Leviticus 13:18

KJV

¶ The flesh also, in which, [even] in the skin thereof, was a boil, and is healed,

KJV (with Strong's)

The flesh {H1320} also, in which {H3588}, even in the skin {H5785} thereof, was a boil {H7822}, and is healed {H7495},

Complete Jewish Bible

"If a person has on his skin a boil that heals

Berean Standard Bible

When a boil appears on someone’s skin and it heals,

American Standard Version

And when the flesh hath in the skin thereof a boil, and it is healed,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 13:18 introduces a specific scenario within the detailed Mosaic laws concerning skin diseases, particularly *tzara'at*. This verse focuses on an individual who previously suffered from a boil (*shechin*) on their skin, and that boil has now healed. It sets the stage for the subsequent examination by a priest, as the appearance of a suspicious mark in the place of the healed boil could indicate a more serious, ritually defiling condition. This meticulous regulation underscores God's profound concern for the physical health, ritual purity, and spiritual holiness of the Israelite community, ensuring that potential sources of defilement were thoroughly addressed.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 13 inaugurates a comprehensive section (chapters 13-14) dedicated to identifying, diagnosing, and managing various skin conditions, most notably *tzara'at*, a broad term often translated as "leprosy" but encompassing a wider range of afflictions beyond what is medically known as Hansen's disease. Prior to verse 18, the text describes the initial signs of *tzara'at* (e.g., a swelling, scab, or bright spot) and the priestly procedures for diagnosis, including isolation and re-examination. Leviticus 13:18 then shifts the focus from initial afflictions to a specific post-healing scenario: a boil that has healed. This verse acts as a crucial preamble to the instructions in [Leviticus 13:19-23](/leviticus/13-19-23 "Leviticus 13:19-23 - Examination of a Healed Boil"), which detail how the priest is to examine the site of the healed boil for any signs of *tzara'at*, demonstrating the law's comprehensive and preventative nature in addressing potential sources of defilement within the community.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of Leviticus establishes the framework for Israel's covenant relationship with God, emphasizing holiness and purity as essential for dwelling in His presence and for the sanctity of the tabernacle. These laws were not merely arbitrary but served multiple, interconnected purposes: maintaining public health by preventing the spread of contagious diseases in a communal setting, teaching the Israelites about the pervasive nature of sin (as physical impurity often symbolized spiritual impurity), and reinforcing the need for careful discernment and separation unto God. The priests, as divinely appointed mediators, played a crucial public health and spiritual diagnostic role. Their examinations, as described throughout [Leviticus 13](/leviticus/13 "Leviticus 13 - Laws Concerning Skin Diseases"), were vital for preserving the holiness of the camp, ensuring that only those deemed ritually clean could participate fully in community life and worship. The detailed nature of these regulations underscores God's meticulous care for His people's well-being and their unique status as a holy nation.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, nestled within the broader laws of Leviticus 13, contributes to several overarching themes. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Holiness and Purity**, emphasizing that God's people must maintain a state of ritual purity to dwell in His presence and participate in worship. Secondly, it reinforces the theme of **Divine Authority and Meticulousness**, demonstrating God's sovereign right to establish detailed laws for every aspect of Israelite life, even seemingly minor physical conditions, reflecting His perfect order and attention to detail. Thirdly, it underscores the **Role of the Priesthood** as guardians of purity and mediators of God's law, tasked with discerning between clean and unclean. Finally, it subtly points to the **Pervasiveness of Impurity**, illustrating how even the aftermath of a common ailment could potentially harbor a more serious, defiling condition, thereby necessitating constant vigilance and examination.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **flesh (Hebrew, בָּשָׂר, _basar'_):** This term refers to the physical body, specifically the skin, which is the immediate locus of the affliction. In the context of Leviticus, the "flesh" is often the site where uncleanness manifests, requiring examination and purification. The phrase "even in the skin thereof" further specifies the superficial nature of the condition, yet its potential for deep spiritual implications regarding ritual purity.
* **boil (Hebrew, שְׁחִין, _shᵉchîyn'_):** This word denotes an inflammatory skin eruption, such as a sore, ulcer, or carbuncle. It is distinct from *tzara'at* itself, which is a broader category of skin diseases. The mention of a "boil" here highlights that common ailments, even after healing, could leave residual marks that required priestly scrutiny to ensure they were not symptomatic of the more severe, ritually defiling *tzara'at*.
* **healed (Hebrew, רָפָא, _rapha'_):** Derived from the root *rapha* (to heal), this verb indicates that the initial boil has completely recovered. The perfect tense signifies a completed action. The significance lies in the fact that the *healing* of the boil does not automatically clear the individual; rather, it creates a new condition that still necessitates priestly examination if a suspicious mark remains or develops in its place, underscoring the thoroughness of God's laws concerning purity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The flesh also, in which, [even] in the skin thereof":** This phrase precisely locates the subject of the examination – the outer surface of the human body. It emphasizes that the concern is with visible manifestations on the skin, which priests could physically inspect and distinguish. This specificity highlights the meticulousness required in discerning conditions of purity and impurity.
* **"was a boil":** This clause identifies the specific prior condition that the individual experienced. It establishes that the person had a common, non-defiling skin ailment, a boil, which is important for distinguishing it from other initial symptoms of *tzara'at* described earlier in the chapter. This distinction is crucial for the subsequent diagnostic process.
* **"and is healed":** This clause indicates the resolution of the initial boil. The focus shifts from the active affliction to its aftermath. The fact that it *has healed* is crucial, as the subsequent verses address what happens if a suspicious mark appears *in the place* where the boil was, rather than the active boil itself. This signifies that even a past ailment could leave a residual mark requiring scrutiny for ritual purity.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 13:18, as an integral part of a larger legal code, primarily employs **Casuistic Law**, which presents specific cases or "if...then" scenarios to define legal obligations and consequences. While this verse functions as an "if" clause, it implicitly points to the subsequent "then" of priestly examination and declaration found in the verses that immediately follow. There is also significant **Precision** and **Detail** in the language, characteristic of legal and instructional texts, ensuring that the conditions for purity and defilement are clearly delineated and leave little room for ambiguity. The careful distinction between a common boil and a potentially defiling mark demonstrates this meticulousness. Furthermore, there is an underlying **Symbolism** where physical purity, maintained through strict adherence to these laws, served as a tangible and pedagogical representation of the spiritual purity required for a holy people to dwell in the presence of a holy God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 13:18, though focused on a seemingly mundane physical ailment, underscores profound theological truths about God's absolute holiness, His meticulous concern for His people's holistic well-being, and the pervasive nature of impurity in a fallen world. The detailed regulations reveal that God's covenant with Israel extended to every facet of life, including public health and hygiene, which were intrinsically linked to their spiritual standing and ability to approach a holy God. The need for priestly examination, even after a common ailment had healed, highlights the seriousness with which God viewed any potential defilement that could compromise the sanctity of the community and its worship. These laws served to teach Israel about the absolute purity of God and the separation required of those who would draw near to Him, emphasizing that even the aftermath of a common physical issue could carry significant spiritual implications.

* [Leviticus 11:44](/leviticus/11-44 "Leviticus 11:44 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy")
* [Numbers 5:2](/numbers/5-2 "Numbers 5:2 - Expelling the Unclean from the Camp")
* [Deuteronomy 23:14](/deuteronomy/23-14 "Deuteronomy 23:14 - The Lord Walks in the Camp")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific ceremonial laws of Leviticus 13:18 are not directly applicable to believers today in their literal form, they offer timeless principles for spiritual reflection and practical application in our lives. God's meticulous attention to detail regarding physical purity can inspire us to consider the holistic nature of our well-being—physical, mental, and spiritual—as interconnected aspects of a life lived for His glory. Just as ancient Israel was called to maintain a holy and healthy community, we are called to live lives that honor God in every sphere, exercising discernment in all matters. This involves carefully evaluating situations, distinguishing between what is truly harmful or spiritually compromising and what is benign, and not making hasty judgments. Furthermore, the emphasis on communal health reminds us of our responsibility to contribute to the well-being of our spiritual and physical communities, fostering environments that promote health, purity, and holiness, reflecting God's desire for His people to thrive in every aspect of their lives, both individually and corporately.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's detailed concern for physical purity in Leviticus 13:18 inform our understanding of His concern for our spiritual purity today?**
* **In what areas of my life might I need to exercise greater discernment, distinguishing between what is benign and what might be a source of spiritual compromise?**
* **How can I contribute to the "health and purity" of my community (church, family, neighborhood) in ways that reflect God's character and His desire for holistic well-being?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of a 'boil' in this context, as opposed to other skin conditions?**

Answer: The Hebrew word for "boil" (*shechin*) refers to a common inflammatory skin eruption, distinct from the more severe and ritually defiling *tzara'at*. The significance of mentioning a healed boil in [Leviticus 13:18](/leviticus/13-18 "Leviticus 13:18 - Examination of a Healed Boil") is that even a common ailment, once healed, could leave a mark or scar. If a suspicious, discolored mark (white or reddish-white) appeared *in the place* of this healed boil, it then necessitated priestly examination to determine if it was, in fact, *tzara'at*. This highlights the meticulousness of the law, ensuring that no potential source of ritual impurity was overlooked, even in the aftermath of a common affliction. It underscores that even seemingly innocuous conditions required careful discernment to maintain the community's ritual purity.

**Why did God give such detailed laws about skin conditions like those mentioned in Leviticus 13?**

Answer: God gave these detailed laws for several interconnected reasons, demonstrating His multifaceted wisdom and care. Firstly, they served as a pragmatic public health measure, preventing the spread of contagious diseases within the Israelite camp, especially given their close living conditions. Secondly, and more profoundly, these physical purity laws were deeply symbolic. They taught the Israelites about God's absolute holiness and the pervasive nature of sin, which, like a defiling disease, separated people from God and the community. The meticulous examination by the priest underscored the seriousness of impurity and the need for divine intervention to declare one clean. These laws reinforced the concept that to dwell in the presence of a holy God, His people must strive for holiness and purity in all aspects of life, as seen throughout [Leviticus](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus - The Book of Holiness").

**Are these laws still relevant for Christians today, since we are not under the Old Covenant ceremonial law?**

Answer: While the specific ceremonial laws regarding skin diseases in [Leviticus 13](/leviticus/13 "Leviticus 13 - Laws Concerning Skin Diseases") are not literally binding on Christians today (as the ceremonial law was fulfilled in Christ, as discussed in [Colossians 2:17](/colossians/2-17 "Colossians 2:17 - Christ is the Substance")), the underlying principles remain highly relevant. These laws reveal God's unchanging character (His holiness, His concern for purity and health), teach us about the nature of sin and its defiling effects, and emphasize the importance of discernment and community well-being. They point us to our need for a greater cleansing than any ritual could provide, foreshadowing the perfect and ultimate cleansing found in Christ. Thus, while the *form* of the law has changed, the eternal *truth* it conveys about God and humanity's inherent need for purity and redemption endures.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 13:18, with its focus on a healed boil and the subsequent need for priestly examination to ascertain purity, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Old Testament laws concerning physical defilement, including various skin conditions, served as a constant and tangible reminder of humanity's pervasive sinfulness and the absolute holiness of God, which could not tolerate impurity. No human effort, ritual, or external examination could truly cleanse the heart or make one genuinely righteous before God. Jesus, however, is the ultimate High Priest, who not only diagnoses sin but also possesses the divine power to truly cleanse it. Unlike the Levitical priests who could only declare a person clean based on external examination and prescribed rituals, Jesus could actually heal the sick and cleanse the unclean with a single touch or word, as powerfully demonstrated in His encounter with the leper in [Matthew 8:1-4](/matthew/8-1-4 "Matthew 8:1-4 - Jesus Heals a Leper"). His touch, rather than defiling Him, imparted cleansing and wholeness. Furthermore, Christ's perfect, once-for-all sacrifice on the cross is the true spiritual "healing" that removes the deep-seated defilement of sin, making us genuinely and eternally clean before God ([1 John 1:7](/1_john/1-7 "1 John 1:7 - Cleansing from All Sin")). He is the "end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes" ([Romans 10:4](/romans/10-4 "Romans 10:4 - Christ is the End of the Law")), fulfilling its demands and providing the ultimate, lasting purity that the Levitical system could only foreshadow. Through Him, we are not merely declared clean, but made new creations, our spiritual "flesh" healed from the boil of sin and its defiling effects.

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

Exodus 9:9

And it shall become small dust in all the land of Egypt, and shall be a boil breaking forth [with] blains upon man, and upon beast, throughout all the land of Egypt.

Psalms 38:3

[There is] no soundness in my flesh because of thine anger; neither [is there any] rest in my bones because of my sin.

Psalms 38:7

For my loins are filled with a loathsome [disease]: and [there is] no soundness in my flesh.

2 Kings 20:7

And Isaiah said, Take a lump of figs. And they took and laid [it] on the boil, and he recovered.

Exodus 15:26

And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I [am] the LORD that healeth thee.

Job 2:7

¶ So went Satan forth from the presence of the LORD, and smote Job with sore boils from the sole of his foot unto his crown.

Isaiah 38:21

For Isaiah had said, Let them take a lump of figs, and lay [it] for a plaister upon the boil, and he shall recover.