Leviticus 13:30

Then the priest shall see the plague: and, behold, if it [be] in sight deeper than the skin; [and there be] in it a yellow thin hair; then the priest shall pronounce him unclean: it [is] a dry scall, [even] a leprosy upon the head or beard.

Then the priest {H3548} shall see {H7200} the plague {H5061}: and, behold, if it be in sight {H4758} deeper {H6013} than the skin {H5785}; and there be in it a yellow {H6669} thin {H1851} hair {H8181}; then the priest {H3548} shall pronounce him unclean {H2930}: it is a dry scall {H5424}, even a leprosy {H6883} upon the head {H7218} or beard {H2206}.

then the cohen is to examine the sore; if he sees that it appears to be deeper than the skin around it, with yellow, thin hair in it, then the cohen is to declare him unclean; it is a crusted area, a tzara'at of the head or beard.

the priest shall examine the infection, and if it appears to be deeper than the skin and the hair in it is yellow and thin, the priest must pronounce him unclean; it is a scaly outbreak, an infectious disease of the head or chin.

then the priest shall look on the plague; and, behold, if the appearance thereof be deeper than the skin, and there be in it yellow thin hair, then the priest shall pronounce him unclean: it is a scall, it is leprosy of the head or of the beard.

Commentary

Leviticus 13:30 is a specific diagnostic instruction within the extensive Old Testament laws concerning skin diseases, particularly what the KJV broadly translates as "leprosy." This verse outlines a critical sign for the priest to declare a person unclean, focusing on a condition affecting the head or beard.

Context

The entire thirteenth chapter of Leviticus is dedicated to the detailed regulations for identifying and managing various skin afflictions, commonly referred to by the Hebrew term tzara'at. This term encompassed a range of conditions beyond modern-day Hansen's disease, including various skin rashes, boils, and even mildew on garments or houses. The priest served not only as a spiritual leader but also as a public health official, responsible for diagnosing these conditions and ensuring the community's ritual purity and physical well-being. The meticulous instructions, like those in verse 30, highlight God's concern for order, hygiene, and the separation of the clean from the unclean within the Israelite camp, especially given their proximity to the tabernacle and God's holy presence.

Key Themes

  • Divine Law and Public Health: This verse demonstrates God's intricate provision for the health and safety of His people, illustrating a divine blueprint for managing contagious diseases in ancient times.
  • Purity and Separation: The declaration of "unclean" was not a moral judgment but a ritual status that separated individuals from the community and the tabernacle. This separation underscored the importance of holiness and ritual purity required for fellowship with a holy God.
  • Priestly Authority and Discernment: The priest's role was paramount. He was the sole authority to diagnose and pronounce a person clean or unclean, emphasizing the need for careful discernment and adherence to God's specific criteria.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV's "leprosy" is a translation of the Hebrew word tzara'at (צָרַעַת), which, as mentioned, refers to a broader category of skin conditions than the modern medical definition of leprosy. The term "scall" (Hebrew: neteḳ) denotes a specific type of scabby or crusty eruption, often associated with a fungal infection or chronic skin condition. The description "in sight deeper than the skin" and "yellow thin hair" provided distinct visual cues that distinguished a serious, contagious affliction from minor irritations, crucial for accurate priestly diagnosis.

Significance and Application

Leviticus 13:30, like other purity laws, teaches us several enduring principles:

  • God's Attention to Detail: It reveals God's meticulous care for every aspect of His people's lives, including their physical health and communal well-being.
  • The Nature of Sin: The physical separation caused by tzara'at often serves as a powerful metaphor for sin, which contaminates and separates individuals from God and His holy community. Just as a leper needed the priest's declaration to be restored, humanity needs divine intervention for spiritual cleansing.
  • Christ as the Great Healer: In the New Testament, Jesus often healed those with leprosy, demonstrating His power over all forms of uncleanness, both physical and spiritual. His willingness to touch and heal those declared unclean by law (e.g., Matthew 8:2-3) symbolizes His ability to cleanse and restore us from the effects of sin, enabling us to be reconciled to God and the community of faith.

While we no longer adhere to these specific diagnostic rituals, the underlying principles of seeking purity, discerning spiritual health, and relying on divine authority for cleansing remain profoundly relevant for believers today.

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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

  • Leviticus 13:34 (1 votes)

    And in the seventh day the priest shall look on the scall: and, behold, [if] the scall be not spread in the skin, nor [be] in sight deeper than the skin; then the priest shall pronounce him clean: and he shall wash his clothes, and be clean.

  • Leviticus 13:37 (1 votes)

    But if the scall be in his sight at a stay, and [that] there is black hair grown up therein; the scall is healed, he [is] clean: and the priest shall pronounce him clean.

  • Leviticus 14:54 (1 votes)

    ¶ This [is] the law for all manner of plague of leprosy, and scall,