Leviticus 13:39

KJV

Then the priest shall look: and, behold, [if] the bright spots in the skin of their flesh [be] darkish white; it [is] a freckled spot [that] groweth in the skin; he [is] clean.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then the priest {H3548} shall look {H7200}: and, behold, if the bright spots {H934} in the skin {H5785} of their flesh {H1320} be darkish {H3544} white {H3836}; it is a freckled spot {H933} that groweth {H6524} in the skin {H5785}; he is clean {H2889}.

Complete Jewish Bible

then the cohen is to examine them. If he sees that the bright spots on the skin are dull white, it is only a rash that has broken out on the skin; he is clean.

Berean Standard Bible

the priest shall examine them, and if the spots are dull white, it is a harmless rash that has broken out on the skin; the person is clean.

American Standard Version

then the priest shall look; and, behold, if the bright spots in the skin of their flesh be of a dull white, it is a tetter, it hath broken out in the skin; he is clean.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 13:39 provides a precise diagnostic instruction within the Mosaic Law, distinguishing a benign skin condition from those that would render an individual ritually unclean. This verse specifies that if bright spots on the skin appear "darkish white" and are identified as a "freckled spot" that does not spread, the person is to be declared clean by the priest. It highlights God's meticulous concern for both the physical health and ritual purity of His covenant people, demonstrating a nuanced approach to the laws of impurity, ensuring justice and preventing unnecessary social ostracization.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 13 is a comprehensive chapter dedicated to the diagnosis and management of *tzara'at*, a broad Hebrew term often translated as "leprosy" but encompassing various severe skin afflictions, as well as mildew on garments and houses. The chapter begins with general instructions for examining suspected cases, detailing various appearances of the affliction, its progression, and the subsequent ritual procedures for isolation or purification. Verses 1-8 describe initial examination, while verses 9-17 deal with chronic or spreading cases. Verses 18-28 address *tzara'at* appearing on boils or burns. Leviticus 13:29-37 then focuses on afflictions of the head or beard. Our specific verse, [Leviticus 13:39](/leviticus/13-39 "Leviticus 13:39 - Diagnosis of a Benign Skin Spot"), is part of a series of highly detailed and specific criteria (Leviticus 13:38-39) designed to differentiate truly defiling conditions from harmless ones. This particular instruction serves as a crucial counterpoint, preventing unnecessary isolation and declaring a person clean when the condition is benign, thus revealing the meticulousness and mercy embedded within the legal framework of [the Mosaic Law](/exodus/20 "Exodus 20 - The Ten Commandments").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, ritual purity was paramount for maintaining the sanctity of the community and ensuring access to worship and fellowship with a holy God. Skin diseases, particularly *tzara'at*, were not merely medical conditions but carried profound theological and social implications, often seen as a sign of divine judgment or a state of extreme impurity. Those afflicted were isolated from the camp, symbolizing their separation from God and His people (see [Numbers 5:2-4](/numbers/5-2-4 "Numbers 5:2-4 - Expulsion of the Unclean")). The priest's role, as outlined throughout [Leviticus 13](/leviticus/13 "Leviticus 13 - Laws Concerning Skin Diseases"), was multifaceted: he acted as a public health official, a diagnostician, and a spiritual arbiter. His declaration of "clean" or "unclean" was legally binding and had immediate social and religious consequences. The detailed instructions, such as those in [Leviticus 13:39](/leviticus/13-39 "Leviticus 13:39 - Diagnosis of a Benign Skin Spot"), underscore the importance of accurate discernment to avoid false accusations or unnecessary social ostracization. The "freckled spot" (Hebrew: *bohaq*) was a common, non-contagious, and non-progressive skin discoloration, distinct from the more severe and defiling *tzara'at*, highlighting the nuanced understanding required of the priests.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Holiness and Purity**, emphasizing God's demand for His people to be set apart, both ritually and morally, in every aspect of their lives. The detailed laws concerning skin diseases highlight the pervasive nature of impurity and the need for divine instruction to maintain a holy community. Secondly, it exemplifies **Divine Order and Wisdom**, showcasing God's meticulous care in providing comprehensive laws that govern not only spiritual matters but also communal health and social justice. The precision of the diagnostic criteria reveals God's wisdom in distinguishing between true defilement and benign conditions, preventing unnecessary hardship. Finally, the role of the priest in making the declaration points to the theme of **Mediation and Discernment**, where divinely appointed leaders are tasked with applying God's law with accuracy and compassion, ensuring the well-being and inclusion of His covenant people. This discernment is crucial for the proper functioning of the community, as seen in other legal judgments throughout [Deuteronomy](/deuteronomy/1 "Deuteronomy - The Second Law").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Darkish (Hebrew, _kêheh'_):** From H3544, meaning "feeble, obscure; somewhat dark, darkish, wax dim, heaviness, smoking." This word is crucial in the compound phrase "darkish white" (*keheh lavan*), which describes the specific color of the spot. Unlike the "bright white" or "reddish-white" associated with more severe, defiling conditions (e.g., [Leviticus 13:2](/leviticus/13-2 "Leviticus 13:2 - Initial Signs of Tzara'at")), the dullness or obscurity implied by *kêheh* indicates a superficial and benign condition, preventing an incorrect diagnosis of ritual impurity.
* **Freckled spot (Hebrew, _bôhaq'_):** From H933, meaning "white scurf; freckled spot." This term specifically identifies the benign skin eruption. It refers to a mild, non-contagious discoloration that does not spread or deepen in a way indicative of *tzara'at*. The identification of *bôhaq* is the definitive medical diagnosis that allows the priest to declare the individual clean, distinguishing it from the more serious afflictions that would require isolation.
* **Clean (Hebrew, _ṭâhôwr'_):** From H2889, meaning "pure (in a physical, chemical, ceremonial or moral sense); clean, fair, pure(-ness)." This is the ultimate declaration made by the priest. To be *ṭâhôwr* signifies ritual purity, allowing the individual to fully participate in the community, worship, and interact with the holy. Its pronouncement here underscores the mercy and precision of the law, ensuring that individuals were not unjustly excluded from the life of the covenant community due to a harmless condition.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then the priest shall look:"** This opening phrase reiterates the priest's indispensable role as the authorized diagnostician and arbiter of ritual purity. His trained eye and adherence to God's detailed instructions were essential for accurate judgment, emphasizing the gravity and precision required in these matters of communal health and holiness.
* **"and, behold, [if] the bright spots in the skin of their flesh [be] darkish white;"** This clause specifies the visual characteristic that distinguishes the benign condition. The "bright spots" (Hebrew: *baheret*) refer to any lighter-colored skin eruptions. The critical qualifier "darkish white" (Hebrew: *keheh lavan*) indicates a dull, subdued white, rather than the stark, spreading white that would signify a more serious, defiling condition like *tzara'at*.
* **"it [is] a freckled spot [that] groweth in the skin;"** This part identifies the specific benign condition as a *bohaq*, a non-threatening skin discoloration. The phrase "groweth in the skin" (Hebrew: *parach*) clarifies that it is an eruption originating from within the skin, but crucially, the context implies a superficial and non-progressive nature, as opposed to the spreading or deepening characteristic of *tzara'at* that would indicate impurity.
* **"he [is] clean."** This is the definitive verdict. Following the precise diagnostic criteria, the priest's declaration of "clean" (Hebrew: *tahor*) restores the individual to full ritual purity and communal participation, highlighting the law's capacity for discernment and grace, ensuring justice and inclusion.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 13:39, like much of the Mosaic Law, employs **Precision** and **Specificity** as its primary literary devices. The meticulous detail in describing the color ("darkish white") and nature ("freckled spot that groweth in the skin") of the benign condition is a hallmark of legal literature designed to leave no room for ambiguity in diagnosis. This serves to establish clear, objective criteria for the priest, ensuring consistency and fairness in the application of the law. There is also an implicit **Contrast** at play; by defining what is *clean* and harmless, the text subtly reinforces the characteristics of what would be *unclean* and defiling (i.e., a brighter, spreading white spot). The declarative, prescriptive language ("Then the priest shall look... he is clean") functions as a **Legal Formulary**, emphasizing the authoritative and binding nature of God's commands and the priest's role as His agent in applying them, ensuring proper order within the community.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 13:39 profoundly illustrates God's meticulous concern for the well-being and purity of His people, not only spiritually but also physically and socially. It reveals that the Law, while strict in its demands for holiness, was also infused with discernment and mercy, providing clear criteria to distinguish genuine defilement from benign conditions, thereby preventing unnecessary isolation and upholding justice within the community. This verse underscores the importance of accurate judgment and the divine desire for His people to live in wholeness and fellowship, reflecting His own holy character in their communal life. It speaks to a God who is both just and compassionate, providing pathways for restoration and inclusion.

* [Deuteronomy 17:8-11](/deuteronomy/17-8-11 "Deuteronomy 17:8-11 - Difficult Cases and Priestly Judgment")
* [Psalm 51:7](/psalms/51-7 "Psalm 51:7 - Cleansing from Sin")
* [Matthew 23:23](/matthew/23-23 "Matthew 23:23 - The Weightier Matters of the Law")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Leviticus 13:39, though part of the Old Covenant's ceremonial law, offers enduring principles for contemporary believers. It reminds us of God's holistic care for every aspect of our lives, from the physical to the spiritual. Just as the priest needed keen discernment to distinguish between a benign spot and a defiling one, we are called to cultivate wisdom and discernment in our own lives and interactions. This means looking beyond superficial appearances, avoiding hasty judgments, and seeking to understand the true nature of situations and people, whether in personal relationships, church dynamics, or broader societal issues. It encourages us to extend grace and avoid unnecessary exclusion, just as the Law provided for the declaration of "clean" for a benign condition. Ultimately, this passage points to a God who is both holy and merciful, desiring purity for His people while also providing pathways for restoration and inclusion, a profound truth that finds its ultimate and perfect expression in Christ's work of redemption.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's meticulous attention to detail in the Levitical laws reflect His character and His desire for order in our lives?**
* **In what ways might we, like the priests, be called to exercise careful discernment and avoid hasty judgments in our relationships and communities today?**
* **How does the declaration of "clean" for a benign condition in the Old Testament foreshadow God's desire for our spiritual wholeness and freedom from unnecessary burdens in Christ?**

### FAQ
**What was the primary purpose of the Levitical laws concerning skin diseases like the one described in Leviticus 13:39?**

Answer: The primary purpose was multifaceted. First, it was for public health, preventing the spread of contagious diseases within the Israelite camp. Second, and more significantly, it was for maintaining ritual purity. These laws ensured the sanctity of the community and its fitness to dwell in the presence of a holy God. Conditions like *tzara'at* were seen as rendering a person ritually unclean, separating them from the community and the tabernacle. [Leviticus 13:39](/leviticus/13-39 "Leviticus 13:39 - Diagnosis of a Benign Skin Spot") specifically highlights the precision of these laws, distinguishing benign conditions from those that required isolation, thus preventing unnecessary social and religious exclusion.

**Why was it the priest, and not a physician, who made the diagnosis and declaration of "clean" or "unclean"?**

Answer: In ancient Israel, the priest served as both a spiritual authority and, in many respects, a public health official. His role extended beyond ritual sacrifices to the administration of God's law in all areas of life, including matters of purity and impurity. The declaration of "clean" or "unclean" was not merely a medical diagnosis but a ritual and legal pronouncement with profound social and religious consequences. It determined an individual's standing before God and the community. Therefore, it was fitting that the priest, as the mediator of the covenant and guardian of its laws, was entrusted with this critical responsibility, as seen throughout [Leviticus 13](/leviticus/13 "Leviticus 13 - Laws Concerning Skin Diseases").

**Is the "freckled spot" (bohaq) mentioned in Leviticus 13:39 a form of leprosy?**

Answer: No, the "freckled spot" (*bohaq*) is explicitly distinguished from the more severe, defiling condition of *tzara'at*, which is often translated as "leprosy" but encompasses a broader range of skin afflictions. The *bohaq* is described as "darkish white" and non-spreading, indicating a superficial, benign, and non-contagious skin discoloration. [Leviticus 13:39](/leviticus/13-39 "Leviticus 13:39 - Diagnosis of a Benign Skin Spot") provides a clear criterion for the priest to declare such a person "clean," specifically to differentiate it from the conditions that would render someone ritually unclean and require isolation. This distinction highlights the meticulous nature of the Mosaic Law in discerning between truly defiling conditions and harmless ones.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 13:39, with its declaration of "clean" for a benign skin condition, beautifully foreshadows the comprehensive and merciful cleansing offered through Jesus Christ. In the Old Covenant, the priest's role was to examine and declare, and while he could declare a person clean from a physical blemish, he could not truly cleanse the heart from sin. The laws of purity highlighted humanity's pervasive uncleanness and the need for a perfect mediator. Jesus, our Great High Priest, does not merely declare us clean; He *makes* us clean. He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), offering a spiritual cleansing that goes far deeper than any physical ritual. Through His atoning sacrifice, He purifies our consciences from dead works to serve the living God ([Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Cleansing by Christ's Blood")). Just as the *bohaq* was deemed harmless, Christ separates us from the true defilement of sin, declaring us righteous not based on our own merit or lack of outward blemish, but by His perfect work on the cross. We are made pure and holy in His sight, enabling us to draw near to God with confidence and a true heart ([Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19-22 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Confidence to Enter the Holy Place")).

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.

Cross-References

Romans 7:22

For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:

Romans 7:25

I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.

James 3:2

For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same [is] a perfect man, [and] able also to bridle the whole body.

Ecclesiastes 7:20

For [there is] not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.