Leviticus 13 26

Leviticus 13:26 kjv

But if the priest look on it, and, behold, there be no white hair in the bright spot, and it be no lower than the other skin, but be somewhat dark; then the priest shall shut him up seven days:

Leviticus 13:26 nkjv

But if the priest examines it, and indeed there are no white hairs in the bright spot, and it is not deeper than the skin, but has faded, then the priest shall isolate him seven days.

Leviticus 13:26 niv

But if the priest examines it and there is no white hair in the spot and if it is not more than skin deep and has faded, then the priest is to isolate them for seven days.

Leviticus 13:26 esv

But if the priest examines it and there is no white hair in the spot and it is no deeper than the skin, but has faded, the priest shall shut him up seven days,

Leviticus 13:26 nlt

But if the priest finds no white hair on the affected area and the problem appears to be no more than skin-deep and has faded, the priest must quarantine the infected person for seven days.

Leviticus 13 verses

Leviticus 13 26 Meaning

This verse outlines specific diagnostic criteria for a suspected case of tzara'at that developed from a boil. If the priest examines the scab and finds no white hair in it, discovers it is not deeper than the surrounding skin, and observes that it appears faded or dull, then the afflicted person is to be isolated for a probationary period of seven days. This initial assessment and subsequent isolation are crucial steps in determining whether the skin condition is truly tzara'at, a ritually defiling impurity, or a non-impure affliction, demonstrating God's meticulous care in discerning purity within the community.

Leviticus 13 26 Context

Leviticus chapters 13 and 14 deal exclusively and in intricate detail with the laws concerning tzara'at, often mistranslated as "leprosy." This term actually encompasses a range of severe skin conditions, and perhaps even fungal growths on garments or houses, rendering the afflicted object or person ritually unclean. The primary purpose of these laws was not medical treatment but the identification and containment of cultic impurity within the Israelite community, vital for maintaining its holiness and enabling God's presence among His people.

Specifically, Leviticus 13:26 builds upon the preceding verses (13:18-23) which detail how tzara'at might manifest from a boil or a burn. This verse focuses on the scenario where a healed boil presents ambiguous signs. The priest's role was crucial; he acted not as a physician, but as God's designated arbiter of purity, applying specific, observable criteria to discern a state of ritual defilement that necessitated separation from the holy community and the tabernacle. The regulations underscore God's concern for communal holiness and a structured process for handling what was perceived as a serious spiritual and social threat.

Leviticus 13 26 Word analysis

• And if (וְאִם, və'im): This conjunction introduces a conditional scenario, signaling a specific set of circumstances the priest must consider in his diagnosis. It directs the reader's attention to one particular path within the broader diagnostic flow.

• when the scab (מִסְפַּחַת, mispaḥaṯ): Literally meaning "a sticking thing" or "attached sore/crust," this term refers to the remnant or a fresh manifestation of a skin issue following a healed boil mentioned earlier in Lev 13:18-23. The scab is the specific location for examination.

• is examined (וְנִרְאָה, vənir'ah): Derived from the root ra'ah (to see), the Niphal (passive) form nir'ah means "it is seen" or "it appears." It emphasizes that the priest observes objective evidence, not merely subjective judgment. It underscores a meticulous, God-given diagnostic process.

• behold (וְהִנֵּה, vəhinnēh): An interjection, often used to draw attention emphatically to what follows. Here, it highlights the critical nature of the diagnostic signs the priest must discern.

• there is no (אֵין, ein): This negating particle (ein) establishes the absence of a critical diagnostic sign, white hair. It indicates a deviation from what would immediately signify definitive impurity.

• white hair (שֵׂעָר לָבָן, śe'ār lāvān): śe'ār means "hair," and lāvān means "white." The appearance of white hair within the affected area was a definitive sign that the tzara'at had penetrated deeply and was spreading, signifying full cultic impurity. Its absence is a potentially hopeful sign here.

• in it (בָּהּ, bāh): Refers directly to the mispaḥaṯ or scab itself, specifying that the observation for white hair must be within the lesion.

• and it is not deeper (וְהִיא אֵינֶנָּה עָמֹק, vəhî 'ênennāhamoq):Hîis "it,"ênennāhis "is not," andamoqmeans "deep." This is another crucial negative diagnostic. If the lesion did not appear to penetrate beyond the surface layer of the skin, it indicated a less severe condition. Depth signaled truetzara'at`.

• than the skin (מִן־הָעוֹר, min-hāôr):Minmeans "from" or "than,"hāis "the," andôr` is "skin." This specifies that the lesion is superficial, lying only on the epidermal layer, a good sign compared to deep penetration.

• but is faded (וְהִיא כֵּהָה, vəhî kêhāh): Hî is "it," and kêhāh means "dull," "dim," "faded," or "less intense." This positive diagnostic sign suggests that the color and vitality of the lesion are diminishing, indicating a healing process or a less active, non-spreading condition.

• then the priest (וְרָאָה הַכֹּהֵן, vərā'āh hakōhēn): This phrase highlights the priest's active role and authority in carrying out the prescribed action following his examination. Hakōhēn is "the priest," indicating the divinely appointed figure.

• shall isolate him (וְהִסְגִּירֹו, vəhisgîrô): From the root sagar (to shut up), the Hiphil form hisgîrô means "he shall shut him up" or "he shall isolate him." This action represents a temporary quarantine, a precautionary measure due to ambiguous signs. It's for further observation, not yet a declaration of full impurity.

• for seven days (שִׁבְעַת יָמִים, šiv'aṯ yāmîm): A fixed period frequently prescribed in the Law for various purification processes, consecrations, and observations. It signifies a complete cycle of time for observation to determine the true nature of the condition or the completion of a ritual state.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "no white hair in it and it is not deeper than the skin but is faded": This concise checklist presents the core diagnostic criteria. The absence of the most severe indicators (white hair, depth) coupled with a positive sign of fading directs the priest away from an immediate declaration of impurity. This demonstrates a merciful yet cautious approach to identifying tzara'at, granting the individual the benefit of a period for clarification. These precise, observable criteria point to God's detailed knowledge and concern.
  • "then the priest shall isolate him for seven days": This phrase encapsulates the mandated response. It reveals the priest's dual role as an authoritative diagnostician and an enforcer of divine ordinances concerning communal purity. The "isolation" is not a punitive exclusion but a prudent measure to protect the community from potential impurity while also allowing the individual's condition to either resolve or worsen and declare itself definitively. The "seven days" ensures a sufficient period for any hidden aspects of the disease to emerge or recede, showing God's emphasis on careful and complete discernment.

Leviticus 13 26 Bonus section

The careful distinction between various skin conditions highlights the divine precision in the Mosaic Law, which often confounded ancient pagan societies that indiscriminately grouped diseases or attributed them to arbitrary spiritual causes. In contrast, the Levitical priests followed specific, empirical criteria given by God. The concept of tzara'at serves as a powerful tangible symbol of the defilement of sin, which isolates individuals from God and His holy community. Just as external symptoms of tzara'at separated a person from the camp, so too does unconfessed sin create a barrier to fellowship with God. The seven-day isolation period, a recurring motif throughout Levitical laws, underscores the importance of a full cycle for ritual transition, observation, or purification, reflecting divine order and completeness in handling matters of sacred status.

Leviticus 13 26 Commentary

Leviticus 13:26 details a crucial intermediate step in diagnosing a suspected case of tzara'at originating from a boil. The meticulous instructions emphasize precise observation: the absence of definitive signs of severe infection (white hair, deep penetration) and the presence of a fading appearance lead to a temporary seven-day isolation, rather than immediate declaration of uncleanness. This careful protocol showcases divine wisdom, balancing caution for community holiness with fairness to the individual. The priest's role is not to heal, but to accurately discern and apply God's law, thereby maintaining the ritual purity essential for Israel's fellowship with God. This verse teaches the importance of careful discernment, the value of observation periods, and God's holistic concern for the well-being and holiness of His people.

Practical Usages:

• Patience in Discernment: Just as the priest takes time, believers should not rush to judgment but allow time for clarity, whether in personal issues or assessing spiritual matters within the community.
• Seeking Counsel: The process requires a priest (expert); similarly, in complex spiritual or life situations, seeking wisdom from mature believers or qualified leaders is prudent.
• Avoiding Hasty Conclusions: This verse warns against immediate condemnation based on initial suspicious signs, encouraging a waiting period for clearer revelation, just as not every skin blemish was tzara'at.