Leviticus 13:28

And if the bright spot stay in his place, [and] spread not in the skin, but it [be] somewhat dark; it [is] a rising of the burning, and the priest shall pronounce him clean: for it [is] an inflammation of the burning.

And if the bright {H934} spot {H934} stay {H5975} in his place, and spread {H6581} not in the skin {H5785}, but it be somewhat dark {H3544}; it is a rising {H7613} of the burning {H4348}, and the priest {H3548} shall pronounce him clean {H2891}: for it is an inflammation {H6867} of the burning {H4348}.

But if the bright spot stays where it was and has not spread on the skin but appears faded, it is a swelling due to the burn; and the cohen is to declare him clean; because it is only a scar from the burn.

But if the spot is unchanged and has not spread on the skin but has faded, it is a swelling from the burn, and the priest is to pronounce him clean; for it is only the scar from the burn.

And if the bright spot stay in its place, and be not spread in the skin, but be dim; it is the rising of the burning, and the priest shall pronounce him clean: for it is the scar of the burning.

Commentary

Leviticus 13:28 is part of an extensive section in the Book of Leviticus (chapters 13-14) detailing the laws concerning ritual purity, specifically regarding various skin conditions often broadly translated as "leprosy." This verse focuses on a specific scenario involving a burn mark.

Context

The entire thirteenth chapter of Leviticus provides meticulous instructions to the priests for diagnosing and managing skin diseases among the Israelites. These laws were crucial for public health, preventing the spread of contagious illnesses, and maintaining the ritual purity of the community. A person deemed "unclean" due to such a condition was temporarily separated from the camp, highlighting the serious implications of these diagnoses. This particular verse addresses a situation where a previous burn scar might be mistaken for a more serious, contaminating skin disease, requiring the priest's careful observation, similar to other diagnostic scenarios outlined in Leviticus 13:3.

Key Themes

  • Careful Discernment: The verse underscores the need for precise diagnosis by the priest. Not every unusual skin manifestation led to uncleanness; careful observation was required to distinguish between a benign condition and a contagious disease. This reflects a broader principle of discerning what is best and judging righteously.
  • Ritual Purity and Community Health: The laws in Leviticus served a dual purpose: maintaining the ceremonial purity necessary for worship and protecting the community from the spread of serious diseases. God's detailed instructions demonstrate His concern for the holistic well-being of His people.
  • Mercy and Restoration: When a condition was benign, like this burn inflammation, the individual was quickly declared clean, allowing them to return to full participation in the community. This shows God's desire for restoration and inclusion, rather than unnecessary exclusion, contrasting with the isolation described for the unclean in Leviticus 13:46.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV translates key phrases that reveal the diagnostic nuance:

  • "bright spot" (Hebrew: baheret - ื‘ึผึถื”ึถืจึถืช) refers to a bright, white spot, often indicative of the more severe skin conditions that would lead to uncleanness.
  • "somewhat dark" (Hebrew: kehah - ื›ึผึตื”ึธื”) indicates a duller or faded appearance. This distinction in color was critical for the priest's judgment.
  • "a rising of the burning" or "an inflammation of the burning" (Hebrew: mikvat hammikvah - ืžึดื›ึฐื•ึทืช ื”ึทืžึผึดื›ึฐื•ึธื”) literally means "a burning of the burn." This clarifies that the mark is simply a scar or inflammation resulting from a past injury, not a new, infectious skin ailment.

Practical Application

While these specific Old Testament laws no longer apply in the New Covenant, the principles behind them remain relevant for believers today:

  • Prudence and Wisdom: We are called to exercise careful discernment in various areas of life, not making hasty judgments or condemning others without proper understanding. This aligns with the wisdom sought in James 1:5.
  • Concern for Well-being: God's attention to detail in these laws highlights His deep concern for the physical and spiritual health of His people. We too should care for our own well-being and that of our community.
  • Grace and Restoration: Just as the priest could declare someone clean and restore them to the community, believers today are called to extend grace and facilitate restoration where possible, rather than perpetuating isolation or condemnation. The ultimate declaration of cleanness comes through confession and forgiveness in Christ.
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Cross-References

No cross-references found.