Leviticus 13:37

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.

But if the scall {H5424} be in his sight {H5869} at a stay {H5975}, and that there is black {H7838} hair {H8181} grown {H6779} up therein; the scall {H5424} is healed {H7495}, he is clean {H2889}: and the priest {H3548} shall pronounce him clean {H2891}.

But if the crusted area's appearance doesn't change, and black hair grows up in it, then the crusted area is healed; he is clean; and the cohen is to declare him clean.

If, however, in his sight the scaly outbreak is unchanged and black hair has grown in it, then it has healed. He is clean, and the priest is to pronounce him clean.

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

Commentary

Leviticus 13:37 is part of a detailed section in the Mosaic Law concerning the diagnosis and management of various skin diseases, often broadly translated as "leprosy" but encompassing a wider range of conditions than modern leprosy. This specific verse outlines the criteria for declaring an individual clean after a "scall" (a type of skin affliction, often on the head or beard) has healed, allowing them to be reintegrated into the community.

Context

The book of Leviticus meticulously details the laws for Israel's holiness and worship, emphasizing the critical importance of ritual purity for maintaining fellowship with a holy God. Chapters 13 and 14 are dedicated to discerning and managing various skin diseases, as well as mildew in houses and garments. These laws served not only as practical public health measures but also carried profound theological significance, symbolizing the need for spiritual purity and separation from sin. The priest, in this context, acted as both a public health official and a spiritual arbiter, responsible for applying God's statutes and ensuring the community's well-being and adherence to divine standards. This verse follows earlier instructions on initial diagnosis and isolation, such as those found in Leviticus 13:6, which describes a seven-day observation period.

Key Themes

  • Divine Regulation of Health and Purity: God's meticulous and detailed laws underscore His pervasive concern for the physical and spiritual well-being of His people. The intricate instructions demonstrate that holiness was meant to permeate all aspects of Israelite life, including health and hygiene.
  • The Role of the Priesthood: The priests were central figures in the community's spiritual and physical health. They were not healers but diagnosticians, tasked with applying God's specific statutes and declaring individuals ritually clean or unclean. This declaration was vital for facilitating an individual's reintegration into the community and participation in worship. This vital role is also evident in Leviticus 14:3, concerning the cleansing rituals for a healed leper.
  • Signs of Healing and Restoration: The growth of "black hair" (healthy, normal hair) within the affected area is presented as a clear, observable sign that the disease has subsided. This physical indication of recovery was the basis for the declaration of ritual cleanness, signifying the individual's full restoration and ability to return to societal and religious participation.

Linguistic Insights

The term "scall" in the King James Version translates the Hebrew word netheq (נֶתֶק), which refers to a specific type of skin eruption, often characterized by a dry patch or scurf, particularly on the head or beard. This condition is sometimes associated with modern favus or ringworm. The emphasis on "black hair" (שֵׂעָר שָׁחֹר - se'ar shachor) is crucial because the presence of white or yellow hair within such lesions was considered a definitive sign of defilement, indicating an active and ritually unclean condition.

Practical Application

While these specific Old Testament laws concerning skin diseases no longer apply to believers under the new covenant, the underlying principles remain profoundly relevant. Firstly, this passage highlights God's comprehensive care for our holistic well-being—physical, mental, and spiritual. Secondly, it illustrates the enduring importance of proper diagnosis and discernment, whether in physical ailments or spiritual matters. Finally, the verse speaks to the profound joy of restoration and being declared "clean." Just as the Israelite could return to full community and worship, believers today find ultimate cleansing and acceptance through faith in Jesus Christ, who purifies us from all sin (1 John 1:9) and makes us fit for fellowship with a holy God.

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Cross-References

No cross-references found.