Leviticus 13:32

KJV

And in the seventh day the priest shall look on the plague: and, behold, [if] the scall spread not, and there be in it no yellow hair, and the scall [be] not in sight deeper than the skin;

KJV (with Strong's)

And in the seventh {H7637} day {H3117} the priest {H3548} shall look {H7200} on the plague {H5061}: and, behold, if the scall {H5424} spread {H6581} not, and there be in it no yellow {H6669} hair {H8181}, and the scall {H5424} be not in sight {H4758} deeper {H6013} than the skin {H5785};

Complete Jewish Bible

On the seventh day the cohen is to examine the sore, and if he sees that the crusted area hasn't spread, that it has no yellow hair in it, and that the crusted area is not deeper than the skin around it;

Berean Standard Bible

On the seventh day the priest is to reexamine the infection, and if the scaly outbreak has not spread and there is no yellow hair in it, and it does not appear to be deeper than the skin,

American Standard Version

and in the seventh day the priest shall look on the plague; and, behold, if the scall be not spread, and there be in it no yellow hair, and the appearance of the scall be not deeper than the skin,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 13:32 is a pivotal verse within the Mosaic Law's detailed instructions for diagnosing and managing various skin afflictions, often broadly categorized as "leprosy" (`tzara'at`). This verse specifically outlines the precise diagnostic criteria the priest must observe during a follow-up examination of a suspected "scall" on the head or beard after an initial period of isolation. It highlights God's meticulous concern for the physical and ceremonial purity of His people, emphasizing careful observation and discernment before a definitive judgment of clean or unclean is rendered, thereby safeguarding both individual well-being and communal holiness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 13 and 14 form a comprehensive legal corpus dedicated to the diagnosis, isolation, and purification rituals associated with `tzara'at`, a term that encompasses a range of severe skin conditions, mildew on garments, and mold in houses. Following the initial examination and a seven-day period of isolation for a suspected skin lesion on the head or beard (as detailed in [Leviticus 13:29-31](/leviticus/13-29 "Leviticus 13:29-31 - Initial Examination of a Scall")), verse 32 describes the priest's re-examination. The criteria presented here—the absence of spreading, no yellow hair within the lesion, and the lesion not appearing deeper than the skin—are crucial indicators that the condition might be benign or healing, warranting further observation rather than immediate pronouncement of uncleanness and expulsion from the camp. This meticulous process underscores the gravity of `tzara'at` and the importance of accurate priestly discernment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, `tzara'at` was not merely a physical ailment but carried profound social and spiritual implications. It rendered an individual ceremonially unclean, leading to temporary or permanent exclusion from the community and the tabernacle worship (as seen in [Leviticus 13:45-46](/leviticus/13-45 "Leviticus 13:45-46 - The Law for the Unclean Person")). The priest, acting as both a spiritual authority and a public health officer, played a critical role in maintaining the holiness of the camp, which was essential for God's presence to dwell among His people. These laws, found throughout [the Book of Leviticus](/leviticus/1 "The Book of Leviticus - Laws for a Holy People"), were designed to prevent the spread of disease, teach the Israelites about God's holy nature, and impress upon them the seriousness of sin and impurity. The emphasis on careful, repeated observation rather than hasty judgment reflects a divinely ordained wisdom, valuing accuracy and patience in matters of profound communal and individual consequence.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Scall (Hebrew, _neteḳ'_):** This specific term, נֶתֶק, refers to a particular type of scurvy or scabby eruption, primarily affecting the head or beard. Unlike the broader term `negaʿ` (plague), `neteḳ` denotes a localized, often persistent, skin condition that required specific diagnostic criteria due to its potential to be `tzara'at`. The KJV's "scall" accurately captures the sense of a crusty or scabby lesion.
* **Plague (Hebrew, _negaʿ'_):** The Hebrew word נֶגַע is a more general term for any affliction, mark, or stroke, often implying a divine visitation or a divinely sent affliction. In the context of Leviticus 13, it serves as the overarching category for the various skin conditions and mildew that the priest must examine. The "plague" is the object of the priest's scrutiny, and the "scall" is a specific manifestation of it.
* **Yellow Hair (Hebrew, _ṣāhōḇ_):** The presence or absence of "yellow hair" (שֵׂעָר צָהֹב) within the lesion was a crucial diagnostic sign. Unlike the white hair that often indicated uncleanness in other forms of `tzara'at` (e.g., [Leviticus 13:3](/leviticus/13-3 "Leviticus 13:3 - Initial Diagnosis of a Skin Disease")), yellow hair in a `neteḳ` was a negative indicator, suggesting a more severe or active condition that would likely lead to a pronouncement of uncleanness. Its absence, as stated in verse 32, was a positive sign.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And in the seventh day the priest shall look on the plague:"** This clause establishes the critical timing of the re-examination. After an initial seven-day isolation period, the priest's role as the authorized diagnostician is re-emphasized. This waiting period allows for the natural progression or regression of the condition, preventing premature or inaccurate judgments based on initial symptoms.
* **"and, behold, [if] the scall spread not,"** The absence of spreading is the first positive diagnostic sign. If the lesion has not grown in size or extended its boundaries since the initial examination, it indicates a less aggressive or non-`tzara'at` condition. This criterion underscores the importance of observing the dynamic nature of the affliction.
* **"and there be in it no yellow hair,"** The lack of yellow hair within the `neteḳ` is the second crucial positive indicator. As discussed, yellow hair was a specific marker for a severe form of `tzara'at` in the context of a `neteḳ` on the head or beard. Its absence suggests that the condition is not the virulent form that would render the person unclean.
* **"and the scall [be] not in sight deeper than the skin;"** This final criterion assesses the depth of the lesion. If the `neteḳ` does not appear to penetrate below the surface of the skin, it is considered a superficial condition. A lesion that appeared deeper than the skin would indicate a more serious affliction, likely leading to a declaration of uncleanness. This detail highlights the meticulousness required for accurate diagnosis.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 13:32 employs several literary devices that enhance its instructional and theological impact. The most prominent is **Legal Precision** and **Casuistry**, characteristic of the Mosaic Law. The verse presents a series of specific, conditional clauses ("if... and... and...") that dictate the priest's diagnostic process. This meticulous detail ensures clarity, reduces ambiguity, and emphasizes the gravity of the judgment. There is also an element of **Repetition** throughout Leviticus 13, as similar diagnostic patterns (isolation, re-examination, specific signs like spreading or depth) are applied to various forms of `tzara'at`, reinforcing the consistent methodology and the priest's central role. Furthermore, the physical signs described (spreading, color of hair, depth) function as **Symbolism**, where the outward manifestation of the skin condition serves as a tangible representation of spiritual impurity or separation from the holy community. The meticulous observation of these physical signs thus becomes a metaphor for the careful discernment required in all matters of purity and holiness before God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 13:32, though dealing with ancient health regulations, profoundly reflects God's character and His desire for a holy people. It underscores the divine concern for order, purity, and the well-being of the community, both physically and spiritually. The meticulous instructions reveal a God who is not distant but intimately involved in the daily lives and health of His covenant people. The priest's role as a discerning authority highlights the importance of wise and patient judgment, avoiding rash conclusions. This passage teaches that true holiness is not merely an internal state but has outward manifestations that impact one's relationship with God and community. It also implicitly teaches the value of patience and careful observation before making definitive pronouncements, whether in physical health or spiritual matters.

* [Leviticus 11:44](/leviticus/11-44 "Leviticus 11:44 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy")
* [1 John 4:1](/1_john/4-1 "1 John 4:1 - Test the Spirits")
* [James 1:19](/james/1-19 "James 1:19 - Be Quick to Listen, Slow to Speak and to Anger")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the literal application of Leviticus 13:32 to modern skin conditions is no longer binding for believers under the New Covenant, the underlying principles offer timeless wisdom for our spiritual lives. This verse teaches us the profound value of patience, careful observation, and discernment before making judgments about ourselves or others. Just as the priest waited seven days and meticulously examined the "scall" for specific signs, we are called to avoid hasty conclusions in our spiritual walk, allowing time for situations to unfold, for truth to emerge, or for growth and healing to manifest. It reminds us that spiritual discernment requires a measured approach, not reacting impulsively but seeking wisdom and allowing God's Spirit to reveal His will over time. This passage also underscores God's profound concern for the holistic health and purity of His people, both individually and corporately, prompting us to consider what "spreading" or "deepening" spiritual impurities might look like in our own lives and how we might seek divine intervention and wise counsel.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you tempted to make hasty judgments, and how can the principle of patient observation from Leviticus 13:32 guide you?**
* **How can we apply the priest's meticulous discernment to our own spiritual growth and the way we interact with others in the church community?**
* **What "yellow hairs" or signs of spiritual "spreading" might indicate a need for deeper self-examination or seeking wise counsel in your life?**

### FAQ
**Why was the priest involved in diagnosing skin conditions like the "scall"?**

Answer: In ancient Israel, the priest served as both a spiritual and a communal authority. Their involvement in diagnosing skin conditions like the "scall" (and other forms of `tzara'at`) stemmed from the understanding that such afflictions carried significant ceremonial and social implications. These conditions rendered an individual ceremonially unclean, preventing them from participating in worship and communal life. The priest's role was not merely medical, but primarily to determine ritual purity or impurity, thereby safeguarding the holiness of the camp and ensuring that only the ceremonially clean could approach God in worship. This intertwined role highlights the holistic nature of Israelite law, where physical health, social order, and spiritual purity were inseparable.

**What is a "scall" and how is it different from other skin conditions mentioned in Leviticus 13?**

Answer: The "scall" (Hebrew: `neteḳ`) refers to a specific type of scabby or scurvy eruption, particularly found on the head or beard, as described in [Leviticus 13:29-37](/leviticus/13-29 "Leviticus 13:29-37 - Laws for Scalls on the Head or Beard"). It is a localized lesion. While it falls under the broader category of `negaʿ` (plague or affliction), which is the general term for various skin diseases and mildew in Leviticus 13, the "scall" has its own unique diagnostic criteria. Other conditions in the chapter include general skin swellings, eruptions, or spots that turn white (e.g., [Leviticus 13:2-8](/leviticus/13-2 "Leviticus 13:2-8 - Initial Diagnosis of a Skin Disease")), boils (e.g., [Leviticus 13:18-23](/leviticus/13-18 "Leviticus 13:18-23 - Diagnosis of a Boil")), and burns (e.g., [Leviticus 13:24-28](/leviticus/13-24 "Leviticus 13:24-28 - Diagnosis of a Burn")). Each type of `negaʿ` had distinct signs (e.g., color, depth, spreading, hair changes) that the priest had to meticulously observe to determine if it was `tzara'at` and thus render the person unclean.

**Are the laws concerning `tzara'at` (including the "scall") still relevant for believers today?**

Answer: While the ceremonial laws regarding `tzara'at` are not literally binding for New Covenant believers, their underlying theological and spiritual principles remain highly relevant. These laws teach us about God's absolute holiness, His hatred of sin, and His desire for a pure people. They underscore the seriousness of spiritual impurity and the need for careful discernment in our lives and communities. Furthermore, they foreshadow the ultimate cleansing and healing offered through Christ. We are no longer made unclean by physical ailments but by sin, and our purification comes not through priestly diagnosis and ritual washing but through faith in Jesus. The emphasis on patience, careful observation, and seeking wisdom before judgment, as seen in [Proverbs 18:13](/proverbs/18-13 "Proverbs 18:13 - Hasty Answers"), also carries timeless wisdom for our spiritual walk.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 13:32, with its meticulous diagnostic process for a "scall," finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus, the ultimate and perfect High Priest. Unlike the Levitical priest who could only diagnose and declare, Jesus possesses the power to truly cleanse and heal. The `tzara'at` laws, including those for the "scall," highlighted humanity's fallen state and the separation from God caused by sin, symbolized by the physical impurity. Jesus, however, did not merely observe from a distance; He touched the unclean, demonstrating His divine authority over sin and sickness (as seen in [Mark 1:40-42](/mark/1-40 "Mark 1:40-42 - Jesus Heals a Leper"), where He heals a man with `tzara'at`). He is the one who perfectly discerns the true condition of the human heart, seeing beyond outward appearances to the spiritual "plague" of sin (as affirmed in [John 2:25](/john/2-25 "John 2:25 - Jesus Knew All People")). Through His sacrificial death on the cross, Jesus became the ultimate purification offering, removing the deep-seated stain of sin that no ritual or human priest could truly address ([Hebrews 9:13-14](/hebrews/9-13 "Hebrews 9:13-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). He not only identifies the "scall" of sin but eradicates it, bringing us into perfect communion with a holy God, fulfilling the very purpose of the purity laws by making us truly clean in His sight ([Colossians 1:21-22](/colossians/1-21 "Colossians 1:21-22 - Reconciled in Christ")).

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.