Leviticus 13:20

KJV

And if, when the priest seeth it, behold, it [be] in sight lower than the skin, and the hair thereof be turned white; the priest shall pronounce him unclean: it [is] a plague of leprosy broken out of the boil.

KJV (with Strong's)

And if, when the priest {H3548} seeth {H7200} it, behold, it be in sight {H4758} lower {H8217} than the skin {H5785}, and the hair {H8181} thereof be turned {H2015} white {H3836}; the priest {H3548} shall pronounce him unclean {H2930}: it is a plague {H5061} of leprosy {H6883} broken {H6524} out of the boil {H7822}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The cohen is to examine it; if he sees that it appears to be more than skin-deep, and its hair has turned white, then the cohen is to pronounce him unclean - the disease of tzara'at has broken out in the boil.

Berean Standard Bible

The priest shall examine it, and if it appears to be beneath the skin and the hair in it has turned white, the priest shall pronounce him unclean; it is a diseased infection that has broken out in the boil.

American Standard Version

and the priest shall look; and, behold, if the appearance thereof be lower than the skin, and the hair thereof be turned white, then the priest shall pronounce him unclean: it is the plague of leprosy, it hath broken out in the boil.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 13:20 presents a pivotal diagnostic criterion for the priest examining a skin condition originating from a boil, often identified as *tzara'at*. This verse precisely outlines that if the affected area is visibly sunken "lower than the skin" and the hair within it has turned white, these definitive signs immediately indicate a severe progression of the affliction. Upon observing these markers, the priest is commanded to pronounce the individual ritually unclean without delay, signifying a full and undeniable outbreak of the "plague of leprosy" stemming from the initial boil. This immediate declaration underscores the gravity of the condition and its profound implications for the individual's ritual status and community participation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 13 is meticulously dedicated to the comprehensive laws concerning *tzara'at*, a broad category of severe skin conditions, and its ritual implications. This chapter, alongside [Leviticus 14](/leviticus/14 "Leviticus 14 - Laws of Cleansing from Tzara'at"), forms a cornerstone of the Mosaic Law's purity codes, which are central to Israel's covenant relationship with a holy God. Verses [Leviticus 13:18-19](/leviticus/13-18-19 "Leviticus 13:18-19 - Initial Examination of a Boil or Burn") specifically detail the initial examination of a boil or a burn mark, setting the stage for the progression described in our verse. [Leviticus 13:20](/leviticus/13-20 "Leviticus 13:20 - Diagnostic Criteria for a Boil's Progression") then provides the critical, unambiguous signs that transform a mere boil into a confirmed case of *tzara'at*, requiring an immediate declaration of uncleanness without the need for a seven-day isolation period, unlike some other initial diagnoses within the chapter. This immediate pronouncement highlights the severity and definitive nature of these particular symptoms.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, ritual purity was not merely a ceremonial formality but a foundational principle governing every aspect of life, from worship to social interaction. It reflected the absolute holiness of God and the necessity for His people to maintain a state of purity to dwell in His presence and participate in the covenant. Skin conditions like *tzara'at* were not primarily viewed through a medical lens but through a theological one, rendering an individual "unclean" and necessitating separation from the community and the tabernacle, as explicitly commanded in [Numbers 5:2-3](/numbers/5-2-3 "Numbers 5:2-3 - Expulsion of the Unclean"). The priest, divinely appointed and trained, served as the sole authority for diagnosing these conditions, not as a physician, but as a discerning judge of ritual status. His role was to apply God's specific, observable criteria to ensure the sanctity of the Israelite camp and uphold the integrity of the covenant relationship. While these laws served a spiritual purpose, they also had practical benefits in a pre-scientific society by limiting the spread of potentially contagious diseases, demonstrating God's holistic care for His people's well-being, both spiritual and physical, as evident throughout [the Law](/deuteronomy/4-8 "Deuteronomy 4:8 - God's Laws for Israel"). The specific signs mentioned in [Leviticus 13:20](/leviticus/13-20 "Leviticus 13:20 - Specific Signs of Tzara'at")—the lesion being "lower than the skin" (indicating a deep, destructive process) and the "white hair" (suggesting nerve damage or loss of pigmentation)—were divinely established, crucial visual cues for the priest's authoritative judgment.
* **Key Themes:** The overarching theme in Leviticus 13, to which this verse significantly contributes, is **Holiness and Purity**. God, being perfectly holy, demands that His people reflect His holiness in their lives, which includes maintaining ritual purity. *Tzara'at* serves as a powerful **Symbol of Sin and Defilement**, illustrating how sin, like this physical ailment, can spread, corrupt, and separate individuals from God and His community. The meticulous diagnostic process emphasizes **Divine Authority and Human Dependence**, as only God's prescribed method, executed by His chosen priest, can determine purity or uncleanness, and only God can ultimately cleanse. The immediate pronouncement of uncleanness in [Leviticus 13:20](/leviticus/13-20 "Leviticus 13:20 - Immediate Unclean Pronouncement") highlights the **Seriousness of Defilement** and the swift consequences of unaddressed impurity. Finally, the laws reveal God's **Comprehensive Care** for His people, encompassing both their spiritual and physical well-being, ensuring the health and integrity of the covenant community.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Lower (Hebrew, _shâphâl'_):** This word (H8217) describes something depressed, humble, or low. In the context of [Leviticus 13:20](/leviticus/13-20 "Leviticus 13:20 - Diagnostic Sign of a Lower Lesion"), it signifies that the affected area is sunken below the surface of the surrounding healthy skin. This diagnostic sign was crucial because it indicated a deeper, more invasive, and potentially destructive process, distinguishing a severe affliction from a superficial irritation. Its depressed nature suggested active tissue damage or atrophy, a hallmark of serious skin diseases.
* **White (Hebrew, _lâbân'_):** This term (H3836) simply means "white." When applied to hair within the affected area, as in [Leviticus 13:20](/leviticus/13-20 "Leviticus 13:20 - Diagnostic Sign of White Hair"), it was a definitive and unambiguous sign of *tzara'at*. The presence of white hair indicated a severe disruption of the hair follicles and pigmentation, often associated with nerve damage or advanced stages of certain dermatological conditions. It served as a clear visual marker, distinguishing a true "plague" from more benign conditions.
* **Plague (Hebrew, _negaʻ'_):** This word (H5061) denotes a blow, infliction, or a spot, often implying a divinely sent affliction. In [Leviticus 13:20](/leviticus/13-20 "Leviticus 13:20 - The Term 'Plague'"), when combined with *tzara'at*, it signifies a severe, definitive, and ritually defiling outbreak of the disease. The use of "plague" emphasizes the serious nature of the condition, indicating it is a significant affliction that warrants immediate pronouncement of uncleanness and separation from the community.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And if, when the priest seeth it,"**: This opening clause underscores the indispensable role of the priest (Hebrew, *kôhên*, H3548) as the divinely appointed authority for diagnosing *tzara'at*. His visual inspection (Hebrew, *râʼâh*, H7200) was the sole and authoritative method for determining ritual purity or uncleanness, highlighting the gravity of the matter and the necessity for a designated, discerning judge.
* **"behold, it [be] in sight lower than the skin,"**: This specifies the first critical diagnostic sign. The priest must observe that the affected area, which originated as a boil, has now visibly sunken (Hebrew, *shâphâl*, H8217) below the level of the surrounding healthy skin (Hebrew, *ʻôwr*, H5785). This depth (Hebrew, *marʼeh*, H4758, "in sight") indicates a progressive and severe pathological process, moving beyond a simple surface irritation and suggesting active tissue destruction.
* **"and the hair thereof be turned white;"**: This presents the second, equally crucial diagnostic sign. The presence of white hair (Hebrew, *sêʻâr lâbân*, H8181, H3836) within the lesion confirms the severity and active nature of the *tzara'at*. This specific discoloration of the hair (Hebrew, *hâphak*, H2015, "turned") was a clear and unambiguous indicator that the condition was indeed the dreaded "plague."
* **"the priest shall pronounce him unclean:"**: Upon observing both of these definitive signs, the priest's duty is immediate and unequivocal. He is to declare the individual ritually unclean (Hebrew, *ṭâmêʼ*, H2930) without delay or further observation periods. This pronouncement carries significant consequences, requiring the individual's separation from the community and the sacred spaces.
* **"it [is] a plague of leprosy broken out of the boil."**: This final clause states the definitive diagnosis. The initial boil (Hebrew, *shᵉchîyn*, H7822) has progressed into a full-blown *negaʻ tsâraʻath* (H5061, H6883), a severe and ritually defiling affliction. The phrase "broken out" (Hebrew, *pârach*, H6524) emphasizes the active, spreading, and undeniable nature of the disease, confirming its status as a serious "plague" that has fully manifested from its origin.

#### Literary Devices
The passage primarily employs **Legal Language**, characterized by its precise, prescriptive, and conditional clauses ("And if... then the priest shall..."). This structure reflects the nature of the Mosaic Law as a divine covenant, providing clear, unambiguous directives for the community to maintain holiness. The detailed diagnostic criteria, such as the lesion being "lower than the skin" and the "hair thereof be turned white," exemplify **Specificity** and **Precision**, ensuring that the priest's judgment is based on objective, observable signs rather than subjective interpretation. There is also a profound element of **Symbolism**, where the physical manifestation of *tzara'at* serves as a potent visual metaphor for spiritual uncleanness and the insidious, spreading nature of sin, which separates individuals from the holy presence of God and His community. The priest's pronouncement acts as a **Metonymy** for God's judgment, as the priest is merely the instrument through which God's divine law is applied and declared.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 13:20 profoundly underscores the theological truth that God is absolutely holy and demands holiness from His people. The meticulous laws regarding *tzara'at* highlight the seriousness of anything that defiles or separates from God's presence, whether physical or spiritual. The immediate pronouncement of uncleanness based on clear, observable signs emphasizes God's absolute standard and the swift consequence of a spreading defilement. This system served as a constant, tangible reminder of the pervasive nature of impurity and the non-negotiable requirement for purity to maintain covenant relationship and to approach a holy God. The inability of the afflicted individual to cleanse themselves, relying solely on the priest's discerning judgment and God's prescribed process, powerfully foreshadows humanity's utter dependence on divine intervention for spiritual cleansing and reconciliation.

* [Leviticus 11:44-45](/leviticus/11-44-45 "Leviticus 11:44-45 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy")
* [Hebrews 12:14](/hebrews/12-14 "Hebrews 12:14 - Pursue Peace and Holiness")
* [1 Peter 1:15-16](/1_peter/1-15-16 "1 Peter 1:15-16 - Be Holy in All Your Conduct")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the ritual laws of *tzara'at* are no longer binding for New Testament believers, the profound spiritual principles they embody remain profoundly relevant for our lives today. This passage calls us to a deep reflection on the nature of sin as a defiling and separating force. Just as the physical signs of *tzara'at* were clear and observable, so too are the manifestations of sin in our lives and in the church. The priest's meticulous examination reminds us of the critical need for careful spiritual discernment—to identify and address sin promptly and decisively before it spreads and causes further spiritual decay, impacting not only the individual but the wider community of faith. It also highlights our utter inability to cleanse ourselves from sin's pervasive effects; only a divine pronouncement and cleansing can truly restore us to purity and fellowship with God. This should lead us to greater humility, a deeper appreciation for God's unblemished holiness, and a fervent desire for His cleansing grace and transformative power in our lives and communities, actively seeking to remove anything that defiles.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways does this passage highlight the seriousness with which God views defilement, whether physical or spiritual, and its consequences?**
* **How does the priest's role in diagnosing *tzara'at* parallel the need for spiritual discernment and accountability within the church today?**
* **What "signs" of spiritual decay or unconfessed sin might we be overlooking in our own lives or communities that need to be addressed promptly?**
* **How does the inability of the afflicted person to self-cleanse from *tzara'at* point to our absolute dependence on God for cleansing and restoration from sin?**

### FAQ

**Was *tzara'at* in the Bible the same as modern Hansen's disease (leprosy)?**

Answer: No, the Hebrew term *tzara'at* (צָרַעַת) likely encompassed a broader spectrum of severe skin conditions, not exclusively what is known today as Hansen's disease. While Hansen's disease might have been one of the conditions included, the biblical descriptions, particularly the rapid progression and specific diagnostic signs like hair turning white or a lesion being "lower than the skin" (as in [Leviticus 13:20](/leviticus/13-20 "Leviticus 13:20 - Diagnostic Signs of Tzara'at")), suggest a variety of dermatological issues. The primary concern in the Mosaic Law was not medical treatment but ritual purity and the maintenance of the community's holiness before God. The priest's role was to discern ritual uncleanness, not to provide a medical diagnosis in the modern sense, as seen throughout [Leviticus 13](/leviticus/13 "Leviticus 13 - Laws Concerning Tzara'at"). The focus was on the spiritual and communal implications of the affliction.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 13:20, with its stark portrayal of a spreading defilement and the priest's immediate pronouncement of uncleanness, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The "plague of leprosy" served as a powerful **symbol** of sin's pervasive, defiling, and separating nature, alienating individuals from God and community. Just as the Israelite priest had to declare the afflicted unclean, humanity, by its inherent sinfulness, stands universally condemned and separated from a holy God, as [Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned and Fall Short") declares. However, unlike the Old Testament priest who could only diagnose and separate, Jesus, our Great High Priest, possesses the divine power to truly cleanse and reconcile. He demonstrated this power by physically healing lepers (e.g., [Matthew 8:2-3](/matthew/8-2-3 "Matthew 8:2-3 - Jesus Heals a Leper")), touching the untouchable and making them clean, an act that defied the very purity laws He came to fulfill. His willingness to touch the unclean signifies His profound empathy and His taking on our defilement. Through His sacrificial death on the cross, Jesus became the ultimate atonement for our sin, cleansing us from the spiritual "leprosy" that separates us from God ([Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Cleansing by Christ's Blood")). He not only pronounces us clean but *makes* us clean, bringing us into perfect fellowship with God and His people, fulfilling the deep longing for purity that the Levitical laws so powerfully expressed ([Ephesians 2:13](/ephesians/2-13 "Ephesians 2:13 - Made Near by the Blood of Christ")). He is the one who took our uncleanness upon Himself so that we might be made holy and blameless before God ([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.

Cross-References

Leviticus 13:3

And the priest shall look on the plague in the skin of the flesh: and [when] the hair in the plague is turned white, and the plague in sight [be] deeper than the skin of his flesh, it [is] a plague of leprosy: and the priest shall look on him, and pronounce him unclean.

John 5:14

Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee.

2 Peter 2:20

For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.

Matthew 12:45

Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last [state] of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation.