Leviticus 13:34

And in the seventh day the priest shall look on the scall: and, behold, [if] the scall be not spread in the skin, nor [be] in sight deeper than the skin; then the priest shall pronounce him clean: and he shall wash his clothes, and be clean.

And in the seventh {H7637} day {H3117} the priest {H3548} shall look {H7200} on the scall {H5424}: and, behold, if the scall {H5424} be not spread {H6581} in the skin {H5785}, nor be in sight {H4758} deeper {H6013} than the skin {H5785}; then the priest {H3548} shall pronounce him clean {H2891}: and he shall wash {H3526} his clothes {H899}, and be clean {H2891}.

On the seventh day the cohen is to examine the crusted area; and if he sees that the crusted area has not spread on the skin and does not appear to be deeper than the skin around it, then the cohen is to declare him clean; he is to wash his clothes and be clean.

On the seventh day the priest shall examine the scaly outbreak, and if it has not spread on the skin and does not appear to be deeper than the skin, the priest is to pronounce him clean. He must wash his clothes, and he will be clean.

and in the seventh day the priest shall look on the scall; and, behold, if the scall be not spread in the skin, and the appearance thereof be not deeper than the skin; then the priest shall pronounce him clean: and he shall wash his clothes, and be clean.

Commentary

Leviticus 13:34 is part of a detailed section of the Mosaic Law concerning the identification and management of various skin diseases, often broadly translated as "leprosy" but encompassing a range of afflictions known as tzara'at. This particular verse describes the final examination for a less severe condition, the "scall" (Hebrew: netheq), after an initial period of isolation.

Context

Chapters 13 and 14 of Leviticus provide comprehensive instructions to the priests regarding skin diseases and mildew in houses. The purpose was not merely medical, but primarily for maintaining the ritual purity of the Israelite community, which was essential for their communion with a holy God. The individual suspected of having a skin affliction was isolated for a period, typically seven days, and then re-examined. If the condition showed no signs of spreading or deepening, as specified in this verse, it indicated it was not a serious, defiling tzara'at. This process ensured the health and spiritual integrity of the camp.

Key Themes

  • Ritual Purity and Holiness: The meticulous regulations underscore the paramount importance of purity in ancient Israel, reflecting God's own holiness. Physical purity was often a tangible representation of spiritual state, emphasizing the need for a clean people to approach a holy God.
  • Priestly Authority and Discernment: The priest served as the designated authority to declare individuals clean or unclean, highlighting the necessity of careful discernment in matters of faith and community well-being. This was a judicial and ceremonial role, not a medical one, crucial for maintaining order and worship.
  • Restoration and Reintegration: The pronouncement of "clean" meant the individual could return to full participation in the community and worship, emphasizing God's desire for restoration rather than permanent exclusion. This process parallels the cleansing rituals detailed in Leviticus 14 for those who recovered from more severe conditions.

Linguistic Insights

The term "scall" in this verse translates the Hebrew word netheq (נֶתֶק), which refers to a specific, perhaps less severe, skin eruption, often a dry, patchy condition, distinct from the broader and more serious category of tzara'at (צָרַעַת), which could include various severe skin ailments. The priest's observation that the scall was "not spread" and "not deeper than the skin" were critical diagnostic criteria for determining non-defiling status. The phrase "pronounce him clean" signifies a declarative act of ritual purity, allowing the individual to be reintegrated into the community and temple worship.

Practical Application

While these specific laws are part of the Old Covenant and are not directly applicable to New Testament believers, the principles behind them offer valuable insights:

  • God's Concern for Wholeness: God cares about every aspect of our lives—physical, social, and spiritual. He desires our wholeness and well-being, emphasizing a holistic approach to purity.
  • Spiritual Discernment: Just as the priest discerned physical conditions, believers are called to spiritual discernment, to "test the spirits" (1 John 4:1) and distinguish between truth and error, and between what is truly defiling and what is not.
  • Christ Our Cleanser: Ultimately, the Old Testament laws pointed to a greater reality. Jesus Christ is our Great High Priest who can truly cleanse us from the defilement of sin, making us spiritually clean and enabling our full communion with God and His people. His sacrifice provides the ultimate restoration and purity needed to approach a holy God.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Jude 1:22

    And of some have compassion, making a difference:

  • Revelation 2:2

    I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars:

  • 1 John 4:1

    ¶ Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
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