Leviticus 13:31

KJV

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:

KJV (with Strong's)

And if the priest {H3548} look {H7200} on the plague {H5061} of the scall {H5424}, and, behold, it be not in sight {H4758} deeper {H6013} than the skin {H5785}, and that there is no black {H7838} hair {H8181} in it; then the priest {H3548} shall shut {H5462} up him that hath the plague {H5061} of the scall {H5424} seven {H7651} days {H3117}:

Complete Jewish Bible

If the cohen examines the diseased crusted area and sees that it appears not to be deeper than the skin around it, and without any black hair in it, then the cohen is to isolate for seven days the person with the diseased crusted area.

Berean Standard Bible

But if the priest examines the scaly infection and it does not appear to be deeper than the skin, and there is no black hair in it, the priest shall isolate the infected person for seven days.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 13:31 provides specific diagnostic criteria for a skin affliction known as the "scall," outlining the priest's role in discerning its severity. This verse details a scenario where the lesion on the scalp or beard does not appear to be deeply embedded in the skin and lacks the presence of black, healthy hair within it. In such an ambiguous case, the Mosaic Law mandated a provisional seven-day quarantine, allowing for further observation before a definitive declaration of ritual purity or impurity could be made. This process underscores the meticulous nature of God's laws concerning health, purity, and communal well-being in ancient Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus chapter 13 is entirely dedicated to the comprehensive and intricate laws concerning _tzara'at_, a broad category of skin afflictions often translated as "leprosy" but encompassing a range of dermatological conditions far beyond what is known as Hansen's disease today. The chapter begins by establishing the priest's exclusive authority in diagnosing these conditions, detailing various manifestations of _tzara'at_ on the skin, hair, and even garments. Leviticus 13:31 specifically addresses a particular type of lesion, the "scall" (Hebrew: _netheq_), which primarily affects the head or beard. This verse follows earlier instructions concerning more severe or obvious cases of _tzara'at_ (e.g., [Leviticus 13:2-8](/leviticus/13-2 "Leviticus 13:2-8 - Initial Diagnosis of Tzara'at")), where a clear diagnosis could be made immediately. Leviticus 13:31, however, describes an ambiguous situation, necessitating a period of observation, which is a recurring theme in the diagnostic process for less clear-cut cases, as seen in [Leviticus 13:4-5](/leviticus/13-4 "Leviticus 13:4-5 - Initial Quarantine for Tzara'at"). The verse sets the stage for the subsequent re-examination and potential further quarantine or declaration of cleanness, demonstrating the thoroughness of the Mosaic code.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the Levitical priests served not only as spiritual leaders but also as crucial public health officials. Their role in diagnosing _tzara'at_ was paramount for maintaining both the physical health and the ritual purity of the community. The concept of _tzara'at_ was deeply intertwined with ritual uncleanness, meaning an afflicted individual was temporarily separated from the community and unable to participate in worship until declared clean. This system served a dual purpose: preventing the spread of potentially contagious diseases within the densely populated Israelite camp and symbolically reinforcing the nation's call to holiness and separation from defilement. The detailed diagnostic criteria, including the color and depth of the lesion and the presence or absence of specific hair types, reflect a sophisticated understanding of observable symptoms. The "shutting up" or quarantine for seven days was a practical measure to observe the progression or regression of the condition, a form of medical isolation and observation that was remarkably advanced for its time. This practice underscores God's meticulous concern for the well-being of His covenant people, ensuring a healthy and pure environment for His presence among them, as detailed throughout the laws in [Leviticus](/leviticus/1 "The Book of Leviticus - Laws of Holiness and Purity").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Scall (Hebrew, _netheq'_):** This term refers to a specific type of skin eruption, often characterized by a patch of hair loss and discoloration on the scalp or beard. While its exact dermatological equivalent in modern terms is debated, it is often associated with fungal infections like ringworm (tinea capitis or tinea barbae). Unlike some other forms of _tzara'at_ that presented with white or reddish patches, the _netheq_ was distinguished by its location and the state of the hair within it. The KJV's "scall" captures the sense of a scaly, crusty lesion.
* **Plague (Hebrew, _nega'_):** This is the overarching term used throughout Leviticus 13 for any "stroke," "mark," or "affliction" on the skin that might indicate _tzara'at_. It denotes a divinely permitted or sent affliction, emphasizing that these conditions were not merely physical ailments but carried significant ritual and theological implications. The term highlights the seriousness with which these skin conditions were viewed within the Mosaic covenant.
* **Shut up (Hebrew, _hisgir'_):** Derived from the root סגר (_sagar_), meaning "to shut" or "to close," this verb in the Hiphil stem means "to cause to be shut up" or "to quarantine." It describes the act of the priest isolating the individual for a period of observation. This "shutting up" was not necessarily a declaration of uncleanness but a provisional measure, a diagnostic quarantine. It reflects a careful, measured approach to diagnosis, avoiding hasty judgments and allowing time for the natural course of the condition to manifest.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And if the priest look on the plague of the scall":** This clause emphasizes the priest's central and authoritative role in the diagnostic process. It is not for the individual or family member to self-diagnose, but the designated spiritual and public health official. The "plague of the scall" identifies the specific type of lesion under examination – a _nega'_ (affliction) that is a _netheq_ (scall).
* **"and, behold, it [be] not in sight deeper than the skin":** This is a crucial diagnostic criterion. The lesion's superficiality is a positive sign, indicating it has not penetrated the deeper layers of the dermis. If it were deeper, it would typically suggest a more severe or advanced form of _tzara'at_, requiring immediate declaration of uncleanness. This observation requires careful visual inspection.
* **"and [that there is] no black hair in it":** This is another key diagnostic marker. The absence of black (i.e., healthy, normal-colored) hair within the affected area is a concerning sign. In other forms of _tzara'at_, the presence of white or yellowish hair within the lesion was a definitive sign of uncleanness (cf. [Leviticus 13:3](/leviticus/13-3 "Leviticus 13:3 - Diagnostic Signs of Tzara'at")). Here, the absence of *black* hair suggests that the hair follicles in that area are affected, which is indicative of a problem, but not yet definitively _tzara'at_ if other criteria are not met.
* **"then the priest shall shut up [him that hath] the plague of the scall seven days":** This is the prescribed action for ambiguous cases. The "shutting up" or quarantine is a provisional measure, not a final verdict. The seven-day period allows for observation of the lesion's progression or regression. This demonstrates a merciful and wise approach, avoiding immediate and potentially unnecessary social and ritual isolation.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 13:31 primarily employs **Legal Prescription** and **Detailed Observation** as its key literary devices. The verse is part of an extensive legal code, characterized by its precise, conditional statements ("And if... then..."). This prescriptive language leaves no room for ambiguity in the priest's duties, ensuring consistency in diagnosis and management. The meticulous attention to detail regarding the lesion's depth ("not in sight deeper than the skin") and the state of the hair ("no black hair in it") exemplifies **Detailed Observation**. This focus on specific, observable physical characteristics underscores the empirical nature of the diagnostic process. Furthermore, the passage utilizes **Conditional Structure**, where a specific set of circumstances (the superficial scall without black hair) leads to a defined action (seven-day quarantine). This logical, cause-and-effect framework is typical of legal texts, designed to guide behavior and decision-making within the covenant community. The overall effect is one of divine precision and comprehensive care for the well-being of the Israelite people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 13:31, though dealing with ancient skin conditions, reveals profound theological truths about God's character and His relationship with humanity. It underscores God's meticulous concern for the physical, social, and spiritual well-being of His people, demonstrating that His holiness extends to every facet of life, including public health and personal purity. The careful discernment required of the priest reflects God's own perfect judgment and His desire for justice and truth, avoiding hasty or erroneous declarations. The provisional quarantine highlights the principle of patience and thoroughness in judgment, allowing time for clarity to emerge. Ultimately, these laws served to maintain the purity of the camp, symbolizing the necessity of a holy people in the presence of a holy God.

* [Leviticus 11:44-45](/leviticus/11-44 "Leviticus 11:44-45 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy")
* [Deuteronomy 17:8-11](/deuteronomy/17-8 "Deuteronomy 17:8-11 - Difficult Cases and Priestly Judgment")
* [1 Corinthians 14:33](/1_corinthians/14-33 "1 Corinthians 14:33 - God is a God of Order")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific diagnostic procedures of Leviticus 13 are no longer directly applicable to believers today, the underlying principles offer timeless wisdom for our lives. The meticulous care and patience demonstrated in God's instructions for diagnosing the "scall" call us to cultivate a spirit of careful discernment in all areas, especially in spiritual matters. We are encouraged to avoid hasty judgments about ourselves and others, allowing for observation and seeking wisdom before drawing conclusions. The concept of provisional quarantine can be a metaphor for taking intentional space for reflection, self-examination, or even temporary separation from certain influences when facing ambiguity or potential spiritual "plagues." Ultimately, this passage reminds us that God is deeply concerned with our holistic well-being—physical, emotional, and spiritual—and desires for us to live in purity and health, both individually and communally. It prompts us to consider how we can apply divine wisdom to our daily decisions, fostering environments of health, truth, and peace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How can we cultivate greater discernment and patience in our judgments, both of ourselves and others, in light of the priest's careful observation?**
* **In what areas of your life might a "provisional quarantine" or a period of intentional observation be beneficial before making a significant decision or forming a firm opinion?**
* **How does God's meticulous concern for the physical health of ancient Israel encourage you regarding His care for your own holistic well-being today?**

### FAQ

**What was the "scall" in ancient Israel, and how is it different from modern leprosy?**

Answer: The "scall" (Hebrew: _netheq_) was a specific type of skin affliction mentioned in Leviticus 13, primarily affecting the scalp or beard, characterized by a patch of hair loss and often a crusty or scaly appearance. It is distinct from modern Hansen's disease (leprosy). The biblical term _tzara'at_, often translated as "leprosy," was a much broader category encompassing various dermatological conditions, including fungal infections like ringworm, psoriasis, and other skin ailments, not just the specific bacterial infection known today as leprosy. The diagnostic criteria in [Leviticus 13](/leviticus/13 "Leviticus 13 - Laws Concerning Tzara'at") describe symptoms that do not perfectly align with Hansen's disease, suggesting a wider range of conditions.

**Why was the priest, and not a doctor, responsible for diagnosing these conditions?**

Answer: In ancient Israel, the roles of spiritual leader, judge, and public health official were often intertwined, particularly within the priesthood. The Levitical priests were uniquely positioned to act as mediators between God and the people, and their responsibilities extended to maintaining the ritual purity and communal health of the camp. Diagnosing _tzara'at_ was not merely a medical assessment but a declaration of ritual cleanness or uncleanness, which had profound implications for an individual's participation in community life and worship. Thus, the priest's role was both practical (preventing spread of disease) and theological (maintaining holiness in the presence of God), as outlined in the priestly instructions throughout [Leviticus](/leviticus/1 "The Book of Leviticus").

**What was the purpose of the seven-day "shutting up" or quarantine?**

Answer: The seven-day "shutting up" (quarantine) mandated in [Leviticus 13:31](/leviticus/13-31 "Leviticus 13:31 - Provisional Quarantine for Scall") (and elsewhere in [Leviticus 13](/leviticus/13 "Leviticus 13 - Laws Concerning Tzara'at")) served as a provisional period of observation. It was not an immediate declaration of uncleanness but a diagnostic measure. During this time, the priest would re-examine the individual to see if the condition had spread, receded, or changed in any significant way. This allowed for a more accurate diagnosis, preventing unnecessary isolation for minor or non-contagious conditions and ensuring proper management for more serious cases. It reflects a wise and patient approach to public health and ritual purity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 13:31, with its meticulous diagnostic process for the "scall" and the provisional seven-day quarantine, finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament priest's role was to discern physical and ritual uncleanness, often leading to separation from the community; however, Christ, our Great High Priest, came not to separate but to cleanse and restore. He is the one who truly "looks" upon the "plague" of sin in humanity, which is far deeper than any skin affliction, penetrating to the very core of our being (cf. [Mark 7:20-23](/mark/7-20 "Mark 7:20-23 - What Defiles a Person")). Unlike the priest who could only declare a person clean, Jesus possessed the power to *make* the unclean clean, as demonstrated in His healing of various individuals afflicted with _tzara'at_ (e.g., [Matthew 8:1-4](/matthew/8-1 "Matthew 8:1-4 - Jesus Cleanses a Leper")). The temporary "shutting up" in Leviticus foreshadows the spiritual isolation that sin brings, separating us from God's holy presence. Yet, through Christ's atoning sacrifice, this separation is overcome. He bore our uncleanness on the cross, allowing us to be fully reconciled and brought into eternal fellowship with God, fulfilling the deepest yearning for purity and communion that these Levitical laws imperfectly pointed towards (cf. [Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ, Our High Priest and His Perfect Sacrifice")). He is the ultimate physician who heals the soul's deepest maladies, making us truly whole and eternally clean.

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.