclusive authority to pronounce someone clean or unclean. This intricate system vividly illustrated the Israelite understanding of sin as a defiling agent that separated individuals from God and His people, mirroring the physical separation imposed by *tzara'at*. These meticulous laws, pervasive throughout [Leviticus](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus - The Book of Holiness"), underscored God's unwavering demand for holiness, order, and separation among His covenant people.

* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 13:10 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **Holiness and Purity**, emphasizing God's absolute demand for a consecrated people in His presence. The severity of *tzara'at* and the meticulous diagnostic process highlight that even physical conditions could render one ritually impure, necessitating separation from the holy community. This, in turn, underscores the theme of **Separation and Consecration**, where the clean must be distinguished from the unclean to maintain the integrity of the covenant relationship. The priest's role exemplifies **Divine Authority and Mediation**, as he acts as God's designated agent for discerning and declaring ritual status, not based on personal opinion but on divine statutes. Furthermore, *tzara'at* serves as a potent **Symbolism of Sin**, illustrating how sin, like this insidious disease, defiles, spreads, and separates individuals from God's holy presence and the fellowship of His people, as seen in the consequences of sin described in [Isaiah 59:2](/isaiah/59-2 "Isaiah 59:2 - Your Sins Have Separated You"). The meticulousness of the law itself reflects the theme of **Order and Precision** in God's divine governance.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **rising (Hebrew, _sᵉʼêth'_ H7613):** This term denotes an elevation, swelling, or scab on the skin. It signifies a visible, palpable abnormality that distinguishes *tzara'at* from superficial blemishes or mere discoloration. The presence of such an elevated lesion was the initial physical manifestation that warranted the priest's careful examination, indicating a deeper, more serious condition than a simple rash.
* **white (Hebrew, _lâbân'_ H3836):** This adjective describes the specific color of the "rising" and the hair within it. The distinct whiteness was a critical diagnostic marker, indicating a profound change in the skin's pigmentation and hair's color due to the affliction. This specific hue helped differentiate *tzara'at* from other skin conditions that might present with different discolorations, pointing to the unique nature of this defiling disease.
* **quick (Hebrew, _michyâh'_ H4241):** Derived from the root "to live," this word specifically refers to "live flesh" or "the quick." In the context of *tzara'at*, it indicates the presence of healthy, raw, living tissue exposed within the diseased lesion. This was not a sign of healing but rather a definitive indicator of an active, festering, and deeply penetrating disease. Its appearance confirmed that the affliction had progressed beyond a superficial stage, actively consuming the skin and exposing the underlying viable tissue, thus signaling an immediate and undeniable state of uncleanness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the priest shall see [him]:"** This opening clause firmly establishes the indispensable role of the priest as the divinely appointed authority for diagnosing *tzara'at*. His function was not merely observational but judicial; his verdict, based on meticulous examination, carried the full weight of the Law, determining an individual's ritual status and their standing within the Israelite community.
* **"and, behold, [if] the rising [be] white in the skin,"** This specifies the primary visual characteristic of the lesion. The "rising" (swelling) must exhibit a distinct whiteness within the skin. This significant discoloration was a key indicator pointing towards the specific nature of *tzara'at*, helping to differentiate it from other less severe or non-defiling dermatological conditions.
* **"and it have turned the hair white,"** This symptom indicates the depth and severity of the affliction. If the disease had penetrated deeply enough to affect the hair follicles within the lesion, causing the hair to turn white, it signaled a more advanced and serious stage. This confirmed the presence of *tzara'at* as a deeply rooted condition rather than a superficial rash, demonstrating its destructive power.
* **"and [there be] quick raw flesh in the rising;"** This is the definitive and most conclusive diagnostic sign. The presence of "quick raw flesh"—exposed, raw, living tissue within the lesion—was an unmistakable indicator of active, advanced, and festering *tzara'at*. This symptom immediately led to a declaration of uncleanness without the need for further isolation or re-examination, as it confirmed the disease was not superficial or in a state of healing, but rather a deeply entrenched and defiling condition.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 13:10, like the broader Mosaic Law, is characterized by **Precision** and **Legal Language**. The meticulous detail in describing the symptoms reflects the rigorous and unambiguous nature of the covenant stipulations, leaving no room for subjective interpretation in matters of ritual purity. The use of specific, observable criteria ensures consistency and impartiality in priestly judgment. Furthermore, the passage employs profound **Symbolism**, where the physical manifestation of *tzara'at* serves as a powerful metaphor for the defiling nature of sin. Just as the disease visibly corrupts the body and necessitates separation from the community, so too does sin corrupt the soul and separate individuals from God's holy presence. The contrast between the "white" appearance (often associated with purity) and the underlying "quick raw flesh" (a sign of active decay and disease) can be seen as a form of **Irony**, highlighting the deceptive and insidious nature of the affliction, both physically and spiritually, where what appears superficially "white" is deeply corrupted.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 13:10 profoundly underscores God's absolute demand for holiness and purity within His covenant community. The meticulousness of these laws reveals that God's holy presence among His people necessitated an environment free from defilement, both ritual and moral. *Tzara'at*, while a physical ailment, carried deep spiritual symbolism, serving as a vivid object lesson for the defiling and separating power of sin. The priest's role was not to heal the disease, but to discern its presence and declare the resulting state of uncleanness, thereby separating the defiled from the holy camp. This act of separation highlighted humanity's inherent inability to cleanse itself and pointed to the ultimate need for divine intervention for true restoration and cleansing. The very nature of the disease, exposing "quick raw flesh," speaks to the deep-seated, systemic nature of defilement that human efforts cannot remedy.

* [Leviticus 11:44-45](/leviticus/11-44-45 "Leviticus 11:44-45 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy")
* [Isaiah 1:5-6](/isaiah/1-5-6 "Isaiah 1:5-6 - The Wounds of Sin")
* [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The ancient laws concerning *tzara'at* in Leviticus 13:10, though seemingly distant from modern life, offer profound insights for contemporary spiritual reflection. They serve as a stark reminder of the pervasive and defiling nature of sin, which, much like *tzara'at*, can penetrate deeply into our being, affect our spiritual vitality, and ultimately separate us from the holy presence of God and the fellowship of His people. Just as the priest meticulously examined the physical body for definitive signs of disease, we are called to engage in honest and thorough self-examination, allowing the piercing light of God's Word to expose any hidden or festering areas of spiritual sickness within our souls. This verse also highlights the importance of discerning spiritual health within the community of faith, recognizing that unchecked sin can spread and defile the collective body. It compels us to acknowledge our inherent uncleanness before a holy God and to seek His divine cleansing, recognizing that true purification comes not from human effort, self-diagnosis, or external rituals, but solely from His sovereign grace and redemptive power.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulousness and severity of these laws highlight God's unchanging character and His absolute demand for holiness in His people?**
* **In what specific ways does unconfessed or unaddressed sin act like a spiritual "tzara'at" in our lives, causing separation from God and hindering our relationships with others?**
* **Considering the priest's role, what is our responsibility in discerning spiritual health, both individually through self-examination and communally within the church, and how do we seek true cleansing and restoration that only God can provide?**

### FAQ
**Was *tzara'at* in the Bible the same as modern leprosy (Hansen's Disease)?**

Answer: No, biblical *tzara'at* was a much broader category of skin afflictions than modern Hansen's Disease. While Hansen's Disease might have been one form of *tzara'at*, the biblical term encompassed a variety of skin conditions, including rashes, boils, and even mildew or mold on clothing and houses (as seen in [Leviticus 14:34](/leviticus/14-34 "Leviticus 14:34 - Tzara'at in a House")). The primary concern in Leviticus was ritual purity and the maintenance of a holy community, not a medical diagnosis in the modern sense. The symptoms described in Leviticus 13, such as a white swelling, white hair, and "quick raw flesh," could apply to various dermatological conditions, not exclusively Hansen's Disease. The focus was on the defiling nature and its impact on the community's holiness.

**Why was the priest, not a doctor, responsible for diagnosis?**

Answer: The priest's role in diagnosing *tzara'at* was primarily ritual and theological, not medical. His function was to determine an individual's ritual status (clean or unclean) and their fitness for participation in the community and worship, rather than to provide medical treatment or a cure. This underscored the spiritual dimension of *tzara'at* as a defilement that separated a person from God's holy presence. The priest acted as God's representative, declaring the divine judgment of uncleanness, which necessitated separation until God, through His grace, brought about healing and the subsequent ritual purification process. This highlights that the issue was not merely physical illness but ritual impurity that affected one's standing before a holy God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 13:10, with its stark portrayal of *tzara'at* and the priest's declaration of uncleanness, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament priest, bound by the limitations of the Law, could only diagnose and declare separation; he possessed no inherent power to heal the physical affliction or truly cleanse the defiled. This inherent powerlessness pointed forward to humanity's desperate need for a greater High Priest. Jesus, however, is that High Priest, who not only discerns the spiritual "leprosy" of sin that afflicts humanity but possesses the divine authority and power to cleanse it completely. When a man full of *tzara'at* came to Jesus, begging for cleansing, Jesus did what no Old Testament priest could: He compassionately touched him and declared, "I am willing; be cleansed" ([Matthew 8:1-4](/matthew/8-1-4 "Matthew 8:1-4 - Jesus Heals a Leper"); [Mark 1:40-42](/mark/1-40-42 "Mark 1:40-42 - Jesus Cleanses a Leper")). His touch, rather than making Him unclean, transferred His purity and healing power, demonstrating His absolute sovereignty over sin and disease. Through His perfect, atoning sacrifice on the cross, Jesus became the spotless Lamb of God who truly takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), bearing our spiritual "wounds" so that "by His stripes we are healed" ([Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - By His Wounds We Are Healed")). He is the one who truly makes us clean, restoring us to intimate communion with God and His holy community, serving eternally as our compassionate and powerful High Priest who fully sympathizes with our weaknesses and intercedes on our behalf ([Hebrews 4:14-16](/hebrews/4-14-16 "Hebrews 4:14-16 - Jesus Our Great High Priest")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Kings 5:27

The leprosy therefore of Naaman shall cleave unto thee, and unto thy seed for ever. And he went out from his presence a leper [as white] as snow.

2 Chronicles 26:19

Then Uzziah was wroth, and [had] a censer in his hand to burn incense: and while he was wroth with the priests, the leprosy even rose up in his forehead before the priests in the house of the LORD, from beside the incense altar.

2 Chronicles 26:20

And Azariah the chief priest, and all the priests, looked upon him, and, behold, he [was] leprous in his forehead, and they thrust him out from thence; yea, himself hasted also to go out, because the LORD had smitten him.

Leviticus 13:14

But when raw flesh appeareth in him, he shall be unclean.

Leviticus 13:15

And the priest shall see the raw flesh, and pronounce him to be unclean: [for] the raw flesh [is] unclean: it [is] a leprosy.

Leviticus 13:3

And the priest shall look on the plague in the skin of the flesh: and [when] the hair in the plague is turned white, and the plague in sight [be] deeper than the skin of his flesh, it [is] a plague of leprosy: and the priest shall look on him, and pronounce him unclean.

Leviticus 13:4

If the bright spot [be] white in the skin of his flesh, and in sight [be] not deeper than the skin, and the hair thereof be not turned white; then the priest shall shut up [him that hath] the plague seven days: