Leviticus 13:30

KJV

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 13:30 provides a specific diagnostic criterion for a particular skin affliction, often referred to as a "dry scall" or a form of *tzara'at*, manifesting on the head or beard. The verse instructs the priest to examine the affected area, and if the "plague" appears deeper than the skin and contains a yellow, thin hair, the individual is to be pronounced ritually unclean. This detailed instruction highlights the meticulous nature of the Mosaic Law concerning purity and health within the Israelite community.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 13 is a comprehensive chapter dedicated entirely to the identification and management of *tzara'at*, a broad category of skin conditions that included, but was not limited to, what we know today as Hansen's disease (leprosy). The chapter begins with general instructions for diagnosing *tzara'at* on the skin (verses 1-8), then addresses specific variations like boils (verses 18-23), burns (verses 24-28), and, as in verse 30, conditions affecting the head or beard. The overarching purpose of these detailed regulations, found throughout [Leviticus 13](/leviticus/13 "Leviticus 13 - Laws Concerning Skin Diseases"), was to maintain the ritual purity of the Israelite camp, ensuring that any defiling element was identified and isolated to prevent its spread and 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.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, *tzara'at* (Hebrew: צָרַעַת) carried significant social and religious implications. Unlike modern medical diagnoses, the priestly declaration of "unclean" was primarily a ritual status, not merely a medical one, though it certainly had public health benefits. 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. 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](/leviticus/13-3 "Leviticus 13:3 - Hair Color in Diagnosis")), 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](/leviticus/11-44 "Leviticus 11:44 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Plague (Hebrew, _nega'_):** This term refers to a "stroke," "blow," or "affliction," often with a connotation of divine visitation or judgment. In the context of Leviticus 13, it specifically denotes the skin lesion or eruption that the priest is examining. It emphasizes that this condition is not just a minor irritation but a serious affliction requiring careful discernment and potentially leading to ritual impurity and separation.
* **Scall (Hebrew, _neteḳ_):** This specific term describes a scabby or crusty eruption, often associated with a fungal infection or a chronic skin condition that affects the scalp or beard. Unlike other forms of *tzara'at* that might involve white hair, the *neteḳ* is characterized by a yellow, thin hair, indicating a distinct visual marker for priestly diagnosis. Its "dry" nature further distinguishes it from weeping or inflamed lesions.
* **Unclean (Hebrew, _ṭame'_):** This declaration signifies a state of ritual impurity, which rendered 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 phrase immediately establishes the priest's indispensable role as the sole authority for diagnosing *tzara'at*. His visual inspection is the initial and critical step in the process, highlighting the importance of careful observation according to divine criteria.
* **"and, behold, if it [be] in sight deeper than the skin;"** This is a crucial diagnostic criterion. The depth of the lesion, indicating that it extends beyond the superficial layer of the skin, suggests a more serious and potentially contagious condition. It distinguishes a true *tzara'at* from a mere rash or 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 color (yellow) and texture (thin) of the hair growing within the lesion are distinct from other forms of *tzara'at* where white hair is a sign. This precision underscores the meticulousness of God's instructions.
* **"then the priest shall pronounce him unclean:"** This is 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.
* **"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 a form of the broader *tzara'at* affliction, localized to the head or beard.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 13:30 exemplifies **Detailed Legal Instruction**, a pervasive literary device throughout the Mosaic Law. The precise, step-by-step criteria for diagnosis, including the depth of the lesion and the specific color and texture of hair, demonstrate God's meticulousness in establishing order and purity within the Israelite community. This level of detail ensures consistency in application and leaves no room for arbitrary judgment. Furthermore, the entire concept of *tzara'at* functions as **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 presence of God, so too does sin create a barrier between humanity and a holy God, necessitating divine intervention for cleansing and restoration.

### 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.

* [Leviticus 14:2-3](/leviticus/14-2 "Leviticus 14:2-3 - Laws for Cleansing a Leper")
* [Numbers 5:2-3](/numbers/5-2 "Numbers 5:2-3 - Exclusion of the Unclean from the Camp")
* [Hebrews 12:14](/hebrews/12-14 "Hebrews 12:14 - Pursue Peace and Holiness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While we no longer live under the specific diagnostic rituals of the Old Testament Law, the principles embedded in Leviticus 13:30 remain profoundly relevant for believers 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 reminds us that sin, 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, 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, understanding that true fellowship with God requires a continuous process of purification and separation from anything that defiles.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of God's laws concerning *tzara'at* reflect His character and His concern for 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?**
* **What "unclean" areas or habits in your life might God be calling you to expose and seek cleansing for, in order to draw closer to Him?**

### 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](/leviticus/13 "Leviticus 13 - Laws Concerning Skin Diseases") and [Leviticus 14](/leviticus/14 "Leviticus 14 - Cleansing of a Leper and a House"). 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.

**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. 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 [Leviticus](/leviticus "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, as explored in passages like [Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Without the Shedding of Blood There Is No Forgiveness").

### 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 work of Jesus. 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 (e.g., [Matthew 8:2-3](/matthew/8-2 "Matthew 8:2-3 - Jesus Heals a Leper")). 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](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), offering a perfect and final sacrifice that truly cleanses us from all unrighteousness ([1 John 1:7](/1_john/1-7 "1 John 1:7 - The Cleansing Blood of Jesus")). 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 ([Hebrews 4:14-16](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14-16 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest") and [Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Christ's Cleansing Blood")). Through Christ, the spiritual *tzara'at* of sin is not merely diagnosed and isolated, but utterly removed, leading to full reconciliation and restoration.

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.