Leviticus 13:16

KJV

Or if the raw flesh turn again, and be changed unto white, he shall come unto the priest;

KJV (with Strong's)

Or if the raw {H2416} flesh {H1320} turn again {H7725}, and be changed {H2015} unto white {H3836}, he shall come {H935} unto the priest {H3548};

Complete Jewish Bible

However, if the inflamed flesh again turns white, he is to come to the cohen.

Berean Standard Bible

But if the raw flesh changes and turns white, he must go to the priest.

American Standard Version

Or if the raw flesh turn again, and be changed unto white, then he shall come unto the priest;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 13:16 meticulously outlines a specific diagnostic protocol within the comprehensive laws concerning *tzara'at*, a range of severe skin afflictions in ancient Israel. This verse addresses the crucial re-examination process by the priest when a previously identified area of "raw flesh"—an active, unhealed lesion—on an individual's skin undergoes a significant change, specifically turning "white." It underscores the meticulous and ongoing discernment required by the Mosaic Law to accurately determine ritual purity, thereby impacting the individual's standing within the community and their access to the sacred space.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 13 and 14 constitute a detailed legal corpus dedicated to *tzara'at*, a term often translated as "leprosy" but encompassing a broader spectrum of severe skin conditions, as well as mildew in garments and houses. This chapter systematically details the diagnostic procedures for the priests, emphasizing careful observation, periods of isolation, and subsequent re-examination. Leviticus 13:16 specifically follows initial examinations (e.g., [Leviticus 13:1-8](/leviticus/13-1-8 "Leviticus 13:1-8 - Initial Examination for Tzara'at")) and subsequent re-evaluations after a period of isolation (e.g., [Leviticus 13:4-5](/leviticus/13-4-5 "Leviticus 13:4-5 - Isolation and Re-examination Procedures")). The verse addresses a dynamic scenario where a previously noted active lesion, characterized by "raw flesh," undergoes a visible transformation, necessitating a renewed priestly inspection to determine if the condition has progressed, healed, or taken on a different, less severe form, thereby directly influencing the individual's ritual status and potential for reintegration into the camp.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, *tzara'at* carried profound social, spiritual, and communal implications far beyond mere physical ailment. It was viewed as a severe form of ritual impurity, often associated with sin or divine judgment (as exemplified in [Numbers 12:10](/numbers/12-10 "Numbers 12:10 - Miriam's Affliction with Tzara'at")). Individuals afflicted were declared "unclean" and required to live outside the camp, separated from the community and the sanctuary, symbolizing alienation from God's holy presence. The priest served as the sole, divinely appointed authority for diagnosis, declaration of impurity, and, crucially, declaration of cleanness, which alone enabled reintegration into communal life. These laws were not merely public health measures but served to teach Israel about the sanctity of God, the seriousness of impurity, and the necessity of maintaining a holy community in the midst of God's presence. The meticulous nature of the examinations, including follow-ups like that described in [Leviticus 13:16](/leviticus/13-16 "Leviticus 13:16 - Re-examination of Raw Flesh"), underscores the gravity of *tzara'at* and the importance of accurate discernment for the well-being of both the individual and the entire Israelite camp.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. It highlights the theme of **Holiness and Purity**, emphasizing God's demand for a ritually clean people who can dwell in His presence. The detailed procedures underscore the **Seriousness of Impurity**, showing that defilement, whether physical or spiritual, requires divine intervention and priestly mediation for resolution. Furthermore, the priest's role as the sole diagnostician and arbiter of purity reinforces the theme of **Divine Authority and Order**, demonstrating that God's laws are to be administered with precision and obedience. The dynamic nature of the affliction and the need for re-evaluation also subtly introduces the theme of **Restoration and Reintegration**, as the ultimate goal of these laws was not merely exclusion but the possibility of return to full fellowship with God and community once purity was established. This meticulous discernment process is a microcosm of God's perfect order and His desire for a people set apart for His glory, a theme woven throughout [Leviticus](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus - Laws of Holiness and Worship").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Raw (Hebrew, _chay'_):** From H2416, meaning "alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong." In this context, "raw" refers to living, exposed, or unhealed flesh, indicating an active, unscarred, or ulcerated lesion. Its presence was a critical diagnostic sign, typically pointing to an active and severe manifestation of the *tzara'at* condition that required immediate attention and isolation.
* **Changed (Hebrew, _hâphak'_):** From H2015, a primitive root meaning "to turn about or over; by implication, to change, overturn, return, pervert." This verb emphasizes a significant alteration or transformation in the condition of the "raw flesh." It signifies a distinct shift from its previous state, indicating a dynamic process where the lesion's appearance has visibly shifted, thereby necessitating a new, careful assessment by the priest.
* **White (Hebrew, _lâbân'_):** From H3836, meaning "white." This refers to a specific pale or whitish discoloration. In the context of *tzara'at*, white patches could indicate various stages, from a spreading infection to a healed scar, or even a non-contagious condition like vitiligo. The change from "raw flesh" to "white" was a crucial observable sign that might indicate healing or a different, less active phase of the affliction, prompting the priest's re-evaluation to determine the individual's ritual status.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Or if the raw flesh turn again":** This clause introduces a specific scenario where a previously identified active lesion, characterized by "raw flesh" (exposed, unhealed tissue), undergoes a noticeable reversal or alteration in its appearance. It signifies that the condition is not static but has entered a new phase, demanding renewed attention and priestly discernment.
* **"and be changed unto white":** This specifies the particular transformation observed: the active, unhealed area has taken on a whitish appearance. This change in color was a key indicator for the priest, potentially signaling a different stage of the disease—perhaps a path towards healing, a stabilization, or a less severe manifestation—rather than a spreading, active infection.
* **"he shall come unto the priest;":** This final clause mandates the individual's return to the priest for a re-examination. It underscores the priest's exclusive authority in diagnosing and declaring ritual purity or impurity, ensuring that all significant changes in the condition of *tzara'at* were subject to proper, divinely ordained discernment and judgment.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 13:16, like much of the Mosaic Law, employs **Casuistic Law**, presenting a specific "if...then" scenario ("Or if the raw flesh turn again... he shall come unto the priest"). This structure provides clear, conditional guidelines for handling particular circumstances, ensuring consistency and precision in the application of the purity laws. The meticulous description of physical signs ("raw flesh," "white") demonstrates **Detailed Observation**, highlighting the empirical and systematic approach required for priestly diagnosis. Furthermore, the entire chapter, including this verse, relies heavily on **Symbolism**, where the physical manifestation of *tzara'at* serves as a powerful symbol of spiritual impurity and separation from God and community. The process of examination, isolation, and potential declaration of cleanness symbolizes the path from defilement to restoration, reflecting deeper spiritual truths about sin and redemption.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 13:16, while seemingly a medical protocol, deeply embeds profound theological principles. It reveals God's meticulous concern for the holiness of His people, not just spiritually but also communally and physically. The requirement for repeated examination and re-evaluation underscores the divine demand for thoroughness, precision, and discernment in matters of purity, reflecting God's own perfect holiness and His desire for His people to reflect that holiness in every aspect of their lives. It teaches that impurity, whether ritual or spiritual, is a serious matter that requires careful attention and proper divine authority for resolution, ultimately leading to restoration and re-integration. The dynamic nature of the "raw flesh" and the need for re-evaluation also points to the dynamic reality of spiritual conditions and the ongoing need for spiritual discernment, accountability, and a willingness to submit to the process of purification.

* [Leviticus 14:2-3](/leviticus/14-2-3 "Leviticus 14:2-3 - The Law of Cleansing for a Leper")
* [Numbers 12:10-15](/numbers/12-10-15 "Numbers 12:10-15 - Miriam's Tzara'at and Isolation")
* [Hebrews 12:14](/hebrews/12-14 "Hebrews 12:14 - Pursue Peace and Holiness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the ceremonial laws of *tzara'at* are no longer binding for believers in Christ, the principles embedded in Leviticus 13:16 offer profound spiritual insights for our lives today. The meticulous re-examination of "raw flesh" turning "white" serves as a powerful metaphor for the ongoing process of spiritual growth and sanctification. Just as the priest had to carefully discern changes in physical conditions, we are called to exercise continuous spiritual discernment in our own lives, not making hasty judgments about our spiritual health or that of others. This verse reminds us that true spiritual healing and transformation often involve dynamic processes, requiring patience, careful observation, and a willingness to reassess our condition honestly before God. It also highlights the importance of seeking wise, godly counsel when we face spiritual uncertainties or struggles, just as the Israelite sought the priest. God desires our wholeness—spiritually, emotionally, and physically—and calls us to a life of purity and integrity, continually submitting ourselves to His transformative work and the discernment of His Word and Spirit, allowing Him to turn our spiritual "raw flesh" into the "white" garments of righteousness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I practice ongoing spiritual self-examination and discernment in my daily life, acknowledging areas of ongoing struggle or "raw flesh"?**
* **Where might I be making hasty spiritual judgments, either about myself or others, without thorough re-evaluation and patience for God's transformative work?**
* **To whom do I turn for wise, godly counsel and accountability when I face spiritual uncertainties or struggles, recognizing the need for external discernment?**

### FAQ
**What was "raw flesh" in the context of *tzara'at*?**

Answer: In the context of *tzara'at*, "raw flesh" (Hebrew: *basar chay*) referred to an area of exposed, unhealed, or inflamed tissue within a skin lesion. It was a critical diagnostic sign, often indicating an active, severe, and potentially spreading manifestation of the skin condition, distinct from a scabbed or healed area. Its presence typically mandated isolation and further priestly observation.

**Why was it important for the "raw flesh" to turn "white"?**

Answer: The change from "raw flesh" to "white" (Hebrew: *lavan*) was significant because it indicated a distinct alteration in the lesion's state. While "white" itself could signify various conditions, this particular transformation from an active, raw state often suggested a process of healing, stabilization, or a different, potentially less severe, manifestation of the affliction. This change necessitated a re-examination by the priest to determine if the individual could be declared clean and reintegrated into the community, as detailed in [Leviticus 13:16](/leviticus/13-16 "Leviticus 13:16 - Re-examination of Raw Flesh"). It was a sign that the active, spreading phase might be over, opening the possibility for a declaration of purity.

**Did *tzara'at* always mean "leprosy" as we know it today?**

Answer: No, *tzara'at* was a broader category of skin afflictions in ancient Israel, encompassing various severe skin conditions, rashes, boils, and fungal infections, not exclusively Hansen's disease (modern leprosy). The detailed descriptions in [Leviticus 13](/leviticus/13 "Leviticus 13 - Laws Concerning Tzara'at") cover a range of symptoms that do not align perfectly with a single modern medical diagnosis, but rather describe conditions that rendered an individual ritually impure and separated from the community. It was a theological and ritual category more than a purely medical one.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous laws concerning *tzara'at* and the priest's indispensable role in declaring purity find their ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the Old Covenant priests could only diagnose and declare a state of impurity or cleanness, Jesus, as our Great High Priest ([Hebrews 4:14](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest")), possesses the divine power to truly cleanse, heal, and transform the spiritual leprosy of sin. Just as the Israelite with "raw flesh" had to return to the priest for re-evaluation, humanity, marred by the active "raw flesh" of sin, must come to Christ for true diagnosis and cleansing. He is the one who, unlike the Old Testament priest who merely observed from a distance, reached out and touched the leper, instantly healing him ([Matthew 8:2-3](/matthew/8-2-3 "Matthew 8:2-3 - Jesus Heals a Leper")), thereby demonstrating His sovereign authority over impurity, disease, and sin itself. His perfect sacrifice on the cross provides the ultimate purification, transforming our spiritual "raw flesh" of sin into the "white" righteousness of Christ ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Our Righteousness")). Through His shed blood, we are made truly clean, not just ritually, but spiritually and eternally, granting us full access to God's holy presence and complete restoration into the community of faith ([Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Christ's Blood Cleanses Conscience")). The Old Testament law, with its intricate details, powerfully pointed to the serious nature of impurity and the absolute necessity of divine intervention; Christ is that intervention, declaring us pure and whole by His grace and bringing us into a new covenant of life and fellowship ([Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31-34 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - The New Covenant")).

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

1 Timothy 1:13

Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did [it] ignorantly in unbelief.

1 Timothy 1:15

This [is] a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.

Philippians 3:6

Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.

Philippians 3:8

Yea doubtless, and I count all things [but] loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them [but] dung, that I may win Christ,

Romans 7:14

¶ For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.

Romans 7:24

O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?

Galatians 1:14

And profited in the Jews' religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers.