Leviticus 13:23

But if the bright spot stay in his place, [and] spread not, it [is] a burning boil; and the priest shall pronounce him clean.

But if the bright spot {H934} stay {H5975} in his place, and spread {H6581} not, it is a burning {H6867} boil {H7822}; and the priest {H3548} shall pronounce him clean {H2891}.

But if the bright spot stays where it was and has not spread, it is the scar of the boil; and the cohen is to declare him clean.

But if the spot remains unchanged and does not spread, it is only the scar from the boil, and the priest shall pronounce him clean.

But if the bright spot stay in its place, and be not spread, it is the scar of the boil; and the priest shall pronounce him clean.

Commentary

Leviticus 13:23 is part of a detailed section in the Mosaic Law outlining the procedures for diagnosing and managing various skin conditions, often broadly translated as "leprosy" in the King James Version. This particular verse addresses a specific scenario where a skin lesion, originating from a burn, is determined to be non-contagious and non-threatening, leading to a declaration of ceremonial cleanness.

Context of Leviticus 13

The entire thirteenth chapter of Leviticus 13 is dedicated to the identification of ritual uncleanness caused by various skin ailments. In ancient Israel, priests served not only as spiritual leaders but also as public health officials, responsible for inspecting skin conditions and determining ritual purity. This system was crucial for maintaining the health and holiness of the community, as those deemed unclean were temporarily isolated from the camp and communal worship. The laws reflect God's meticulous concern for the physical well-being and order of His people under the covenant.

Meaning of the Verse

Verse 23 focuses on a "bright spot" that developed from a "burning boil" (Hebrew: mikwat esh, literally "a burning of fire" or a burn scar). The critical diagnostic criterion here is that the spot does not spread. Unlike the more serious, spreading conditions described elsewhere in the chapter that indicated a severe and contagious disease, a stable, non-spreading lesion originating from a healed burn mark indicated a benign condition. Upon careful observation, if the priest confirmed that the spot remained in its place and showed no signs of expansion or change, he would declare the individual "clean." This declaration meant the person was free from the ritual uncleanness associated with the skin condition and could resume normal life within the community, including participation in worship.

Key Themes and Insights

  • Divine Concern for Health and Purity: These detailed laws underscore God's deep care for the physical health and ritual purity of His covenant people, reflecting His desire for their well-being in all aspects of life.
  • Importance of Careful Discernment: The priestly examination required thorough observation and discernment to distinguish between different types of skin conditions. This prevented unnecessary isolation and ensured appropriate responses, highlighting the value of careful discernment in all matters.
  • God's Provision for Restoration: Even within a strict legal framework, God provided clear pathways for individuals to be declared clean and restored to full participation in the community, emphasizing His desire for wholeness and inclusion rather than permanent exclusion.
  • Distinction Between Ailments: The law differentiated between various skin conditions, demonstrating a practical wisdom that avoided a blanket condemnation for all skin irritations, focusing instead on truly infectious or defiling issues.

Practical Application

While the specific ritual laws of Leviticus no longer apply to believers today in the same ceremonial sense, the underlying principles offer valuable lessons:

  • The Value of Diligent Examination: Just as the priest carefully examined the skin, we are called to carefully examine our spiritual lives, our motives, and our circumstances, seeking wisdom and truth from God's Word.
  • Discernment in Life's Challenges: Not every personal struggle or difficulty signifies a deep-seated spiritual "disease" or sin. Sometimes, what appears concerning may be a temporary trial or a healing process that does not "spread" to undermine our faith or relationship with God.
  • God's Desire for Wholeness: God desires our complete well-being—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. He provides pathways for healing, restoration, and cleansing, ultimately through confession and the atoning work of Jesus Christ, allowing us to live in spiritual freedom and purity.
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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

  • 2 Corinthians 2:7 (2 votes)

    So that contrariwise ye [ought] rather to forgive [him], and comfort [him], lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow.

  • Galatians 6:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

  • Proverbs 28:13 (2 votes)

    ¶ He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh [them] shall have mercy.

  • Matthew 26:75 (2 votes)

    And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And he went out, and wept bitterly.

  • Genesis 38:26 (2 votes)

    And Judah acknowledged [them], and said, She hath been more righteous than I; because that I gave her not to Shelah my son. And he knew her again no more.

  • 2 Chronicles 19:2 (2 votes)

    And Jehu the son of Hanani the seer went out to meet him, and said to king Jehoshaphat, Shouldest thou help the ungodly, and love them that hate the LORD? therefore [is] wrath upon thee from before the LORD.

  • 2 Chronicles 19:3 (2 votes)

    Nevertheless there are good things found in thee, in that thou hast taken away the groves out of the land, and hast prepared thine heart to seek God.