Leviticus 13 11

Leviticus 13:11 kjv

It is an old leprosy in the skin of his flesh, and the priest shall pronounce him unclean, and shall not shut him up: for he is unclean.

Leviticus 13:11 nkjv

it is an old leprosy on the skin of his body. The priest shall pronounce him unclean, and shall not isolate him, for he is unclean.

Leviticus 13:11 niv

it is a chronic skin disease and the priest shall pronounce them unclean. He is not to isolate them, because they are already unclean.

Leviticus 13:11 esv

it is a chronic leprous disease in the skin of his body, and the priest shall pronounce him unclean. He shall not shut him up, for he is unclean.

Leviticus 13:11 nlt

it is a chronic skin disease, and the priest must pronounce the person ceremonially unclean. In such cases the person need not be quarantined, for it is obvious that the skin is defiled by the disease.

Leviticus 13 verses

Leviticus 13 11 Meaning

Leviticus 13:11 decrees that if an established skin affliction (tsara'at) is found on a person's head, the priest is to definitively pronounce that individual ritually unclean. This pronouncement is not merely a diagnosis of a physical condition but an authoritative declaration of an individual's spiritual and ceremonial impurity, leading to separation from the holy community. The "old" nature of the disease signifies its persistence and requires a final, unchangeable verdict of uncleanness.

Leviticus 13 11 Context

Leviticus chapter 13 details God's intricate laws regarding the diagnosis and management of tsara'at, a term commonly translated as "leprosy" but encompassing various severe skin conditions, and even mildew on clothing or houses. This chapter underscores the vital role of the priest, not as a medical doctor, but as God's designated authority for assessing ritual purity or impurity within the Israelite community.

The broader context of the book of Leviticus emphasizes the sanctity of God's presence among His people and the absolute necessity for Israel to maintain ceremonial holiness. Distinctions between clean and unclean were paramount for a holy God to dwell amidst an imperfect people. Tsara'at was more than a physical ailment; it represented a profound state of ritual uncleanness that necessitated isolation from the camp, which was the epicenter of God's dwelling place (the tabernacle).

Historically, these laws helped establish Israel as a distinct people, separated for God's purposes. They served a spiritual function, illustrating the severe impact of defilement (which tsara'at symbolized) on communal life and individual standing before God. Furthermore, these regulations implicitly pushed back against pagan beliefs prevalent in surrounding cultures, where such afflictions might be attributed to capricious gods or witchcraft. Instead, the Israelite system provided clear, divine instructions, administered by an appointed priesthood, underscoring God's sovereignty over sickness, health, and ritual order.

Leviticus 13 11 Word analysis

• וְטִמְּאוֹ (v'tim'mo): "Then he shall pronounce him unclean" or "he shall defile him." Derived from the Hebrew root טמא (t-m-a), meaning "unclean" or "defiled." The verb form (Piel intensive) emphasizes a strong, decisive, and authoritative act of declaration by the priest, making someone ritually unclean by official verdict.
• הַכֹּהֵן (hakkōhēn): "The priest." This refers to the designated spiritual authority in Israel. His role in this chapter is crucial, as only he has the power to inspect, quarantine, and pronounce individuals clean or unclean according to divine law. This highlights the established, divinely appointed order.
• כִּ֥י (kî): "Because," "for," or "indeed." This conjunction introduces the reason or justification for the priest's pronouncement: the person's inherent state of uncleanness.
• טָמֵ֣א ה֔וּא (ṭāmē’ hū’): "He is unclean." This is a definitive statement of the individual's ritual status. It indicates that the individual's condition merits the formal declaration of uncleanness, confirming their defiled state.
• צָרַ֤עַת (tsāra‘at): "Tsara'at." This is the broad Hebrew term, often translated "leprosy." However, it does not correspond precisely to modern Hansen's disease. It covers a range of severe skin conditions that involve changes in skin color, hair, and tissue, as well as fungal infections in clothing and houses. Its primary significance is its ritual defiling quality, leading to separation from the holy community.
• נוֹשֶׁ֙נֶת֙ (nōšenet): "Old," "chronic," "established," "inveterate," "deep-seated." Derived from the root ישן (yashan), meaning "to be old," "to sleep," "to decay." This adjective is critical; it distinguishes a long-standing, settled condition from a new, potentially temporary rash that would require only observation or quarantine (as seen in earlier verses of Lev 13). An "old" tsara'at implied a confirmed and permanent state of impurity for the duration of the affliction.
• הִ֔וא (hi’): "It is," or "she is." A pronoun referring back to tsara'at (a feminine noun). It connects the previous phrase directly to the specific type of affliction.
• בְּרֹאשׁוֹ (bĕrōšō): "In his head" or "on his head." (literally "in his head/its head"). This specifies the location of the tsara'at. The head, being prominent, would make the condition highly visible. It could refer to the scalp or beard area, both of which have specific regulations in Leviticus 13.

Words-Group Analysis:

• "Then the priest shall pronounce him unclean, because he is unclean.": This phrase emphasizes the authority of the priest (the 'who') and the justification for his verdict (the 'why'). The declaration of uncleanness by the priest is not arbitrary; it's a confirmation of an existing state. This validates the system of ritual judgment given by God.
• "It is an old infectious disease in his head.": This clarifies the basis for the severe verdict (the 'what' and 'where'). The chronic, established nature of the tsara'at distinguishes it from conditions that might heal spontaneously, making the declaration of uncleanness definitive. The specific location "in his head" provides a clear diagnostic criterion, crucial for precise application of the law.

Leviticus 13 11 Bonus section

• The meticulous details in Leviticus 13 for diagnosing tsara'at, including color, depth, and hair involvement, coupled with specific locations like "in his head," underscore the precision required from the priests. This suggests a divinely engineered system, rather than an improvised human one.
• The condition "old" (noshenet) meant the individual had been in quarantine previously (likely from a suspicion of tsara'at) and the condition had not healed, leading to this final verdict. It highlights a system of both patience and decisive judgment.
• Biblically, the head is often symbolic of authority, presence, or glory. Tsara'at on the head, therefore, could imply a highly visible, pervasive defilement impacting one's entire being and standing.
• While not explicitly stated as divine judgment for all cases, the instance of King Uzziah being struck with tsara'at on his forehead (2 Chr 26:19-21) for unauthorized priestly action highlights the deep symbolic connection between severe skin conditions and consequences for disobedience or improper spiritual standing.

Leviticus 13 11 Commentary

Leviticus 13:11 is a pivotal point in the priestly examination of tsara'at. It shifts from periods of observation or quarantine (Lev 13:2-8) to a definitive pronouncement of uncleanness. The phrase "old infectious disease" (tsara'at noshenet) indicates a well-established and persistent condition, removing any ambiguity or hope of spontaneous remission that would warrant further waiting. The "old" nature of the disease signals to the priest that this is not a temporary skin irritation, but a deeply rooted impurity. Its location "in his head" provides a clear, unmistakable visual indicator for the priest. The priest's pronouncement here is a solemn act, not of medical diagnosis, but of ritual determination, isolating the afflicted individual from the communal life of the camp where God's presence dwelt. This system profoundly communicated the seriousness of ritual defilement and underscored the holiness required to be in covenant relationship with God. The rigorous separation protected the spiritual integrity of the community and served as a tangible reminder of the need for purity before a holy God, foreshadowing the ultimate cleansing from spiritual impurity (sin) provided by Christ.