Leviticus 13 35

Leviticus 13:35 kjv

But if the scall spread much in the skin after his cleansing;

Leviticus 13:35 nkjv

But if the scale should at all spread over the skin after his cleansing,

Leviticus 13:35 niv

But if the sore does spread in the skin after they are pronounced clean,

Leviticus 13:35 esv

But if the itch spreads in the skin after his cleansing,

Leviticus 13:35 nlt

But if the scabby sore begins to spread after the person is pronounced clean,

Leviticus 13 verses

Leviticus 13 35 Meaning

Leviticus 13:35 details a critical follow-up procedure for a skin eruption previously deemed clean by the priest. If this condition, once declared ritually pure, subsequently spreads on the person's skin, it mandates another examination by the priest. This highlights the rigorous and vigilant nature of the purity laws concerning skin diseases in ancient Israel, emphasizing that even a previous declaration of cleanness does not preclude the need for re-evaluation if the physical signs of disease return or worsen. It speaks to the potential for recurrence and the constant need for discerning the state of ritual purity within the community.

Leviticus 13 35 Context

Leviticus chapter 13 is a meticulous divine instruction for the Israelite priesthood regarding the diagnosis and management of tsara'at, often translated as "leprosy," but likely encompassing various skin ailments that render a person ritually unclean. The chapter details numerous manifestations of these conditions, from swellings and sores to infections of hair and scalp. The priest, not a medical doctor, served as God's appointed adjudicator of ceremonial purity, determining if an individual was clean or unclean according to specific criteria. This process often involved initial examination, a seven-day quarantine, and then a re-examination. The consequence of uncleanness was temporary or prolonged exclusion from the community camp. Verse 35 specifically addresses a scenario where an individual had previously been declared clean from a suspected condition (likely a head or beard "scab" as in vv. 29-34), but the disease's signs, particularly its spreading, indicate a return or worsening that necessitates another examination by the priest to reassess the ritual status.

Leviticus 13 35 Word analysis

• But if (וְאִם – ve'im): This conjunction introduces a conditional statement, indicating an alternative outcome or a new circumstance to consider. It signals a shift from the previous scenarios, particularly focusing on what happens after a favorable initial assessment.
• the eruption (הַנֶּגַע – hannega'): The definite article "the" indicates a specific skin condition previously discussed. Nega' (from which hannega' is derived) means "stroke" or "blow" and is often used to describe a divinely sent affliction or plague. In the context of Leviticus 13, it refers to any of the various dermatological manifestations that could potentially be tsara'at.
• spreads (פָּשָׂה – pasah): This verb means "to spread," "to go widely," or "to extend." It is a key diagnostic indicator in the laws of tsara'at. Its active, continuous nature emphasizes a worsening condition, moving beyond its initial confines. In ancient Israelite thought, spreading was often indicative of a true, severe tsara'at infection and confirmed ritual impurity.
• in the skin (בָּאוֹר – ba'or): Literally, "in the skin." This phrase specifies the location of the spread, making it clear the assessment is for external, visible skin conditions.
• after (אַחֲרֵי – 'acharei): A preposition indicating temporal sequence, meaning "following" or "subsequent to." It highlights that this scenario occurs after a prior event or decision.
• he was pronounced (אֲשֶׁר טֻהָר – asher tuhar): This is a key phrase. Tuhar is a Pual passive verb, meaning "to be declared clean" or "to be purified." The phrasing implies a judgment rendered by the priest. This situation is distinct from an initial diagnosis or a worsening during an initial quarantine; it pertains to a case that was previously given a "clean bill of health" from a purity perspective.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "But if the eruption spreads in the skin": This phrase immediately establishes the condition for re-examination. The "spreading" is the critical symptom, signaling a change from a stable or resolving condition to a deteriorating one. This reflects a deeper, ongoing problem that requires reassessment.
• "after he was pronounced clean": This is the crucial qualification. It's not about an initial diagnosis, but a follow-up after an individual had been ritually cleared. This speaks to the meticulous nature of the Law and the potential for a tsara'at to recur or reveal its true nature over time, even after a favorable initial judgment. It emphasizes continuous vigilance and accountability concerning purity.

Leviticus 13 35 Bonus section

The repetitive nature of the diagnostic process in Leviticus 13 (examination, quarantine, re-examination, re-examination if spread, etc.) highlights the seriousness of tsara'at in the Mosaic Law. It was a potent symbol of sin, decay, and defilement that disrupted community life and severed one from divine presence. The priest's role was primarily forensic and ritualistic, not therapeutic. He determined the status of purity, not a medical cure. This precise legalistic framework served to protect the holiness of the camp, reinforcing the separation of God's people from the corrupting influences of their surrounding nations. The principle of constant vigilance against the spreading of impurity prefigures the New Testament call to be alert to the deceptive nature of sin and to strive for ongoing holiness (1 Pet 1:15-16), remembering that "a little leaven leavens the whole lump" (1 Cor 5:6).

Leviticus 13 35 Commentary

Leviticus 13:35 underscores the relentless vigilance required within the Old Covenant purity system, particularly regarding tsara'at. Even a person initially declared "clean" from a suspicious skin condition was not permanently exempt from scrutiny. If the very tell-tale sign of active tsara'at – the spreading of the eruption – manifested after such a declaration, a re-examination by the priest was immediately mandatory. This demonstrates God's high standard for holiness in the community, not just a one-time clearance but an ongoing state to be maintained and discerned. Spiritually, it serves as a reminder that complacency regarding sin or spiritual purity can be dangerous. Just as a physical ailment can seemingly disappear and then recur, so too can spiritual impurities or temptations re-emerge, necessitating renewed discernment, repentance, and cleansing before God. This meticulous re-evaluation process prevents the spread of physical impurity and metaphorically encourages a continued watchfulness against any encroaching defilement of flesh or spirit.