Leviticus 13:29

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

If a man {H376} or woman {H802} have a plague {H5061} upon the head {H7218} or the beard {H2206};

"If a man or woman has a sore on the head or a man in his beard,

If a man or woman has an infection on the head or chin,

And when a man or woman hath a plague upon the head or upon the beard,

Commentary

Leviticus 13:29 is part of a detailed section (chapters 13-14) in the Mosaic Law concerning the diagnosis and management of various skin conditions, often broadly translated as "leprosy" but encompassing a range of afflictions. This specific verse introduces the examination of a "plague" or sore appearing on the head or beard of a man or woman.

Context

The Book of Leviticus outlines the laws and rituals for ancient Israel, emphasizing holiness and purity before God. Chapters 13 and 14 deal extensively with tzara'at, a Hebrew term (often translated as "leprosy") that refers to a variety of skin diseases, as well as mildew on garments and houses. The meticulous regulations were crucial for maintaining the ritual purity of the community and served as a form of ancient public health measure to prevent the spread of contagious conditions. The priests were designated as the sole authorities to inspect, diagnose, and declare individuals clean or unclean, dictating periods of isolation or purification. This verse specifically addresses visible lesions on the head or facial hair, which would have been particularly noticeable and a cause for concern.

Key Themes

  • Holiness and Purity: The laws underscore God's demand for a holy people set apart from the nations. Physical purity was intertwined with spiritual purity, reflecting a desire for a sanctified community. God's call to holiness in Leviticus 11:44 emphasizes this divine expectation.
  • Community Health and Care: These regulations, while strict, were designed to protect the broader community from the spread of potentially contagious diseases. They demonstrate God's concern for the well-being of all His people.
  • Priestly Authority and Responsibility: The priests played a vital role, not just in religious rituals but also in civil and health matters, acting as diagnosticians and arbiters of clean and unclean status. Leviticus 13:2 outlines the priest's initial responsibilities.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "plague" is nega' (Χ ΦΆΧ’Φ·Χ’), which literally means "a stroke" or "a mark." It is a general term for an affliction or a visible sore, not exclusively the modern medical condition of leprosy (Hansen's disease). The specific mention of the "head or the beard" highlights locations where such skin conditions would be highly visible and potentially indicative of a more serious or widespread issue, requiring immediate priestly attention and examination as detailed in subsequent verses.

Practical Application

While the specific medical practices of ancient Israel are not directly applicable today, the underlying principles remain significant. This passage reminds us of:

  • God's Attention to Detail: God cares about every aspect of human life, including physical health and community well-being.
  • Compassion for the Afflicted: Though isolation was mandated, the purpose was containment, not cruelty. The laws also provided for examination and eventual restoration for those who were cleansed (Leviticus 14:2 describes the law of the leper's cleansing).
  • Spiritual Purity: Just as physical blemishes could render one ritually unclean, sin can make us spiritually unclean before God. The need for cleansing and restoration, ultimately found through Christ, is a deeper spiritual parallel.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Acts 22:3

    ΒΆ I am verily a man [which am] a Jew, born in Tarsus, [a city] in Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, [and] taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers, and was zealous toward God, as ye all are this day.

  • Acts 22:4

    And I persecuted this way unto the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women.

  • John 16:2

    They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service.

  • John 16:3

    And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me.

  • 1 Kings 12:28

    Whereupon the king took counsel, and made two calves [of] gold, and said unto them, It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem: behold thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt.

  • Micah 3:11

    The heads thereof judge for reward, and the priests thereof teach for hire, and the prophets thereof divine for money: yet will they lean upon the LORD, and say, [Is] not the LORD among us? none evil can come upon us.

  • 2 Thessalonians 2:11

    And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:
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