Leviticus 13:40

KJV

And the man whose hair is fallen off his head, he [is] bald; [yet is] he clean.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the man {H376}{H3588} whose hair is fallen {H4803} off his head {H7218}, he is bald {H7142}; yet is he clean {H2889}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"If a man's hair has fallen from his scalp, he is bald; but he is clean.

Berean Standard Bible

Now if a man loses his hair and is bald, he is still clean.

American Standard Version

And if a man’s hair be fallen off his head, he is bald; yet is he clean.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 13:40 provides a precise and compassionate clarification within the elaborate purity codes of the Mosaic Law, specifically addressing physical conditions that might render an individual ritually unclean. This verse unequivocally declares that natural baldness, whether on the crown or the forehead, does not constitute a source of ritual impurity. It serves as a vital distinction, preventing the misapplication of severe regulations concerning *tsara'at* (a range of serious skin and scalp afflictions) to a common, benign physiological condition, thereby safeguarding individuals from unwarranted social ostracization or religious exclusion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus chapter 13 is meticulously dedicated to the diagnosis, management, and purification rites associated with *tsara'at*, a broad term often translated as "leprosy" but encompassing various severe dermatological conditions affecting skin, hair, and even garments or houses. The chapter details the priest's role as the primary diagnostician, outlining specific signs, examination procedures, periods of isolation, and criteria for declaring someone "clean" or "unclean" (cf. the initial diagnostic procedures in [Leviticus 13:1-8](/leviticus/13-1-8 "Leviticus 13:1-8 - Initial Diagnosis of Skin Disease")). Verses 29-37 specifically address *tsara'at* on the head or beard, describing a "scall" (a localized skin affliction often accompanied by hair loss or discoloration) that *could* render an individual unclean. It is precisely within this detailed discussion of scalp conditions that [Leviticus 13:40](/leviticus/13-40 "Leviticus 13:40 - Baldness Does Not Cause Uncleanness") intervenes, providing a crucial distinction. By explicitly stating that simple baldness is clean, it acts as an immediate counterpoint and clarification to the preceding verses, preventing the misapplication of purity laws to a natural physiological process.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, ritual purity was foundational for participation in community life, worship, and maintaining the sanctity of the camp, reflecting God's absolute holiness (cf. [Leviticus 11:44-45](/leviticus/11-44-45 "Leviticus 11:44-45 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy")). Conditions like *tsara'at* were not merely medical issues but carried profound social and religious implications, often leading to temporary exclusion from the community (cf. [Leviticus 13:45-46](/leviticus/13-45-46 "Leviticus 13:45-46 - Isolation of the Unclean Person")). Given the visible nature of hair loss and the detailed regulations regarding scalp afflictions, there was a genuine risk that natural baldness could be mistaken for a symptom of *tsara'at*, leading to unwarranted fear, stigma, or even forced isolation. The explicit declaration in [Leviticus 13:40](/leviticus/13-40 "Leviticus 13:40 - Baldness Does Not Cause Uncleanness") served to alleviate such concerns, demonstrating the divine law's precision and its compassionate consideration for common human conditions, ensuring that individuals were not unfairly burdened by misinterpretations of the purity code.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several key themes within Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. Primarily, it underscores the theme of **Holiness and Purity**, emphasizing the meticulous nature of God's requirements for ritual cleanness and the careful distinctions necessary to maintain it. It also highlights **Divine Wisdom and Compassion** in the law, demonstrating that God's statutes are not arbitrary but are designed with discernment, preventing unnecessary hardship for His people. Furthermore, it subtly reinforces the theme of **Discernment and Judgment**, teaching the priests and the people to distinguish carefully between genuine sources of impurity and natural human conditions, thereby preventing superficial or erroneous judgments based solely on outward appearance. This precision in the law reflects God's desire for His people to live in a way that truly honors Him, without being burdened by misinterpretations.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **fallen (Hebrew, _mâraṭ'_):** This verb (H4803) means "to polish" or, by implication, "to make bald (the head)" or "to pluck off (hair)." In this context, it describes the natural process of hair loss, distinguishing it from hair loss due to a disease or affliction. The nuance here is crucial; it refers to hair that has simply come off, not been forcibly removed or lost due to a pathological condition.
* **bald (Hebrew, _qêrêach'_):** This adjective (H7142) specifically refers to being "bald on the back of the head" or simply "bald (head)." While the KJV text implies a general state of baldness, the Hebrew term often denotes a specific type of baldness, contrasting with *gibbeaḥ* (not in this verse's Strong's data, but often referring to baldness on the forehead). The use of this term here confirms the physical state of the individual, emphasizing that this natural condition is the subject of the declaration.
* **clean (Hebrew, _ṭâhôwr'_):** This foundational adjective (H2889) is used throughout Leviticus to denote ritual purity or acceptability before God for participation in the community and worship. It stands in direct contrast to *ṭâmêʼ* (unclean), which signifies a state of ritual impurity requiring specific purification rites or temporary separation. The emphatic declaration "he is clean" (*ṭâmêʼ hûʼ*) for a bald man is a powerful affirmation, explicitly removing baldness from the category of conditions that would render one *ṭâmêʼ*.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the man whose hair is fallen off his head":** This opening clause identifies the subject as an individual experiencing natural hair loss from the scalp. It refers to a common physiological process, not a disease or affliction. The phrasing emphasizes the *absence* of hair due to natural causes, distinguishing it from hair loss associated with specific, pathological skin conditions described elsewhere in the chapter.
* **"he [is] bald":** This phrase simply confirms the physical state described in the first clause. It is a straightforward observation of a man who has experienced hair loss. The use of the descriptive term "bald" reinforces the natural, non-pathological nature of the condition being addressed, setting the stage for the crucial declaration that follows.
* **"[yet is] he clean":** This is the pivotal declaration of the verse. Despite the visible change in appearance, and in direct contrast to the elaborate procedures for diagnosing and managing other scalp conditions that *do* cause ritual impurity, the bald man is declared ritually pure (*ṭâhôwr*). This pronouncement ensures that natural baldness does not impede an individual's participation in the community, their access to sacred spaces, or their standing before God. It highlights the law's precise discernment between natural physical variations and conditions linked to ritual impurity.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 13:40 primarily employs **Clarification** and **Contrast**. The verse functions as a direct clarification, explicitly stating that natural baldness does not fall under the category of ritual impurity. This removes any ambiguity that might arise from the preceding detailed laws concerning *tsara'at* on the head and beard (Leviticus 13:29-37), which *do* involve hair loss as a symptom of uncleanness. This clarification stands in stark **Contrast** to the many conditions described earlier in the chapter that *do* render a person unclean. By clearly delineating what is *not* a source of impurity, the law demonstrates its **Precision** and **Discernment**, ensuring that the people of Israel understood the specific parameters of purity and avoided unnecessary fear or social exclusion based on benign physical characteristics. The verse also exhibits **Conciseness**, delivering a definitive ruling in a remarkably brief statement.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 13:40, while seemingly a minor detail within the vast body of Mosaic Law, profoundly illustrates several key theological principles. It underscores God's meticulous care and wisdom in establishing laws that were both comprehensive and discerning, differentiating between natural human conditions and those that genuinely impacted ritual purity. This distinction highlights that not all physical imperfections or variations were seen as sources of defilement. The law's focus was on specific ritual states that affected one's ability to participate in the holy community, not on condemning natural human physiology. It also subtly teaches against superficial judgment, emphasizing that a person's ritual standing before God was not based on outward appearance alone. This verse reminds us that God's law, even in its detailed prescriptions, is ultimately designed for the well-being and proper ordering of His people, reflecting His own character of holiness, justice, and compassion.

* [Leviticus 11:47](/leviticus/11-47 "Leviticus 11:47 - Distinction Between Clean and Unclean")
* [Leviticus 21:17-23](/leviticus/21-17-23 "Leviticus 21:17-23 - Physical Blemishes for Priests")
* [Deuteronomy 23:14](/deuteronomy/23-14 "Deuteronomy 23:14 - God's Presence in the Camp")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Leviticus 13:40 offers timeless lessons for believers today, particularly in a world often obsessed with outward appearances and quick to judge based on superficial characteristics. This verse provides a divine counter-narrative, reminding us that God's perspective on "cleanliness," worth, and acceptance transcends physical perfection or societal norms. Just as natural baldness did not diminish a person's standing in ancient Israel, so too, our value and acceptance before God are not contingent upon our physical attributes, perceived flaws, or adherence to fleeting cultural standards of beauty. This passage encourages us to cultivate a spirit of discernment, avoiding hasty judgments and embracing the diversity of human experience as part of God's creative design. It calls us to look beyond the external, recognizing that true purity and worth are matters of the heart and one's relationship with the Creator, not outward conformity. It challenges us to reflect God's own compassionate discernment in our interactions with others, valuing people for who they are in God's sight rather than how they appear.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do we, consciously or unconsciously, judge others based on their outward appearance or natural physical characteristics, contrary to God's broader principles?**
* **How does this verse challenge our modern societal emphasis on physical perfection, conformity, and the often-unrealistic standards of beauty?**
* **What does the meticulousness and compassionate discernment of God's law, even in seemingly minor details like baldness, reveal about His character and His care for His people?**
* **How can we apply the principle of discerning between natural conditions and true spiritual defilement in our own lives and interactions, fostering a more gracious and accepting community?**

### FAQ

**Why was it necessary for the law to specify that baldness does not make one unclean?**

Answer: It was necessary because the preceding verses in [Leviticus 13](/leviticus/13 "Leviticus 13 - Laws Concerning Skin Diseases") detail various forms of *tsara'at* (skin and scalp afflictions) that *did* render a person ritually unclean. Specifically, [Leviticus 13:29-37](/leviticus/13-29-37 "Leviticus 13:29-37 - Tsara'at on the Head or Beard") describes conditions on the head or beard that involved hair loss or discoloration, which required priestly examination and could lead to a declaration of uncleanness. Given the visual similarity between natural baldness and some symptoms of *tsara'at* on the scalp, the law explicitly clarified that simple, natural hair loss was not a cause for ritual impurity. This prevented misdiagnosis, unnecessary isolation, and social stigma for individuals experiencing a common physiological change, demonstrating God's meticulous care and compassion within the legal framework.

**Does this verse imply that other physical conditions *do* make someone unclean?**

Answer: This verse clarifies that *natural baldness* does not make one unclean. However, other specific physical conditions or situations *did* render a person ritually unclean under the Mosaic Law. These included active *tsara'at* (as detailed throughout [Leviticus 13](/leviticus/13 "Leviticus 13 - Laws Concerning Skin Diseases") and [Leviticus 14](/leviticus/14 "Leviticus 14 - Cleansing from Tsara'at")), certain bodily discharges ([Leviticus 15](/leviticus/15 "Leviticus 15 - Laws Concerning Bodily Discharges")), and contact with a dead body ([Numbers 19](/numbers/19 "Numbers 19 - The Red Heifer and Purification from Death")). It's crucial to understand that this "uncleanness" was ritual, not moral. It did not imply sinfulness but rather a temporary state that prevented full participation in the community's worship and required specific purification rites to restore ritual purity, highlighting the need for a holy people to approach a holy God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 13:40, in its declaration that natural baldness does not defile, subtly points to the deeper truth of purity that finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Old Testament purity laws, including those concerning physical conditions, served as a shadow, illustrating humanity's pervasive need for cleansing from sin and the separation it causes from a holy God. While these laws addressed external, ritual uncleanness, they could not address the internal uncleanness of the human heart, which truly defiles a person (cf. [Mark 7:20-23](/mark/7-20-23 "Mark 7:20-23 - What Comes Out of a Person Defiles Them")). Jesus, the Lamb of God, perfectly fulfilled the law and transcended its external limitations. He touched the leper and made him clean ([Matthew 8:2-3](/matthew/8-2-3 "Matthew 8:2-3 - Jesus Heals a Leper")), demonstrating His divine authority over all forms of uncleanness, both physical and spiritual. Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ offers a radical, internal cleansing that purifies not just the body for ritual participation, but the conscience from dead works to serve the living God ([Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Cleansing of Conscience by Christ's Blood")). In Christ, our standing before God is not based on physical appearance, health, or adherence to external rituals, but on His perfect righteousness imputed to us ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). He is our ultimate source of true and lasting cleanness, making us holy and blameless in God's sight ([Colossians 1:22](/colossians/1-22 "Colossians 1:22 - Reconciled in Christ")), thereby fulfilling the spirit of the law's concern for purity in a way the law itself could only foreshadow.

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

Galatians 4:13

Ye know how through infirmity of the flesh I preached the gospel unto you at the first.

Song Of Solomon 5:11

His head [is as] the most fine gold, his locks [are] bushy, [and] black as a raven.

Amos 8:10

And I will turn your feasts into mourning, and all your songs into lamentation; and I will bring up sackcloth upon all loins, and baldness upon every head; and I will make it as the mourning of an only [son], and the end thereof as a bitter day.

Romans 8:10

¶ And if Christ [be] in you, the body [is] dead because of sin; but the Spirit [is] life because of righteousness.

Romans 6:12

Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.

Romans 6:19

I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.

2 Kings 2:23

And he went up from thence unto Bethel: and as he was going up by the way, there came forth little children out of the city, and mocked him, and said unto him, Go up, thou bald head; go up, thou bald head.