Leviticus 13:2

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:

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}:

"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.

“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.

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

Leviticus 13:2 introduces a critical section of Mosaic Law dealing with the diagnosis and management of severe skin conditions, primarily what the King James Version translates as "leprosy." This verse outlines the initial step when a person shows signs of a suspicious skin ailment: they must be brought before the priest for examination.

Context

The Book of Leviticus is central to understanding the laws and rituals governing ancient Israel's relationship with God. Chapters 11-15 detail laws concerning ritual purity and impurity, covering everything from dietary restrictions to bodily discharges and skin diseases. The "plague of leprosy" (Hebrew: tsara'at, צָרַעַת) referred to a broad category of skin afflictions, not necessarily modern Hansen's disease, but any severe, potentially contagious, and ceremonially defiling condition. These laws were not just about public health, though they certainly served that purpose, but primarily about maintaining the ceremonial purity of the community in the presence of a holy God. Any defilement meant temporary separation from the congregation and the tabernacle, emphasizing the importance of holiness in God's people.

Key Themes

  • Purity and Holiness: The overriding concern in Leviticus is the maintenance of ceremonial purity, essential for the people to dwell in God's presence. Skin diseases were seen as a source of defilement that needed strict management.
  • Divine Concern for Health: While rooted in ceremonial law, these regulations also demonstrate God's practical concern for the physical well-being and health of His covenant people, providing guidelines for preventing the spread of disease.
  • The Priestly Role: The priests served not only as spiritual leaders but also as diagnosticians and public health officials. Their role was to discern between various skin conditions, declare ceremonial purity or impurity, and guide the affected person through the prescribed rituals.
  • Discernment: The verse highlights the need for careful observation and discernment. The priest had to distinguish between benign skin conditions and those that constituted "the plague of leprosy."

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew term tsara'at (צָרַעַת), translated as "leprosy," is a general term for various severe skin conditions, including scaling, rashes, or discoloration. It is distinct from modern medical leprosy (Hansen's disease). The phrase "rising, a scab, or bright spot" refers to specific visual indicators that the priest was trained to identify and evaluate. The word tsara'at itself can imply "a smiting" or "a striking," sometimes suggesting a divine judgment, as seen in cases like Miriam's temporary affliction in Numbers 12:10.

Related Scriptures

  • The severe social consequences of tsara'at meant isolation from the camp, as detailed in Numbers 5:2.
  • This priestly role foreshadows Christ, our great High Priest, who not only diagnoses but also cleanses and heals, as seen in His interactions with lepers in the New Testament, like the account in Luke 5:12-13.

Practical Application

While we no longer live under the ceremonial laws of Leviticus, this passage offers enduring spiritual lessons:

  • Spiritual Discernment: Just as the priest examined physical blemishes, believers are called to spiritual self-examination and discernment to identify "spiritual leprosy"—sin that defiles and separates us from God and others.
  • Seeking Guidance: When we recognize spiritual struggles or "blemishes," we should seek guidance from spiritual leaders, just as the Israelite sought the priest. Confession and accountability are vital for spiritual health.
  • God's Holiness and Our Purity: The emphasis on purity reminds us that God is holy, and He desires His people to pursue holiness (1 Peter 1:16). Sin, like leprosy, can isolate us from the fellowship of God and His people.
  • God's Care: These detailed laws demonstrate God's meticulous care for His people's well-being, both physical and spiritual. He provides means for cleansing and restoration.
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Cross-References

  • Deuteronomy 24:8 (6 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

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

  • Leviticus 14:3 (3 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    ¶ 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;