### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root H8368 (שָׂתַר, *sâthar*) is a primitive verb primarily denoting a physical manifestation, specifically "to break out" or "to spread," as an eruption. Its usage is almost exclusively found in the context of the ceremonial laws concerning *tzara'at* (often translated "leprosy" but referring to a broader range of skin conditions and mildew) in the book of Leviticus. While Strong's definition includes "have in (one's) secret parts," this aspect is best understood not as a separate meaning, but as describing the origin or source from which the eruption "breaks out." Thus, the core semantic range centers on the emergence or visible spread of something previously internal, latent, or hidden beneath the surface. It signifies a hidden condition becoming overtly manifest.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of H8368 are concentrated in Leviticus chapters 13 and 14, where the word describes the progression and diagnosis of *tzara'at*.
* In [[Leviticus 13:12]] and [[Leviticus 13:13]], the verb is used to describe the *tzara'at* "breaking out" or "spreading" over the entire body, turning the skin white. This widespread manifestation is paradoxically declared clean, suggesting that the full, visible extent of the disease allows for clear diagnosis and management, unlike a localized, hidden spot.
* Further instances in [[Leviticus 13:20]], [[Leviticus 13:25]], [[Leviticus 13:27]], [[Leviticus 13:57]], and [[Leviticus 14:39]] consistently employ H8368 to describe the "spreading" or "breaking out" of the affected area on skin, clothing, or houses. The priest's role is to observe whether the affliction H8368 – that is, if it has progressed and become more extensive. This observation is crucial for determining the individual's ritual status (clean or unclean) and the subsequent prescribed actions.
The consistent contextual use of H8368 highlights the importance of visibility and manifestation in the discernment of ritual purity. The word emphasizes the process by which an internal or hidden condition becomes externally evident, requiring priestly inspection and judgment.
### Related Words & Concepts
While H8368 (שָׂתַר, *sâthar*) shares a similar sound with `{{H5641}}` (סָתַר, *sāṯar*), meaning "to hide, conceal," they are distinct Hebrew roots (differentiated by the initial sin vs. samekh). Nevertheless, a conceptual relationship can be observed: if `{{H5641}}` denotes the act of hiding, H8368 describes something *breaking forth from* a hidden state. The "secret parts" aspect of H8368's definition might implicitly refer to the internal, hidden source from which the eruption emerges, thus creating a conceptual link to the idea of concealment.
Other related concepts include:
* **Manifestation:** The core idea of something becoming visible or apparent, often from an unseen origin.
* **Impurity/Cleanness:** The context of *tzara'at* places H8368 directly within the framework of ritual purity laws, where the "breaking out" signifies a state of uncleanness requiring separation and specific rites.
* **Discernment:** The priest's role in observing if the condition H8368 underscores the theme of careful discernment and judgment based on visible evidence.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H8368 lies primarily in its association with *tzara'at* and the broader Levitical understanding of holiness and impurity. The "breaking out" of the skin disease serves as a potent metaphor for a deeper, internal spiritual condition becoming outwardly evident.
1. **Sin Manifested:** Just as *tzara'at* could be seen as a physical manifestation of a spiritual malady (some traditions link it to *lashon hara* or slander), the "breaking out" symbolizes how hidden sin or spiritual corruption can eventually erupt into visible consequences, affecting one's relationship with God and community.
2. **God's Revelation and Judgment:** The fact that the disease "breaks out" suggests an unveiling or revelation. In a broader sense, God is the one who "breaks out" or reveals hidden things, whether for judgment or for the purpose of bringing them to light for cleansing. The priest's discernment mirrors God's omniscience in seeing beyond the surface.
3. **The Need for Cleansing:** The visible manifestation of *tzara'at* necessitates a process of purification. The word H8368 thus highlights the critical step where a problem is no longer hidden but exposed, initiating the path towards restoration and re-entry into the community. It underscores the divine demand for purity, both external and internal, and the need for a divinely ordained means of dealing with impurity once it becomes manifest.
### Summary
The Hebrew verb H8368 (שָׂתַר, *sâthar*) uniquely describes the act of a hidden condition "breaking out" or "spreading," particularly in the context of skin diseases (*tzara'at*) within the Levitical purity laws. Its usage emphasizes the physical manifestation of something previously internal or latent, such as an eruption emerging from "secret parts." While distinct from the root for "to hide" (`{{H5641}}`), H8368 conceptually represents the opposite: the unveiling of what was concealed. Theologically, its consistent application in the diagnosis of *tzara'at* underscores the principle that hidden spiritual states can become outwardly manifest, necessitating divine discernment and a prescribed path to cleansing and restoration. It speaks to the importance of exposing impurity for the sake of achieving holiness before God.
TRV