Leviticus 13:30

Translation
King James Version
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.
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KJV (with Strong's)
Then the priest H3548 shall see H7200 the plague H5061: and, behold, if it be in sight H4758 deeper H6013 than the skin H5785; and there be in it a yellow H6669 thin H1851 hair H8181; then the priest H3548 shall pronounce him unclean H2930: it is a dry scall H5424, even a leprosy H6883 upon the head H7218 or beard H2206.
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Complete Jewish Bible
then the cohen is to examine the sore; if he sees that it appears to be deeper than the skin around it, with yellow, thin hair in it, then the cohen is to declare him unclean; it is a crusted area, a tzara'at of the head or beard.
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Berean Standard Bible
the priest shall examine the infection, and if it appears to be deeper than the skin and the hair in it is yellow and thin, the priest must pronounce him unclean; it is a scaly outbreak, an infectious disease of the head or chin.
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American Standard Version
then the priest shall look on the plague; and, behold, if the appearance thereof be deeper than the skin, and there be in it yellow thin hair, then the priest shall pronounce him unclean: it is a scall, it is leprosy of the head or of the beard.
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World English Bible Messianic
then the priest shall examine the plague; and behold, if its appearance is deeper than the skin, and the hair in it is yellow and thin, then the priest shall pronounce him unclean: it is an itch, it is leprosy of the head or of the beard.
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Geneva Bible (1599)
Then the Priest shall see his sore: and if it appeare lower then the skin, and there be in it a small yellow haire, then the Priest shall pronouce him vncleane: for it is a blacke spot, and leprosie of the head or of the beard.
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Young's Literal Translation
then hath the priest seen the plague, and lo, its appearance is deeper than the skin, and in it a thin shining hair, and the priest hath pronounced him unclean; it is a scall--it is a leprosy of the head or of the beard.
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See also
Leviticus 13:34Leviticus 13:37Leviticus 14:54
In the KJVVerse 3,083 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Leviticus 13:30 outlines a specific diagnostic criterion for a particular skin affliction, often identified as a "dry scall" or a form of tzara'at, specifically manifesting on the head or beard. The verse meticulously instructs the priest to examine the affected area, and if the "plague" appears visually deeper than the surface of the skin and contains a yellow, thin hair, the individual is to be pronounced ritually unclean. This detailed instruction underscores the meticulous nature of the Mosaic Law concerning purity, health, and the maintenance of a holy community within ancient Israel.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: Leviticus 13 is entirely devoted to the intricate laws concerning tzara'at, a broad category of skin conditions, and certain types of mold or mildew on garments and houses. This chapter meticulously details the diagnostic procedures and the subsequent actions required of the priest. Beginning with general instructions for diagnosing tzara'at on the body (verses 1-8), the chapter then progresses to specific manifestations, such as those appearing after a boil (verses 18-23) or a burn (verses 24-28). Verse 30 specifically addresses the diagnosis of a distinct form of tzara'at when it appears on the head or beard, highlighting the comprehensiveness of God's concern for every part of the human body and the community's well-being. The overarching purpose of these detailed regulations throughout Leviticus 13 was to maintain the ritual purity of the Israelite camp, ensuring that defiling elements were identified, isolated, and dealt with to preserve the holiness of the community in the presence of God's dwelling place, the Tabernacle. The priest's role was central, acting as the divinely appointed diagnostician and enforcer of these purity laws, reflecting the theocratic nature of Israelite society.

  • Historical & Cultural Context: In ancient Israel, tzara'at (Hebrew: צָרַעַת) carried profound social, religious, and public health implications. Unlike modern medical diagnoses, the priestly declaration of "unclean" was primarily a ritual status, not merely a medical one, though it certainly had practical benefits for communal health. An individual pronounced unclean due to tzara'at was separated from the community and the Tabernacle, underscoring the gravity of ritual impurity in a society where God's holiness was paramount and His presence dwelled among them. The priest served as both a spiritual authority and, in essence, a public health official. The specific mention of "yellow thin hair" in verse 30, as opposed to the white hair mentioned in other tzara'at diagnoses (e.g., Leviticus 13:3), indicates a distinct type of affliction, perhaps a fungal infection or a chronic scalp condition, which the divine law meticulously distinguished. These laws reflect God's concern for the well-being of His people and the maintenance of a holy environment, as emphasized in calls to holiness like Leviticus 11:44. The meticulousness ensured that the community remained consecrated to the Lord.

  • Key Themes: This verse contributes significantly to several key themes pervasive in Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it highlights the theme of Holiness and Purity, emphasizing God's absolute holiness and the necessity for His people to maintain a state of ritual purity to dwell in His presence. The detailed regulations for tzara'at underscore that defilement, whether physical or spiritual, must be dealt with to preserve the sanctity of the community. Secondly, the passage reinforces the theme of Divine Authority and Order, as God Himself provides the precise criteria for diagnosis and the priest, acting as His representative, executes these divine mandates. This demonstrates God's sovereign control over all aspects of Israelite life, including health and social interaction. Lastly, it touches upon the theme of Separation and Restoration, as the declaration of uncleanness necessitates separation from the community, but with the possibility of restoration through prescribed rituals, foreshadowing the greater spiritual separation caused by sin and the divine provision for reconciliation. These themes are foundational to understanding the covenant relationship between God and Israel, as elaborated throughout the Book of Leviticus.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • Deeper (Hebrew, ʻâmôq', H6013): Meaning "deep (literally or figuratively); ([idiom] exceeding) deep (thing)." In this context, "deeper" refers to the visual assessment of the lesion's penetration into the skin. This criterion is crucial for distinguishing a superficial irritation from a more serious, potentially defiling condition. It implies that the affliction is not merely on the surface but has taken root, suggesting a more significant and concerning state that warrants the priest's declaration of uncleanness.
  • Yellow (Hebrew, tsâhôb', H6669): Meaning "golden in color; yellow." This specific color of hair within the lesion is a precise diagnostic marker, distinguishing this particular type of tzara'at (a "dry scall") from other forms where white hair is indicative (e.g., Leviticus 13:3). The meticulous detail of specifying hair color highlights the divine precision required for priestly discernment, ensuring accurate diagnosis according to God's standards.
  • Unclean (Hebrew, ṭâmêʼ', H2930): A primitive root meaning "to be foul, especially in a ceremonial or moral sense (contaminated); defile (self), pollute (self), be (make, make self, pronounce) unclean, [idiom] utterly." This declaration signifies a state of ritual impurity, rendering an individual temporarily unfit to participate fully in the communal and religious life of Israel. It was not a moral judgment but a ritual status that necessitated separation from the camp and the Tabernacle until a prescribed cleansing process could be undertaken. This status underscored the absolute holiness of God and the necessity of purity for fellowship with Him.

Verse Breakdown

  • "Then the priest shall see the plague:" This opening phrase immediately establishes the priest's indispensable and authoritative role as the sole diagnostician of tzara'at. His visual inspection, guided by divine criteria, is the initial and critical step in determining the individual's ritual status, emphasizing the importance of careful, Spirit-led observation.
  • "and, behold, if it [be] in sight deeper than the skin;" This is a primary diagnostic criterion. The phrase "deeper than the skin" indicates that the lesion is not merely superficial but appears to extend into the underlying tissue. This depth is a key indicator of a more serious and potentially defiling condition, distinguishing a true tzara'at from a common rash or minor irritation.
  • "[and there be] in it a yellow thin hair;" This is the second specific diagnostic marker for this particular type of tzara'at on the head or beard. The precise color ("yellow") and texture ("thin") of the hair growing within the affected area are distinct from other forms of tzara'at where white hair is a sign. This meticulous detail underscores the precision and specificity of God's instructions for diagnosis.
  • "then the priest shall pronounce him unclean:" This clause describes the declarative act of the priest, based on the observed criteria. The pronouncement carries divine authority and immediately changes the individual's ritual status, leading to their separation from the community and the Tabernacle, underscoring the gravity of ritual impurity.
  • "it [is] a dry scall, [even] a leprosy upon the head or beard." This final clause identifies the specific condition being diagnosed: a neteḳ or "dry scall." The KJV's "leprosy" here is a translation of tzara'at, emphasizing that this specific "scall" is indeed a form of the broader tzara'at affliction, localized to the head or beard, requiring the prescribed response.

Literary Devices

Leviticus 13:30 powerfully exemplifies Detailed Legal Instruction, a pervasive literary device throughout the Mosaic Law. The meticulous, step-by-step criteria for diagnosis, including the visual depth of the lesion and the specific color and texture of the hair, demonstrate God's precise and exhaustive nature in establishing order and purity within the Israelite community. This level of detail ensures consistency in application, minimizes ambiguity, and leaves no room for arbitrary judgment in matters of ritual purity. Furthermore, the entire concept of tzara'at functions as profound Symbolism or Metaphor. While a physical ailment, it profoundly symbolizes the defiling nature of sin. Just as tzara'at separates an individual from the holy community and the immediate presence of God (the Tabernacle), so too does sin create a barrier between humanity and a holy God, necessitating divine intervention for cleansing and restoration. The physical manifestation serves as a tangible representation of spiritual realities.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Leviticus 13:30, like the broader purity laws, reveals God's profound concern for holiness, order, and the well-being of His people. The meticulous instructions for diagnosing tzara'at underscore that God is not distant from the practical realities of human life, even down to skin conditions. The declaration of "unclean" was not a moral condemnation but a ritual status designed to protect the community from contagion (both physical and spiritual) and to impress upon them the absolute necessity of purity in the presence of a holy God. This separation served as a constant reminder of the defiling nature of anything that compromised God's holiness, foreshadowing the ultimate defilement of sin and the need for a perfect cleansing. The priest's role as diagnostician highlights the divine mediation necessary for reconciliation with a holy God.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

While believers no longer live under the specific diagnostic rituals of the Old Testament Law, the profound principles embedded in Leviticus 13:30 remain deeply relevant for us today. This passage calls us to a deep appreciation for God's meticulous care for every aspect of our lives, from physical health to spiritual purity. It serves as a stark reminder that sin, much like tzara'at, is a defiling condition that separates us from God and His holy community. Just as the ancient Israelite needed the priest's discerning eye and the prescribed cleansing rituals for restoration to fellowship, we too need spiritual discernment to identify sin in our lives and rely on the divine provision for cleansing and reconciliation. This passage encourages us to pursue holiness in thought, word, and deed, understanding that true, unhindered fellowship with God requires a continuous process of purification and separation from anything that defiles His holy character. It prompts us to consider what "unclean" areas we might be tolerating in our lives that hinder our walk with God.

Questions for Reflection

  • How does the meticulous detail of God's laws concerning tzara'at reflect His character and His profound concern for the well-being and holiness of His people?
  • In what ways does the physical separation caused by tzara'at serve as a powerful metaphor for the spiritual separation caused by sin in our lives today?
  • What "unclean" areas or habits in your life might God be calling you to expose, confess, and seek cleansing for, in order to draw closer to Him and His holy presence?

FAQ

What is tzara'at and how does it differ from modern leprosy?

Answer: Tzara'at (צָרַעַת) is the Hebrew term translated as "leprosy" in the KJV. However, it was a much broader category of skin afflictions than modern-day Hansen's disease (medical leprosy). The biblical description of tzara'at includes various rashes, boils, infections, and even mildew on garments or houses, as detailed in Leviticus 13 and Leviticus 14. The diagnostic criteria, such as changes in hair color (white or yellow), depth of the lesion, and spreading, indicate a range of conditions, many of which were likely temporary or treatable, unlike the chronic and debilitating nature of Hansen's disease. The primary concern was ritual purity and the prevention of contagion within the holy community, ensuring that Israel remained set apart for God.

Why was the priest, not a doctor, responsible for diagnosis?

Answer: The priest's role in diagnosing tzara'at was primarily religious and ritualistic, not purely medical. In ancient Israel, the distinction between physical health and spiritual purity was often blurred, as all aspects of life were viewed through a covenantal lens. The priest served as the custodian of God's covenant and the enforcer of the purity laws, which were essential for maintaining the holiness of the community in the presence of the Tabernacle. His declaration of "clean" or "unclean" was a divine pronouncement that determined an individual's ritual status and their ability to participate in communal worship and life. While the laws had practical public health benefits, their ultimate purpose was theological, emphasizing God's holiness and the necessity of ritual purity for His people, as seen throughout the Book of Leviticus.

What is the spiritual significance of being declared 'unclean'?

Answer: Being declared "unclean" was a ritual status that signified a temporary separation from the holy community and the Tabernacle. It was not a moral judgment of sin, but it powerfully symbolized the defiling nature of anything that stood in opposition to God's perfect holiness. Just as tzara'at physically separated an individual, sin spiritually separates humanity from God. The meticulous laws of purity, including the process of declaring someone unclean, served to impress upon the Israelites the absolute necessity of holiness for fellowship with God. This concept foreshadows the ultimate need for spiritual cleansing from sin, which only God can provide. The Old Testament system, with its temporary and repetitive rituals, pointed forward to a greater, once-for-all cleansing, as explored in passages like Hebrews 9:22.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

Leviticus 13:30, with its detailed diagnostic criteria for tzara'at and the resulting declaration of uncleanness, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The physical separation mandated by the Law for those with tzara'at serves as a powerful metaphor for the spiritual separation caused by sin, which truly defiles humanity and alienates us from a holy God. Unlike the Old Testament priest who could only diagnose and declare uncleanness, Jesus possesses the divine authority and power to actually cleanse and heal. He frequently demonstrated this by touching and healing those afflicted with tzara'at, a radical act that would have rendered others unclean under the Law (e.g., Matthew 8:2-3). This willingness to engage with the "unclean" signifies His power over sin and death, and His mission to restore humanity to fellowship with God. As the ultimate Lamb of God, Jesus took away the sin of the world (John 1:29), offering a perfect and final sacrifice that truly cleanses us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:7). He is our Great High Priest, who, unlike the Levitical priests, offered Himself once for all, enabling us to draw near to God with confidence, having been purified from a defiled conscience by His blood (Hebrews 4:14-16 and Hebrews 9:14). Through Christ, the spiritual tzara'at of sin is not merely diagnosed and isolated, but utterly removed, leading to full reconciliation and eternal restoration with a holy God.

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Commentary on Leviticus 13 verses 18–37

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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