Leviticus 13:27 kjv
And the priest shall look upon him the seventh day: and if it be spread much abroad in the skin, then the priest shall pronounce him unclean: it is the plague of leprosy.
Leviticus 13:27 nkjv
And the priest shall examine him on the seventh day. If it has at all spread over the skin, then the priest shall pronounce him unclean. It is a leprous sore.
Leviticus 13:27 niv
On the seventh day the priest is to examine that person, and if it is spreading in the skin, the priest shall pronounce them unclean; it is a defiling skin disease.
Leviticus 13:27 esv
and the priest shall examine him the seventh day. If it is spreading in the skin, then the priest shall pronounce him unclean; it is a case of leprous disease.
Leviticus 13:27 nlt
On the seventh day the priest must examine the person again. If the affected area has spread on the skin, the priest must pronounce that person ceremonially unclean, for it is clearly a serious skin disease.
Leviticus 13 27 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Lev 13:2 | "When a person has on the skin of his body a swelling or an eruption... | Initial inspection and priestly role. |
| Lev 13:5 | "If the scurf does not spread... he shall isolate him seven more days." | Initial observation for spreading. |
| Lev 13:25 | "If the scurf spreads in the skin... it is tsara'at..." | Spreading is a key diagnostic criterion. |
| Lev 13:26 | "But if the scurf remains... and it has not spread, it is the scar..." | The context of a burn mark, leading to v. 27. |
| Lev 14:2-3 | "This shall be the law... for cleansing of the leper: he shall be brought to the priest." | Cleansing procedures after diagnosis. |
| Num 12:10-15 | "When the cloud removed... behold, Miriam was leprous... excluded." | Example of tsara'at and required isolation. |
| Deut 24:8-9 | "Be careful concerning an infection of tsara'at... do exactly." | Warning to observe these laws diligently. |
| Matt 8:1-4 | "A leper came... 'Lord, if you will, you can make me clean'... 'Go, show yourself to the priest'." | Jesus affirms priestly role for ceremonial validation. |
| Mark 1:40-45 | Similar account to Matt 8, Jesus instructs the healed leper. | Confirms the importance of the ritual. |
| Luke 5:12-16 | Another healing of a leper, showing obedience to the law. | Priestly verification of physical healing. |
| Luke 17:11-19 | The ten lepers "go and show yourselves to the priests." | Further affirmation of the priestly process. |
| Heb 7:11-12 | "If perfection had been attainable through the Levitical priesthood..." | Highlights the provisional nature of the old covenant rituals. |
| Heb 7:19 | "for the law made nothing perfect; but on the other hand a better hope is introduced." | Points to Christ as the perfect cleanser. |
| Rom 6:1-23 | Believers' identification with Christ in death to sin, and new life. | Spiritual "spread" of sin and spiritual cleansing. |
| Gal 5:16-24 | "Walk by the Spirit... fruit of the Spirit... works of the flesh." | Continuous vigilance against "spreading" sin. |
| 1 Cor 5:6-8 | "A little leaven leavens the whole lump... Cleanse out the old leaven." | Metaphor for sin spreading in the community. |
| 1 Jn 1:9 | "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just... cleanse us from all unrighteousness." | Spiritual cleansing for confessed sin. |
| Prov 4:23 | "Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life." | Metaphor for internal spiritual purity and its defense. |
| Jam 1:22-25 | Being "doers of the word" and looking into "the perfect law of liberty." | Self-examination and obedience to God's word. |
| Psa 51:7 | "Cleanse me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow." | Plea for spiritual cleansing from sin. |
| Isa 1:6 | "From the sole of the foot even to the head, there is no soundness in it... wounds and bruises and raw sores." | Describes a state of deep defilement like incurable wounds. |
| Jer 17:9 | "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick." | Warning against internal corruption and its deceptive nature. |
Leviticus 13 verses
Leviticus 13 27 Meaning
Leviticus 13:27 dictates a re-examination process for skin lesions. If a specific skin lesion, described as "scurf" or a patchy spot, which had previously been inspected by the priest and possibly deemed non-threatening or during a period leading to a clean declaration, subsequently shows signs of spreading, the affected individual must present themselves to the priest again. This clause emphasizes the importance of ongoing vigilance and re-evaluation in diagnosing skin conditions that could potentially be tsara'at, ensuring the proper maintenance of ritual purity within the community.
Leviticus 13 27 Context
Leviticus 13 is foundational to the Mosaic Law regarding ritual purity, specifically concerning tsara'at (often translated as leprosy but encompassing various severe, ritually defiling skin conditions). The chapter provides detailed instructions for the Aaronic priests on how to identify, quarantine, and declare individuals clean or unclean based on the observable characteristics and behavior of skin afflictions. The primary concern was not solely medical health but, crucially, the maintenance of the community's holiness and purity in God's sight, especially regarding access to the tabernacle.
Verse 27 specifically addresses a follow-up scenario where a previous skin lesion (a "scurf"), potentially from a burn mark as referenced in prior verses, was initially assessed. The priest would have made an initial judgment, perhaps leading to observation or a preliminary clean declaration. However, the crucial aspect here is the spreading of this scurf. Spreading was the most critical diagnostic criterion for tsara'at. Therefore, if a previously benign-appearing spot started to spread, it triggered an immediate return to the priest for a reassessment, reflecting God's meticulous instructions for safeguarding the camp's purity from this highly defiling condition. This systematic approach contrasted sharply with the chaotic health practices of surrounding nations, highlighting God's order, care, and His people's unique covenant relationship.
Leviticus 13 27 Word analysis
- "and if": The Hebrew wə’im (וְאִם) connects this instruction to previous diagnostic scenarios (e.g., v. 26). It introduces a conditional clause, indicating a specific circumstance that triggers further action, highlighting the contingency-based nature of the priestly assessments.
- "the scurf": The Hebrew han-nep̄eḵ (הַנֶּפֶךְ) refers to a scab, patch, or eruption, particularly in the context of a burn as in previous verses (13:24-26). It implies a visible, somewhat superficial skin lesion. Crucially, its nature is initially ambiguous regarding tsara'at.
- "spreads": The Hebrew verb yiš·śāh (יִשָּׂא), from the root pasah (פָּשָׂה), means to spread abroad or to spread extensively. This word is highly significant throughout Leviticus 13 as the definitive sign of an active tsara'at infection. Its occurrence demands immediate re-evaluation, showing the progressive nature of the disease.
- "in the skin": The Hebrew ba‘ōwr (בָּעוֹר) specifies the location, emphasizing the external, visible manifestation of the disease, which was central to the priestly diagnostic role. This distinguished tsara'at from internal illnesses.
- "after he has been seen by the priest": The Hebrew ’a·ḥar rə’ōṯ hak·kō·hên (אַחַר רְאֹות הַכֹּהֵן) denotes a prior inspection. This is not the first visit. It signifies a follow-up visit after an initial assessment, underscoring the dynamic and iterative nature of the priestly diagnostic process. The priest’s gaze (rə’ōṯ) is authoritative.
- "for his cleansing": The Hebrew lə·ṭā·hă·rā·ṯōw (לְטָהֳרָתוֹ) can mean "for the purpose of declaring him clean" or "during the period he was deemed potentially clean." It suggests that the initial examination may have led to a hopeful outlook regarding the person's purity or occurred during an observation period designed to ascertain cleanness. The sudden spreading of the scurf shatters that expectation.
- "he shall see him again": The Hebrew wə·rā·’ā·hū šê·nîṯ (וְרָאָהוּ שֵׁנִית) is a direct command. It mandates a compulsory second (or subsequent) examination by the priest. This highlights the priest's continuous, diligent oversight and the requirement for meticulous and unremitting discernment in matters of ritual purity, protecting the holiness of the camp.
Leviticus 13 27 Bonus section
- The law in Leviticus 13-14 teaches diligent attention to warning signs. The requirement to return to the priest signifies that spiritual discernment and adherence to God's standard is not a one-time event but an ongoing process, crucial for maintaining purity.
- The meticulous nature of these laws emphasizes God's concern for communal holiness, reminding the Israelites that even physical ailments could have significant ritual implications, underscoring the interconnectedness of their physical and spiritual walk with God.
- This specific verse teaches against presumptuousness or false assurance regarding spiritual purity. A state that initially seems "clean" might require further scrutiny if new adverse developments occur. It calls for humility and readiness to undergo re-assessment by proper authority, aligning with biblical calls for confession and spiritual accountability.
Leviticus 13 27 Commentary
Leviticus 13:27 is a precise procedural instruction embedded within God's comprehensive purity laws. It demonstrates the meticulous care required in discerning tsara'at. The verse acknowledges that skin conditions are not always straightforward; an initial benign assessment is not the final word. The crucial element of "spreading" triggers a necessary re-examination, underscoring that the dynamics of the condition, not just its initial static appearance, determined the priestly judgment. This continuous scrutiny prevented complacency and protected the Israelite community from potential contamination. Spiritually, it parallels the Christian's need for ongoing self-examination and reliance on spiritual discernment to address the "spreading" nature of sin. A sin might seem minor or insignificant at first (like a "scurf"), but if left unchecked, its tendency to expand and corrupt necessitates immediate and decisive action and spiritual intervention, much like the re-visitation to the priest for diagnosis.