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.

And the priest {H3548} shall look {H7200} on the plague {H5061} in the skin {H5785} of the flesh {H1320}: and when the hair {H8181} in the plague {H5061} is turned {H2015} white {H3836}, and the plague {H5061} in sight {H4758} be deeper {H6013} than the skin {H5785} of his flesh {H1320}, it is a plague {H5061} of leprosy {H6883}: and the priest {H3548} shall look {H7200} on him, and pronounce him unclean {H2930}.

The cohen is to examine the sore on his skin; if the hair in the sore has turned white, and the sore appears to go deep into the skin, it is tzara'at, and after examining him the cohen is to declare him unclean.

The priest is to examine the infection on his skin, and if the hair in the infection has turned white and the sore appears to be deeper than the skin, it is a skin disease. After the priest examines him, he must pronounce him unclean.

and the priest shall look on the plague in the skin of the flesh: and if the hair in the plague be turned white, and the appearance of the plague be deeper than the skin of his flesh, it is the plague of leprosy; and the priest shall look on him, and pronounce him unclean.

Commentary

Leviticus 13:3 details the crucial steps taken by the priest in ancient Israel to diagnose a suspected case of "leprosy," a term (Hebrew: tzara'at) that encompassed various severe skin conditions, not exclusively modern Hansen's disease. This verse underscores the priest's role as both a spiritual and public health authority, determining the ritual status of an individual based on specific physical signs.

Context

This verse is part of a larger section in the Book of Leviticus (chapters 13-14) that lays out meticulous laws concerning ritual purity and impurity. These regulations were vital for maintaining the holiness of the Israelite camp, where God's presence dwelled. The diagnosis of tzara'at was not merely a medical assessment but a pronouncement of ritual uncleanness, which had significant social and religious implications. The purpose of these strict guidelines was twofold: to prevent the spread of contagious diseases within the community and, more importantly, to preserve the ritual purity necessary for God's holy presence among His people, as emphasized in Leviticus 11:44.

Key Themes

  • Priestly Authority and Diagnosis: The verse highlights the priest's indispensable role in examining the skin lesion and making a definitive diagnosis. The specific signs—hair in the affected area turning white and the "plague" appearing visibly deeper than the surrounding skin—were critical indicators. This meticulous examination ensured a precise and authoritative verdict.
  • Ritual Impurity and Separation: A confirmed diagnosis of tzara'at immediately rendered the individual "unclean." This state of ritual impurity necessitated separation from the community and the sanctuary, as commanded in Numbers 5:2-3. This separation protected the holy community from defilement and emphasized the serious nature of such conditions in a covenant relationship with God.
  • Community Health and Holiness: The detailed regulations underscore God's concern for the physical well-being of His people and the maintenance of a holy environment. The laws served as a practical means of quarantine and a symbolic representation of the separation required from anything that defiled, whether physically or spiritually.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "plague" is nega' (נֶגַע), which can mean a stroke, a mark, or an affliction. In this context, it refers to a visible lesion or outbreak. The term "unclean" comes from the Hebrew root tame' (טָמֵא), signifying a state of ritual impurity that rendered a person unfit for worship or full participation in communal life. It's important to note that being tame' was not necessarily a moral failing but a ritual status that required specific purification rites, such as those detailed in Leviticus 14:7.

Practical Application

While the ceremonial laws of Leviticus are not directly binding on Christians today, they offer profound spiritual lessons:

  • Discernment and Truth: The priest's careful examination of the skin condition can be seen as a metaphor for the need for spiritual discernment in our lives. Just as a physical plague required careful assessment, so too do spiritual conditions need to be examined against the truth of God's Word.
  • The Nature of Sin: "Leprosy" often serves as a powerful biblical metaphor for sin. Like tzara'at, sin is corrupting, spreads if left unchecked, and leads to separation from God and others. Just as the leper was put outside the camp, sin creates a barrier between humanity and a holy God (Isaiah 59:2).
  • Christ's Authority Over Impurity: The strict laws surrounding ritual impurity highlight the profound compassion and power of Jesus Christ. Unlike the Levitical priest who could only diagnose and declare unclean, Jesus demonstrated His divine authority by touching and healing those with leprosy, thereby making the unclean clean and restoring them to full community, as seen in passages like Mark 1:40-42. He not only healed the physical ailment but also addressed the spiritual and social isolation it caused, offering a new covenant of cleansing and restoration.
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Cross-References

  • Romans 3:19 (4 votes)

    ¶ Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.

  • Romans 3:20 (4 votes)

    Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law [is] the knowledge of sin.

  • Romans 7:7 (2 votes)

    ¶ What shall we say then? [Is] the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet.

  • John 20:23 (2 votes)

    Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; [and] whose soever [sins] ye retain, they are retained.

  • Acts 20:28 (2 votes)

    Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

  • Revelation 2:23 (2 votes)

    And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.

  • 1 Timothy 1:20 (2 votes)

    Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.