What number verse is Leviticus 13:25 in the Bible?

Leviticus 13:25 is the 3,078th verse of the Bible. Counting straight through the King James canon — all 31,102 verses from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21 — Leviticus 13:25 sits at position 3,078.

13:2413:24

Leviticus 13:25

Q: What is "leprosy" (*tzara'at*) in the Bible, and is it the same as modern Hansen's disease?

The Hebrew word *tzara'at* (צָרַעַת), translated as "leprosy" in the King James Version, refers to a broad category of severe skin afflictions, including conditions that manifest on human skin, garments, and even houses. It is not synonymous with modern Hansen's disease, though Hansen's disease may have been one of the conditions encompassed by *tzara'at*. The biblical term primarily denotes a state of ritual impurity that required separation from the community and the sanctuary, rather than solely a medical diagnosis. The detailed descriptions in Leviticus 13 and Leviticus 14 indicate a range of symptoms, including changes in hair color, skin depth, and the appearance of scabs or raw flesh, which are not all characteristic of Hansen's disease.

13:2613:26

Translation

King James Version

Then the priest shall look upon it: and, behold, if the hair in the bright spot be turned white, and it be in sight deeper than the skin; it is a leprosy broken out of the burning: wherefore the priest shall pronounce him unclean: it is the plague of leprosy.

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KJV (with Strong's)

Then the priest ^H3548 shall look ^H7200 upon it: and, behold, if the hair ^H8181 in the bright spot ^H934 be turned ^H2015 white ^H3836, and it be in sight ^H4758 deeper ^H6013 than the skin ^H5785; it is a leprosy ^H6883 broken ^H6524 out of the burning ^H4348: wherefore the priest ^H3548 shall pronounce him unclean ^H2930: it is the plague ^H5061 of leprosy ^H6883.

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Complete Jewish Bible

then the cohen is to examine it; and if he sees that the hair in the bright spot has turned white and that it appears to be deeper than the skin around it, it is tzara'at; it has broken out in the burn, and the cohen is to declare him unclean; it is a sore from tzara'at.

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Berean Standard Bible

the priest must examine it. If the hair in the spot has turned white and the spot appears to be deeper than the skin, it is a disease that has broken out in the burn. The priest must pronounce him unclean; it is a diseased infection.

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American Standard Version

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

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World English Bible Messianic

then the priest shall examine it; and behold, if the hair in the bright spot has turned white, and its appearance is deeper than the skin; it is leprosy. It has broken out in the burning, and the priest shall pronounce him unclean. It is the plague of leprosy.

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Geneva Bible (1599)

Then the Priest shall looke vpon it: and if the heare in that spot be changed into white, and it appeare lower then the skin, it is a leprosie broken out in the burning therefore the Priest shall pronounce him vncleane: for it is the plague of leprosie.

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Young's Literal Translation

and the priest hath seen it, and lo, the hair hath turned white in the bright spot, and its appearance is deeper than the skin; leprosy it is , in the burning it hath broken out, and the priest hath pronounced him unclean; it is a plague of leprosy.

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Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Leviticus 13:25 outlines a critical diagnostic criterion for a severe skin condition, often referred to as "leprosy" (Hebrew: tzara'at), specifically when it emerges from a burn. This verse instructs the priest to meticulously observe two key signs: the presence of white hair within the affected "bright spot" and the lesion appearing visibly "deeper than the surrounding skin." If both signs are confirmed, the individual is definitively pronounced ritually unclean, signifying a serious and defiling affliction that necessitates separation from the community. This passage highlights the rigorous process established by God for maintaining ritual purity and safeguarding the health and order of the Israelite camp.

CONTEXT

Literary Context: Leviticus 13 is entirely devoted to the intricate laws concerning tzara'at, a broad category encompassing various severe skin conditions and even mold or mildew affecting garments and houses. The chapter begins by establishing general procedures for diagnosing suspicious skin lesions, including initial examination and potential quarantine periods, as detailed in Leviticus 13:1-8. It then transitions to specific manifestations of tzara'at, such as chronic cases (Leviticus 13:9-17) and those appearing after boils (Leviticus 13:18-23) and burns (Leviticus 13:24-28). Verse 25 specifically addresses the diagnosis of tzara'at originating from a burn, differentiating it from a mere scar or superficial irritation. The careful progression through these various scenarios underscores the comprehensive and meticulous nature of these divinely ordained purity laws.
Historical & Cultural Context: In ancient Israel, the concept of ritual purity was foundational, deeply interwoven with their covenant relationship with Yahweh and the sanctity of the tabernacle, where God's presence dwelt among them. Conditions like tzara'at rendered an individual ritually impure, necessitating their separation from the community and the sanctuary to prevent the spread of impurity and to protect the holiness of the camp. This was not solely a medical diagnosis in the modern sense but a profound theological and communal one. The term tzara'at (צָרַעַת) referred to a range of severe dermatological conditions, not exclusively Hansen's disease (modern leprosy), and its diagnosis was crucial for public health, given the lack of advanced medical understanding. The priest, as the designated authority, functioned as both a spiritual leader and a public health official, responsible for discerning ritual purity and impurity, thereby safeguarding the community's spiritual and physical well-being. This system reflects God's profound concern for the health, order, and holiness of His people, providing detailed, practical guidelines for managing contagious conditions in a pre-scientific era, as seen throughout Leviticus 13.
Key Themes: Leviticus 13:25, within the broader context of the tzara'at laws, contributes significantly to several key themes. Foremost is the theme of Holiness and Purity, emphasizing God's absolute holiness and His demand for His people to reflect that holiness in their lives, including their physical state, to maintain fellowship with Him. The laws underscore the pervasive nature of Impurity and Defilement, illustrating how certain conditions, whether physical or moral, can render an individual ritually unclean and separate them from the holy community and the sanctuary. This leads to the theme of Separation, where the unclean are set apart from the camp to prevent the spread of defilement. The Divine Authority of the priest is also highlighted, as he acts as God's designated arbiter, making authoritative pronouncements based on divine criteria. Ultimately, these laws demonstrate God's Comprehensive Care for His people, encompassing their physical health, social order, and spiritual well-being, providing a vivid illustration of the defiling nature of sin and the ultimate need for divine cleansing and restoration, a need that points beyond the Old Covenant rituals to the perfect provision found in Christ, as seen in the cleansing of the leper in Mark 1:40-45.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

white (Hebrew, lâbân', H3836): This word (H3836) derived from the root "to be white," specifically refers to the color white. In the context of tzara'at, the turning of hair within a lesion to white was a critical diagnostic sign, indicating a severe and active stage of the condition, distinguishing it from a benign or healing wound.
deeper (Hebrew, ʻâmôq', H6013): This term (H6013) signifies something that is "deep," either literally or figuratively. In Leviticus 13:25, it describes the appearance of the lesion as being sunken or penetrating below the normal surface level of the skin. This visual cue was essential for the priest to determine the severity and established nature of the affliction, indicating it was not a superficial irritation but a more profound skin condition.
unclean (Hebrew, ṭâmêʼ', H2930): This primitive root (H2930) means "to be foul," particularly in a ceremonial or moral sense, implying contamination or defilement. The priest's pronouncement of "unclean" was a formal declaration of ritual impurity, which necessitated the individual's separation from the community and the sanctuary. This state of impurity was contagious and rendered anything or anyone it touched defiled, underscoring the gravity of tzara'at within the Israelite purity system.

Verse Breakdown

"Then the priest shall look upon it": This opening phrase underscores the priest's indispensable role as the divinely appointed diagnostician and arbiter of ritual purity. His examination is not casual but a formal, authoritative act, central to maintaining the community's health and spiritual order according to God's law.
"and, behold, [if] the hair in the bright spot be turned white": This clause presents the first crucial diagnostic sign. The presence of white hair within the affected lesion, described as a "bright spot," indicates that the condition is active and has progressed to affect the hair follicles. This distinct color change served as a clear, visible marker of tzara'at, distinguishing it from other skin conditions or mere burn scars.
"and it [be in] sight deeper than the skin": This is the second critical diagnostic sign. The lesion's appearance of being sunken or penetrating below the normal skin level confirms the severity and established nature of the affliction. This visual depth, combined with the white hair, was key to differentiating a true tzara'at outbreak from a superficial burn or scar that might otherwise resemble it.
"it [is] a leprosy broken out of the burning": This clause states the definitive diagnosis. If both previously mentioned conditions (white hair and visible depth) are met, the priest concludes that the burn has indeed developed into tzara'at, a severe and ritually defiling skin condition requiring specific action. The phrase "broken out of the burning" specifies the origin of this particular manifestation.
"wherefore the priest shall pronounce him unclean: it [is] the plague of leprosy": This is the final, authoritative declaration by the priest. Upon confirming the diagnosis, he formally pronounces the individual ritually "unclean." The repetition of "it is the plague of leprosy" reinforces the certainty and gravity of the diagnosis, necessitating the immediate and prescribed separation of the afflicted person from the camp, in accordance with the broader purity laws of Leviticus.

Literary Devices

Leviticus 13:25 skillfully employs several literary devices to convey its precise instructions and theological weight. Most prominent is Legal Precision, evident in the highly specific and detailed diagnostic criteria provided. Phrases like "if the hair... be turned white" and "it be in sight deeper than the skin" demonstrate a meticulous, almost clinical, approach to identifying the condition, leaving little room for ambiguity in the priest's judgment. This precision reflects the divine origin of the law and its absolute authority. There is also a degree of Repetition, particularly in the concluding declaration, "it is a leprosy broken out of the burning: wherefore the priest shall pronounce him unclean: it is the plague of leprosy." The repeated emphasis on "leprosy" (or tzara'at) and the definitive declaration of "unclean" serves to reinforce the severity of the condition and the finality of the priestly verdict. Finally, Symbolism is inherent in the entire chapter, where physical tzara'at serves as a powerful symbol of sin and defilement. Just as the physical disease separates an individual from the holy community, so too does sin separate humanity from a holy God, highlighting the profound need for cleansing and restoration.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Leviticus 13:25, while appearing to be a medical regulation, is profoundly theological in its implications. It underscores God's meticulous concern for the purity and holiness of His people, which was essential for their sustained fellowship with Him in the midst of the tabernacle. The diagnostic process highlights the gravity of impurity, which, whether physical or spiritual, creates a barrier to God's presence and communal worship. The priest's role as an authoritative arbiter of purity reflects God's ordered system for maintaining holiness in the camp. This divine concern extends not only to ritual purity but also to the well-being and public health of the community, demonstrating God's comprehensive care for His creation. The laws of tzara'at serve as a vivid illustration of the defiling nature of sin and the necessity of divine intervention for cleansing and restoration, a theme that finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

While we no longer operate under the ceremonial laws of the Old Testament, Leviticus 13:25 offers enduring principles for our lives as followers of Christ. It reminds us of the importance of discernment and careful observation in all areas, whether in understanding spiritual truths, identifying harmful patterns in our lives, or recognizing the needs of our community. Just as the priest diligently examined the physical condition, we are called to examine our spiritual condition and the health of our relationships, seeking to identify anything that defiles or separates us from God and others. The laws also highlight God's profound concern for the well-being of His people, emphasizing the need for both personal responsibility in pursuing holiness and communal care for those who are struggling. We are to be a people who are sensitive to defilement, whether moral, ethical, or spiritual, and who actively seek to maintain purity in our lives and communities. Ultimately, this passage points to the pervasive nature of sin, which, like tzara'at, can spread and defile, separating us from God and others, underscoring our desperate need for a divine cleanser and the perfect provision found in Jesus Christ.

Questions for Reflection

How does the priest's detailed examination in this verse inform our approach to spiritual discernment in our own lives or in the church today?
In what ways might spiritual "defilement" manifest in our lives today, and how can we actively seek spiritual "cleansing" and restoration?
What is our responsibility to care for the vulnerable or those struggling with "unclean" (e.g., stigmatized) conditions in our society, drawing from the spirit of God's concern for His people in Leviticus?

FAQ

What is "leprosy" (tzara'at) in the Bible, and is it the same as modern Hansen's disease?

Answer: The Hebrew word tzara'at (צָרַעַת), translated as "leprosy" in the King James Version, refers to a broad category of severe skin afflictions, including conditions that manifest on human skin, garments, and even houses. It is not synonymous with modern Hansen's disease, though Hansen's disease may have been one of the conditions encompassed by tzara'at. The biblical term primarily denotes a state of ritual impurity that required separation from the community and the sanctuary, rather than solely a medical diagnosis. The detailed descriptions in Leviticus 13 and Leviticus 14 indicate a range of symptoms, including changes in hair color, skin depth, and the appearance of scabs or raw flesh, which are not all characteristic of Hansen's disease.

Why were priests, not doctors, involved in diagnosing skin conditions like tzara'at?

Answer: In ancient Israel, the priests served as the primary mediators between God and His people, responsible for upholding the covenant and maintaining ritual purity. Their role in diagnosing tzara'at was not primarily medical but theological and communal. The condition of tzara'at rendered an individual ritually unclean, making them unable to participate in the communal life and worship centered around the tabernacle. The priest's pronouncement determined one's status regarding purity and impurity, which had profound implications for their relationship with God and their place within the community. This system underscored the sanctity of the camp and God's presence within it, ensuring that anything defiling was kept separate, as outlined in passages like Numbers 5:1-4.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

Leviticus 13:25, with its meticulous diagnostic criteria for tzara'at and the resulting declaration of "unclean," powerfully foreshadows the spiritual condition of humanity and the ultimate redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Just as tzara'at was a defiling disease that separated individuals from the holy community, so too is sin a spiritual defilement that separates us from a holy God, as declared in Isaiah 59:2. The Old Testament priest could only diagnose and declare impurity, but he could not truly cleanse or heal the tzara'at itself; he merely confirmed the presence of the "plague." Jesus, however, is the Great High Priest (Hebrews 4:14) who not only identifies our sin but possesses the divine power to truly cleanse us. Unlike the Old Testament priests who had to separate the unclean, Jesus reached out and touched those with tzara'at, declaring, "I am willing; be cleansed," as recorded in Mark 1:40-42, thereby demonstrating His divine authority over sin and defilement. He bore our spiritual disease and impurity, suffering outside the camp, just as the leper was cast out, a theme echoed in Hebrews 13:12, so that by His perfect sacrifice, we might be declared righteous and brought near to God, fully cleansed and restored to fellowship through His precious blood, as proclaimed in 1 John 1:7.

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Commentary on Leviticus 13 verses 18–37

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

19 And in the place of the boil there be a white rising, or a bright spot, white, and somewhat reddish, and it be shewed to the priest;

20 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.

21 But if the priest look on it, and, behold, there be no white hairs therein, and if it be not lower than the skin, but be somewhat dark; then the priest shall shut him up seven days:

22 And if it spread much abroad in the skin, then the priest shall pronounce him unclean: it is a plague.

23 But if the bright spot stay in his place, and spread not, it is a burning boil; and the priest shall pronounce him clean.

24 Or if there be any flesh, in the skin whereof there is a hot burning, and the quick flesh that burneth have a white bright spot, somewhat reddish, or white;

25 Then the priest shall look upon it: and, behold, if the hair in the bright spot be turned white, and it be in sight deeper than the skin; it is a leprosy broken out of the burning: wherefore the priest shall pronounce him unclean: it is the plague of leprosy.

26 But if the priest look on it, and, behold, there be no white hair in the bright spot, and it be no lower than the other skin, but be somewhat dark; then the priest shall shut him up seven days:

27 And the priest shall look upon him the seventh day: and if it be spread much abroad in the skin, then the priest shall pronounce him unclean: it is the plague of leprosy.

28 And if the bright spot stay in his place, and spread not in the skin, but it be somewhat dark; it is a rising of the burning, and the priest shall pronounce him clean: for it is an inflammation of the burning.

29 If a man or woman have a plague upon the head or the beard;

30 Then the priest shall see the plague: and, behold, if it be in sight deeper than the skin; and there be in it a yellow thin hair; then the priest shall pronounce him unclean: it is a dry scall, even a leprosy upon the head or beard.

31 And if the priest look on the plague of the scall, and, behold, it be not in sight deeper than the skin, and that there is no black hair in it; then the priest shall shut up him that hath the plague of the scall seven days:

32 And in the seventh day the priest shall look on the plague: and, behold, if the scall spread not, and there be in it no yellow hair, and the scall be not in sight deeper than the skin;

33 He shall be shaven, but the scall shall he not shave; and the priest shall shut up him that hath the scall seven days more:

34 And in the seventh day the priest shall look on the scall: and, behold, if the scall be not spread in the skin, nor be in sight deeper than the skin; then the priest shall pronounce him clean: and he shall wash his clothes, and be clean.

35 But if the scall spread much in the skin after his cleansing;

36 Then the priest shall look on him: and, behold, if the scall be spread in the skin, the priest shall not seek for yellow hair; he is unclean.

37 But if the scall be in his sight at a stay, and that there is black hair grown up therein; the scall is healed, he is clean: and the priest shall pronounce him clean.

The priest is here instructed what judgment to make if there was any appearance of a leprosy, either, 1. In an old ulcer, or bile, that has been healed, Lev 13:18, etc. When old sores, that seemed to be cured, break out again, it is to be feared there is a leprosy in them; such is the danger of those who, having escaped the pollutions of the world, are again entangled therein and overcome. Or, 2. In a burn by accident, for this seems to be meant, Lev 13:24, etc. The burning of strife and contention often proves the occasion of the rising up and breaking out of that corruption which witnesses to men's faces that they are unclean. 3. In a scall-head. And in this commonly the judgment turned upon a very small matter. If the hair in the scall was black, it was a sign of soundness; if yellow, it was an indication of a leprosy, Lev 13:30-37. The other rules in these cases are the same with those mentioned before. In reading of these several sorts of ailments, it will be good for us, 1. To lament the calamitous state of human life, which lies exposed to so many grievances. What troops of diseases are we beset with on every side! and they all entered by sin. 2. To give thanks to God if he has never afflicted us with any of these sores: if the constitution is healthful, and the body lively and easy, we are bound to glorify God with our bodies.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 18–37. Public domain.

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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.

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Cross-References

Leviticus 13:18
¶ The flesh also, in which, even in the skin thereof, was a boil, and is healed,
Leviticus 13:20
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.
Leviticus 13:4
If the bright spot be white in the skin of his flesh, and in sight be not deeper than the skin, and the hair thereof be not turned white; then the priest shall shut up him that hath the plague seven days: