Leviticus 13:2

KJV

When a man shall have in the skin of his flesh a rising, a scab, or bright spot, and it be in the skin of his flesh [like] the plague of leprosy; then he shall be brought unto Aaron the priest, or unto one of his sons the priests:

KJV (with Strong's)

When a man {H120} shall have in the skin {H5785} of his flesh {H1320} a rising {H7613}, a scab {H5597}, or bright spot {H934}, and it be in the skin {H5785} of his flesh {H1320} like the plague {H5061} of leprosy {H6883}; then he shall be brought {H935} unto Aaron {H175} the priest {H3548}, or unto one {H259} of his sons {H1121} the priests {H3548}:

Complete Jewish Bible

"If someone develops on his skin a swelling, scab or bright spot which could develop into the disease tzara'at, he is to be brought to Aharon the cohen or to one of his sons who are cohanim.

Berean Standard Bible

“When someone has a swelling or rash or bright spot on his skin that could become an infectious skin disease, he must be brought to Aaron the priest or to one of his sons who is a priest.

American Standard Version

When a man shall have in the skin of his flesh a rising, or a scab, or a bright spot, and it become in the skin of his flesh the plague of leprosy, then he shall be brought unto Aaron the priest, or unto one of his sons the priests:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 13:2 initiates the detailed Mosaic legislation concerning the diagnosis and management of severe skin conditions, primarily what the King James Version broadly translates as "leprosy" (Hebrew: *tsara'at*). This foundational verse establishes the critical first step in the process: any individual presenting with suspicious dermal manifestations—described as a rising, scab, or bright spot—is to be immediately presented before Aaron, the high priest, or one of his priestly sons for authoritative examination and declaration. This procedure underscores the profound theological significance of purity within the Israelite community, linking physical health to ceremonial holiness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 13:2 marks the beginning of an extensive legal corpus (chapters 13-14) dedicated entirely to the diagnosis, isolation, and purification rituals associated with *tsara'at*, a term encompassing various severe skin afflictions, and even conditions affecting garments and houses. This section immediately follows laws concerning clean and unclean animals and dietary restrictions in [Leviticus 11](/leviticus/11 "Leviticus 11 - Dietary Laws and Purity"), and laws regarding purification after childbirth in [Leviticus 12](/leviticus/12 "Leviticus 12 - Purification After Childbirth"). The placement of these laws within the broader framework of [Leviticus](/leviticus "The Book of Leviticus - Laws of Holiness") emphasizes the pervasive nature of ritual purity in the covenant community. The meticulous detail of these chapters highlights the gravity with which God viewed any potential source of defilement that could compromise the sanctity of the camp, where His holy presence resided. The ensuing chapters detail the specific signs for diagnosis, the periods of isolation, and the elaborate sacrifices required for purification, all building upon the initial priestly examination mandated in this verse.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, as in many ancient Near Eastern societies, skin diseases were often viewed with a mixture of fear, superstition, and religious significance. While the *tsara'at* described in Leviticus is distinct from modern Hansen's disease, it represented a broad category of severe, often chronic, and potentially disfiguring skin conditions that could render an individual ceremonially unclean. This uncleanness was not merely a medical diagnosis; it carried profound social and religious implications, leading to temporary (or even permanent) exclusion from the community and the tabernacle, as commanded in [Numbers 5:2](/numbers/5-2 "Numbers 5:2 - Exclusion of the Unclean"). The priest's role, as outlined in [Leviticus 13](/leviticus/13 "Leviticus 13 - Laws Concerning Skin Diseases"), transcended that of a mere physician; he functioned as a divine arbiter, responsible for declaring an individual clean or unclean based on God's revealed law. This system ensured the maintenance of a holy environment for a holy God, reflecting the theological principle that God's presence among His people demanded their ritual purity, as underscored in [Leviticus 11:44-45](/leviticus/11-44 "Leviticus 11:44-45 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Rising (Hebrew, _śĕ'ēṯ'_):** This term refers to a swelling or elevation on the skin. It indicates any raised lesion, lump, or protuberance that might be indicative of a deeper underlying condition. The KJV's "rising" accurately captures the sense of something emerging or standing out from the skin surface.
* **Scab (Hebrew, _sappaḥaṯ'_):** This word denotes a dry, scaly patch or an eruption that might be crusty or flaky. It suggests a surface lesion that could be a symptom of various dermatological issues, emphasizing the texture and appearance of the affected area.
* **Bright spot (Hebrew, _baháraṯ'_):** This term describes a lighter, often shiny, patch of skin. It points to discoloration or a change in pigmentation, which could range from a white spot to a reddish-white lesion, depending on the progression or nature of the affliction.
* **Plague of leprosy (Hebrew, _nega' tsara'at'_):** The word `nega'` (נֶגַע) literally means "stroke" or "plague," often implying a divine affliction or a serious affliction. `Tsara'at` (צָרַעַת) is the overarching term for the severe skin condition. As noted, it is a broad category, not exclusively modern Hansen's disease, but any severe, potentially contagious, and ceremonially defiling skin ailment that required priestly diagnosis and management. The combination `nega' tsara'at` underscores the gravity and the "affliction" aspect of the condition.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"When a man shall have in the skin of his flesh a rising, a scab, or bright spot,"**: This opening clause specifies the initial observable symptoms that trigger the diagnostic process. It focuses on visible dermal manifestations—a swelling, a scaly eruption, or a discolored patch—indicating that the Israelite was expected to be vigilant about changes in their own body or the bodies of others within the community. The phrase "in the skin of his flesh" precisely locates the affliction on the external surface of the body, distinguishing it from internal ailments.
* **"and it be in the skin of his flesh [like] the plague of leprosy;"**: This crucial clause clarifies the nature of the suspicious symptom: it must bear the characteristics of *tsara'at*. The KJV's "[like]" is an interpretive addition, but the Hebrew implies that the appearance *is* that of *tsara'at*, or at least strongly suggestive of it. This is not a self-diagnosis, but a preliminary observation that necessitates expert evaluation. The term "plague" (Hebrew: `nega'`) emphasizes the severe and often divinely-sent nature of the affliction, which carried profound ceremonial defilement.
* **"then he shall be brought unto Aaron the priest, or unto one of his sons the priests:"**: This final clause prescribes the mandatory action. The individual with the suspected *tsara'at* is not to self-isolate or seek common medical advice, but must be presented directly to the highest religious authority—Aaron, the High Priest, or any of his consecrated sons who served in the priesthood. This highlights the theological dimension of the condition; it was not merely a physical malady but a state of ceremonial impurity that required priestly discernment and intervention according to God's law. The priest's role was not to heal, but to declare the state of purity or impurity, and to guide the afflicted through the prescribed rituals for restoration.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 13:2 employs several literary devices to convey its legal and theological directives. The primary device is **Legal Formulation**, presenting a clear, conditional statement ("When... then...") that outlines a specific scenario and its mandatory consequence. This precise, prescriptive language is characteristic of the Mosaic Law, emphasizing clarity and divine authority. There is also an element of **Categorization** or **Enumeration** through the listing of "a rising, a scab, or bright spot," which provides specific, observable criteria for initial identification, guiding the layperson on what to look for. The subtle **Repetition** of "in the skin of his flesh" serves to underscore the superficial, yet significant, nature of the affliction, anchoring the diagnosis firmly to the visible dermal layer. Finally, the entire passage is imbued with **Symbolism**, where the physical "plague of leprosy" (tsara'at) serves as a potent symbol of sin's defiling nature, its separation from the holy community, and the need for divine intervention and cleansing, foreshadowing deeper spiritual truths.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 13:2, while seemingly a medical regulation, is deeply theological, underscoring God's meticulous concern for the holiness and purity of His covenant people. The detailed instructions for diagnosing *tsara'at* reveal that physical blemishes could signify a state of ceremonial impurity, which in turn impacted one's ability to participate in the life of the community and draw near to a holy God. This highlights the overarching theme of God's absolute holiness, which demands a corresponding purity from His people. The priest's role as diagnostician and arbiter of purity reinforces the idea that access to God was mediated and governed by divine standards, emphasizing the gravity of any defilement. The laws were not merely about public health, but primarily about maintaining the sacred space and the people within it in a state acceptable to the divine presence.

* [Numbers 5:1-4](/numbers/5-1 "Numbers 5:1-4 - Expulsion of the Unclean from the Camp") - Details the command to put out from the camp everyone who is unclean, including those with *tsara'at*, emphasizing the social and spiritual consequences of impurity.
* [Leviticus 11:44-45](/leviticus/11-44 "Leviticus 11:44-45 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy") - God's foundational command for Israel to be holy, because He is holy, providing the theological bedrock for all purity laws, including those concerning *tsara'at*.
* [Hebrews 9:13-14](/hebrews/9-13 "Hebrews 9:13-14 - The Superiority of Christ's Blood") - Contrasts the cleansing power of animal sacrifices and ceremonial washings with the infinitely greater power of Christ's blood to cleanse the conscience from dead works.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the ceremonial laws concerning *tsara'at* are no longer binding for believers today, this passage offers profound spiritual lessons for our lives. Just as the physical "rising, scab, or bright spot" signaled a potentially defiling condition requiring immediate priestly examination, so too should we be vigilant in discerning the "blemishes" of sin in our own lives—the subtle manifestations of pride, bitterness, lust, or indifference that can defile our hearts and separate us from God and from the fellowship of His people. This passage calls us to a posture of spiritual honesty and humility, recognizing that true spiritual health requires acknowledging our imperfections and seeking divine intervention. It reminds us that sin, like *tsara'at*, is not merely a private matter but has communal implications, affecting our ability to truly worship and serve in the presence of a holy God. We are called to pursue holiness, not out of fear of ritual impurity, but out of love for God and a desire to reflect His character in a broken world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "risings, scabs, or bright spots" (i.e., unconfessed sins or spiritual struggles) might I be ignoring in my own spiritual life?**
* **To whom do I "bring" my spiritual blemishes for discernment and guidance, as the Israelite brought his condition to the priest?**
* **How does the emphasis on purity in Leviticus deepen my understanding of God's holiness and His desire for my sanctification?**
* **In what ways might my unaddressed spiritual "defilements" be impacting my fellowship with God and with His people?**

### FAQ
**What was "leprosy" (tsara'at) in Leviticus, and is it the same as modern Hansen's disease?**

Answer: The Hebrew term `tsara'at` (צָרַעַת), translated as "leprosy" in the King James Version, was a broad category of severe skin conditions, not necessarily identical to modern Hansen's disease. While some cases of Hansen's disease might have been included, `tsara'at` encompassed a wider range of afflictions, including various rashes, scabs, swellings, and discolorations that were considered ceremonially defiling. The detailed descriptions in [Leviticus 13](/leviticus/13 "Leviticus 13 - Laws Concerning Skin Diseases") suggest a variety of dermatological issues, some temporary and others chronic. The primary concern was not just the medical condition itself, but its status as a source of ritual impurity that necessitated isolation from the community and the tabernacle, emphasizing its theological significance within the Mosaic covenant.

**Why were priests, rather than physicians, responsible for diagnosing these skin conditions?**

Answer: In ancient Israel, the role of the priest extended beyond purely spiritual duties; they were central figures in maintaining the ceremonial purity of the community, which was essential for the people to dwell in the presence of a holy God. Skin conditions like `tsara'at` were not merely medical ailments but sources of ritual defilement. Therefore, the priest's responsibility was not to heal the disease, but to discern whether a person was ceremonially clean or unclean according to God's law. This declaration determined the individual's status within the community and their access to the tabernacle. The priest acted as God's representative, ensuring that the divine standards of holiness were upheld, as seen throughout [Leviticus](/leviticus "The Book of Leviticus - Laws of Holiness").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 13:2, with its focus on the priest's role in diagnosing and managing defiling skin conditions, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Old Testament priest could only declare a person unclean and prescribe rituals for temporary purification; he could not truly heal the affliction itself. However, Jesus, our [great High Priest](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest"), possesses the power not only to diagnose but to utterly cleanse and heal. His encounters with lepers in the Gospels are striking examples: rather than shunning them as unclean, Jesus compassionately touched them, and with a word, instantly restored them to wholeness, as beautifully depicted in [Mark 1:40-42](/mark/1-40 "Mark 1:40-42 - Jesus Heals a Leper"). This demonstrates His divine authority over disease and, more importantly, over sin, which is the ultimate defilement. Just as *tsara'at* separated individuals from the community and God's presence, sin separates humanity from God. Jesus, through His [atoning sacrifice on the cross](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - Christ Died for Us"), became the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, offering a complete and eternal cleansing that the Levitical system could only foreshadow. He is the one who truly makes us clean, enabling us to draw near to a holy God, not through ritual, but through faith in His perfect work, fulfilling the deepest spiritual longing implied by the Old Testament purity laws.

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

Deuteronomy 24:8

Take heed in the plague of leprosy, that thou observe diligently, and do according to all that the priests the Levites shall teach you: as I commanded them, [so] ye shall observe to do.

Leviticus 14:56

And for a rising, and for a scab, and for a bright spot:

Leviticus 14:3

And the priest shall go forth out of the camp; and the priest shall look, and, behold, [if] the plague of leprosy be healed in the leper;

Deuteronomy 28:27

The LORD will smite thee with the botch of Egypt, and with the emerods, and with the scab, and with the itch, whereof thou canst not be healed.

Luke 17:14

And when he saw [them], he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed.

Luke 5:14

And he charged him to tell no man: but go, and shew thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing, according as Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.

Deuteronomy 17:8

¶ If there arise a matter too hard for thee in judgment, between blood and blood, between plea and plea, and between stroke and stroke, [being] matters of controversy within thy gates: then shalt thou arise, and get thee up into the place which the LORD thy God shall choose;