Leviticus 13:11

KJV

It [is] an old leprosy in the skin of his flesh, and the priest shall pronounce him unclean, and shall not shut him up: for he [is] unclean.

KJV (with Strong's)

It is an old {H3462} leprosy {H6883} in the skin {H5785} of his flesh {H1320}, and the priest {H3548} shall pronounce him unclean {H2930}, and shall not shut {H5462} him up: for he is unclean {H2931}.

Complete Jewish Bible

then it is chronic tzara'at on his skin, and the cohen is to declare him unclean; he is not to isolate him, because it is already clear that he is unclean.

Berean Standard Bible

it is a chronic skin disease and the priest must pronounce him unclean. He need not isolate him, for he is unclean.

American Standard Version

it is an old leprosy in the skin of his flesh, and the priest shall pronounce him unclean: he shall not shut him up; for he is unclean.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 13:11 details a specific protocol within the Mosaic laws concerning `tzara'at`, a category of severe skin afflictions. This verse addresses a case where the priest identifies a long-standing, unequivocally established instance of the disease, termed "an old leprosy." Unlike new or ambiguous presentations that might necessitate a period of isolation and re-examination, this chronic condition is immediately and definitively diagnosed as ritually unclean, prompting an immediate declaration of uncleanness without any probationary "shutting up" period. The verse underscores the priest's authoritative role as the divinely appointed arbiter of ritual purity and the decisive nature of certain defiling conditions under the Old Covenant.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 13 and 14 constitute a comprehensive legal corpus within the Pentateuch, meticulously outlining the identification, diagnosis, and purification rituals associated with `tzara'at` when it affects human skin, garments, or houses. This section is an integral part of the broader purity laws (`Torah Cohanim`) found in Leviticus 11-15, which delineate what renders a person or object ritually clean or unclean, and the prescribed methods for managing or removing such uncleanness. Leviticus 13:1-8 details the initial inspection process by the priest for a suspected case of `tzara'at`. Specifically, verses 4-5 describe the requirement for the priest to "shut up" (isolate) an individual for seven days if the affliction's nature is uncertain or if it appears to be healing, followed by a re-examination. In stark contrast, verse 11 presents a distinct scenario, dealing with a condition that is clearly "old" and established. This immediate declaration of uncleanness without a waiting period highlights the severity and unmistakable nature of such a persistent affliction, distinguishing it from nascent or ambiguous presentations that require further observation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, `tzara'at` (Hebrew: צָרַעַת) was a comprehensive term encompassing various skin conditions, not exclusively Hansen's disease (modern leprosy). These ailments were not merely medical issues but carried profound ceremonial, social, and theological implications within the covenant community. An individual afflicted with `tzara'at` was considered ritually "unclean" (Hebrew: טָמֵא, `tameh`), which mandated their separation from the camp and prohibited their participation in corporate worship or social life, as explicitly detailed in [Numbers 5:2-3](/numbers/5-2-3 "Numbers 5:2-3 - Command to put out unclean persons from the camp"). This separation was paramount for maintaining the holiness and purity of the Israelite camp, especially given the palpable presence of God's Tabernacle among them. The priest's role was divinely appointed and paramount; he functioned as the authoritative diagnostician and judge of ritual purity, not as a physician. His pronouncement of "clean" or "unclean" was a binding legal and theological declaration. The concept of "old leprosy" (`tzara'at yoshevet`) implies a chronic, persistent condition that had been present for a significant duration, rendering its diagnosis unequivocal and precluding the need for the probationary "shutting up" period typically required for new or ambiguous cases (cf. [Leviticus 13:4](/leviticus/13-4 "Leviticus 13:4 - Priest's initial examination for skin diseases")).
* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 13:11 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it reinforces the theme of **God's Holiness and Purity**, emphasizing His absolute separation from anything defiling and His demand for a holy people. The meticulous `tzara'at` laws illustrate the practical outworking of this divine attribute in the daily lives of the Israelites. Secondly, the verse highlights the **Authority of the Priesthood** as divinely appointed mediators and arbiters of purity. The priest's pronouncements were not suggestions but binding declarations that determined an individual's status within the covenant community. Thirdly, it underscores the theme of **Defilement and Separation**, demonstrating that certain conditions, particularly chronic ones like "old leprosy," inherently rendered an individual unclean, necessitating their separation from the holy camp to prevent the spread of impurity and maintain the sanctity of God's dwelling place. This concept of separation for purity is foundational to understanding the covenant relationship (cf. [Leviticus 11:44-45](/leviticus/11-44-45 "Leviticus 11:44-45 - Be holy, for I am holy")). Finally, the distinction between new/ambiguous cases and "old leprosy" illustrates the theme of **Discernment and Decisiveness** in dealing with impurity, where clear and established defilement requires immediate and definitive action, without delay or re-evaluation, contrasting with the probationary periods for less certain afflictions (cf. [Leviticus 13:4-5](/leviticus/13-4-5 "Leviticus 13:4-5 - Priest's examination and re-examination process")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Old (Hebrew, _yâshên'_):** The Hebrew word יָשֵׁן (`yâshên`, H3462) describes the `tzara'at` as "old," "stale," or "inveterate." This term signifies a chronic, persistent, and clearly identifiable condition that has been present for a significant duration, in contrast to a new or developing affliction. Its presence indicates that the disease has taken root and is not a transient or ambiguous skin irritation, thus requiring no further observation.
* **Unclean (Hebrew, _ṭâmêʼ'_):** The Hebrew word טָמֵא (`ṭâmêʼ`, H2930/H2931) refers to a state of ritual impurity. This is a legal and ceremonial designation, not necessarily a moral one. To be `ṭâmêʼ` meant one was temporarily unfit to participate in sacred acts, enter holy spaces, or interact fully within the community until proper purification rituals were performed. For `tzara'at`, this state of uncleanness was particularly severe and prolonged, often requiring isolation. The priest's declaration of `ṭâmêʼ` was binding and necessitated the prescribed actions for the unclean person.
* **Shut him up (Hebrew, _çâgar'_):** The Hebrew root סָגַר (`çâgar`, H5462) means "to shut up," "to close up," or "to confine." In this context, the phrase "shall not shut him up" (לֹא יַסְגִּרֶנּוּ, `lo yisgerennu`) is a crucial distinction from cases described earlier in Leviticus 13 (e.g., [Leviticus 13:4](/leviticus/13-4 "Leviticus 13:4 - Priest's initial examination and isolation")). For an "old leprosy," the diagnosis is so clear and definitive that there is no need for a probationary period of seven days to observe the condition's progression. The immediate and certain nature of the uncleanness means the individual is declared unclean at once, without further delay or re-examination.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"It [is] an old leprosy in the skin of his flesh":** This opening clause definitively identifies the nature of the skin affliction. The term "old leprosy" (`tzara'at yoshevet`, using the participle of `yashav` in conjunction with `yâshên` for "old") indicates that the disease is not a new or ambiguous manifestation but a chronic, well-established condition. The phrase "in the skin of his flesh" specifies the visible location and physical manifestation of the disease, making its presence evident and undeniable to the priest upon inspection.
* **"and the priest shall pronounce him unclean":** This highlights the priest's authoritative and declarative role within the Mosaic legal system. His pronouncement is not a medical diagnosis but a legal and ritual judgment based on God's revealed law. Once the "old leprosy" is identified, there is no ambiguity, and the priest's immediate duty is to declare the individual ritually `ṭâmêʼ` (unclean), initiating the prescribed consequences of defilement.
* **"and shall not shut him up:":** This is the pivotal distinguishing instruction of the verse. Unlike other cases where the priest might "shut up" (isolate) the individual for a period of observation (typically seven days) to confirm the diagnosis (e.g., [Leviticus 13:4](/leviticus/13-4 "Leviticus 13:4 - Initial inspection and isolation")), for an "old leprosy," no such probationary period is required. The established and chronic nature of the disease makes further observation unnecessary, as the diagnosis is already conclusive.
* **"for he [is] unclean.":** This final clause provides the definitive rationale for the priest's immediate declaration and the absence of a probationary period. The definitive presence of "old leprosy" means the individual is already, unequivocally, in a state of ritual uncleanness. The condition itself serves as the irrefutable evidence, leaving no room for doubt or re-evaluation regarding their status before God and the community.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 13:11 employs several literary devices to convey its precise legal and theological message. **Legal Language** is paramount, characterized by its prescriptive and declarative nature, evident in phrases like "the priest shall pronounce him unclean" and "shall not shut him up." The text functions as a clear, unambiguous instruction within the Mosaic Law, leaving no room for subjective interpretation in this specific case. **Contrast** is also a significant device, as this verse stands in direct opposition to earlier verses (e.g., [Leviticus 13:4-5](/leviticus/13-4-5 "Leviticus 13:4-5 - Priest's examination and re-examination")) that mandate a "shutting up" period for less definitive or newly appearing cases of `tzara'at`. This contrast powerfully underscores the unmistakable and chronic nature of "old leprosy." Furthermore, **Symbolism** is inherent in the entire `tzara'at` legislation. The physical defilement of the skin condition serves as a potent symbol for spiritual impurity and the pervasive, defiling nature of sin, which separates an individual from the holy community and, ultimately, from a holy God. The immediate and definitive declaration of uncleanness for an "old leprosy" symbolically represents the clear, undeniable, and entrenched nature of chronic sin.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 13:11 profoundly underscores God's absolute holiness and His unwavering demand for purity within His covenant community. The meticulous laws concerning `tzara'at` highlight that defilement, whether physical or spiritual, cannot coexist with God's manifest presence. The immediate and definitive declaration of uncleanness for "old leprosy" emphasizes that persistent, undeniable impurity requires decisive action and separation. This reflects a profound theological truth: sin, especially when it becomes chronic, deeply ingrained, and clearly evident, is recognized by God as a state of defilement that necessitates a radical separation from His holy presence until true cleansing and reconciliation occur. The priest's role as the diagnostician and declarer of purity, acting on God's behalf, prefigures humanity's inherent need for a perfect mediator to address our pervasive uncleanness before a perfectly holy God.

* [Numbers 5:2-3](/numbers/5-2-3 "Numbers 5:2-3 - Command to put out unclean persons from the camp")
* [Hebrews 9:13-14](/hebrews/9-13-14 "Hebrews 9:13-14 - Christ's superior sacrifice cleansing conscience")
* [1 John 1:8-9](/1_john/1-8-9 "1 John 1:8-9 - Confession of sin and God's faithfulness to cleanse")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Leviticus 13:11, while rooted in ancient ceremonial laws, offers profound and timeless spiritual lessons for believers today. The concept of "old leprosy" as a clearly identifiable and persistent defilement serves as a powerful metaphor for entrenched, chronic patterns of sin in our lives. Just as the priest could immediately discern and declare the uncleanness of an established physical condition, so too must we, empowered by the Holy Spirit, learn to discern and honestly acknowledge the deep-seated spiritual "leprosy" that defiles us and separates us from God's perfect will. There are times when our spiritual condition is not a new, ambiguous spot, but a chronic, undeniable defilement that demands immediate and forthright recognition, rather than a period of denial, rationalization, or "observation." This verse calls us to confront our spiritual realities without delay, understanding that true cleansing and restoration begin with a humble and forthright admission of our defilement. It reminds us that God's standard of holiness is unwavering, and He desires a people who are truly set apart for Him, free from the pervasive and entrenched influence of sin.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "old leprosy" or persistent sin patterns in my life might I be tempted to "shut up" or ignore, rather than confronting them immediately and decisively?**
* **How does the priest's definitive declaration of uncleanness for "old leprosy" challenge my own tendency to minimize, rationalize, or delay dealing with my sin?**
* **In what ways does this passage highlight the importance of spiritual discernment in recognizing and addressing deep-seated issues of defilement in my personal life and within the community of faith?**

### FAQ
**What was `tzara'at` (often translated as "leprosy") in ancient Israel?**

Answer: `Tzara'at` (Hebrew: צָרַעַת) was a broad category of severe skin afflictions described in the detailed purity laws of [Leviticus 13-14](/leviticus/13 "Leviticus 13 - Laws concerning skin diseases"). It was not exclusively modern Hansen's disease but encompassed various skin conditions, including rashes, boils, and fungal infections. Crucially, `tzara'at` was not primarily a medical diagnosis but a ritual and theological one. Its presence rendered an individual ritually "unclean" (`ṭâmêʼ`), requiring separation from the community and the Tabernacle, and necessitating priestly declaration for diagnosis and eventual cleansing. It was a visible sign of defilement that profoundly impacted one's standing in the holy community.

**Why did the priest "not shut him up" in the case of "old leprosy"?**

Answer: The phrase "shall not shut him up" refers to a probationary period of isolation, typically seven days, during which the priest would observe a suspected skin condition to see if it spread, healed, or remained ambiguous (as described in [Leviticus 13:4-5](/leviticus/13-4-5 "Leviticus 13:4-5 - Priest's examination and re-examination")). In the case of "old leprosy" (`tzara'at yoshevet`), the condition was clearly established, chronic, and unmistakable. There was no ambiguity or doubt about its nature or progression. Therefore, no period of observation was needed; the priest could immediately and definitively pronounce the individual unclean, as the evidence of defilement was already conclusive and required no further assessment.

**Is the concept of "unclean" from `tzara'at` relevant for Christians today?**

Answer: While the literal ceremonial laws concerning `tzara'at` are not binding for Christians under the New Covenant, the underlying theological principles remain profoundly relevant. The physical uncleanness of `tzara'at` served as a powerful symbol for spiritual defilement, particularly sin. Just as `tzara'at` separated an individual from the holy community and God's presence, so too does sin separate us from God. The need for a definitive declaration of uncleanness and subsequent cleansing points to humanity's universal need for spiritual purification from sin. For believers, this cleansing comes not through ritual sacrifices or priestly pronouncements, but through the perfect and atoning work of Jesus Christ, who purifies us from all unrighteousness (cf. [1 John 1:7](/1_john/1-7 "1 John 1:7 - Walking in the light and cleansing by Christ's blood")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 13:11, with its stark declaration of uncleanness for "old leprosy," finds its profound and glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who stands as the ultimate High Priest and the Great Physician. The "old leprosy" powerfully symbolizes the chronic, pervasive, and deeply ingrained nature of human sin, which undeniably separates us from a holy God. The Mosaic Law, through the earthly priest, could only diagnose and declare this uncleanness, leading to isolation and separation from the community and God's presence (cf. [Leviticus 13:45-46](/leviticus/13-45-46 "Leviticus 13:45-46 - Regulations for the unclean leper")). However, Jesus does not merely diagnose; He heals, purifies, and restores. He demonstrates His divine authority over all forms of defilement by reaching out and touching lepers—an act forbidden under the Law—and instantly making them clean (e.g., [Matthew 8:2-3](/matthew/8-2-3 "Matthew 8:2-3 - Jesus heals a leper")). As our compassionate and perfect High Priest, Jesus does not "shut us up" in our sin; instead, through His perfect, once-for-all sacrifice on the cross, He takes away the sin of the world, offering definitive cleansing and reconciliation (cf. [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") and [Hebrews 9:26](/hebrews/9-26 "Hebrews 9:26 - Christ's sacrifice to put away sin")). He is the one who authoritatively declares us righteous and clean, not based on our own efforts or the persistence of our "leprosy," but solely on the efficacy of His atoning blood, thereby bringing us into full and eternal communion with God and His people (cf. [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ became sin for us")).

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.