Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version But if, when the priest examines the sore, it does not seem to be more than skin deep and there is no black hair in it, then the priest is to isolate the affected person for seven days. New Living Translation If the priest examines the scabby sore and finds that it is only skin-deep but there is no black hair on it, he must quarantine the person for seven days. English Standard Version And if the priest examines the itching disease and it appears no deeper than the skin and there is no black hair in it, then the priest shall shut up the person with the itching disease for seven days, Berean Standard Bible But if the priest examines the scaly infection and it does not appear to be deeper than the skin, and there is no black hair in it, the priest shall isolate the infected person for seven days. Berean Literal Bible And if the priest examines the plague of the scale, and behold, its appearance is not deeper than the skin, and black hair is not in it, then the priest shall shut up the one who has the plague of the scale seven days. King James Bible And if the priest look on the plague of the scall, and, behold, it be not in sight deeper than the skin, and that there is no black hair in it; then the priest shall shut up him that hath the plague of the scall seven days: New King James Version But if the priest examines the scaly sore, and indeed it does not appear deeper than the skin, and there is no black hair in it, then the priest shall isolate the one who has the scale seven days. New American Standard Bible But if the priest looks at the infection of the scale, and indeed, it appears to be no deeper than the skin and there is no black hair in it, then the priest shall isolate the person with the scaly infection for seven days. NASB 1995 “But if the priest looks at the infection of the scale, and indeed, it appears to be no deeper than the skin and there is no black hair in it, then the priest shall isolate the person with the scaly infection for seven days. NASB 1977 “But if the priest looks at the infection of the scale, and indeed, it appears to be no deeper than the skin, and there is no black hair in it, then the priest shall isolate the person with the scaly infection for seven days. Legacy Standard Bible But if the priest looks at the infection of the scale, and behold, it appears to be no deeper than the skin, and there is no black hair in it, then the priest shall isolate the person with the scaly infection for seven days. Amplified Bible But if the priest examines the spot infected by the scale, and it does not appear deeper than the skin and there is no black hair in it, the priest shall isolate the person with the scaly infection for seven days. Berean Annotated Bible But if the priest examines the scaly infection and it does not appear to be deeper than the skin, and there is no black hair in it, the priest shall isolate the infected person for seven days. Christian Standard Bible When the priest examines the scaly condition, if it does not appear to be deeper than the skin, and there is no black hair in it, the priest will quarantine the person with the scaly condition for seven days. Holman Christian Standard Bible When the priest examines the scaly infection, if it does not appear to be deeper than the skin, and there is no black hair in it, the priest must quarantine the person with the scaly infection for seven days. American Standard Version And if the priest look on the plague of the scall, and, behold, the appearance thereof be not deeper than the skin, and there be no black hair in it, then the priest shall shut up him that hath the plague of the scall seven days: Contemporary English Version On the other hand, if he discovers that the itchy spot is only skin deep, but that the hair still isn't healthy, he will order you to stay away from everyone else for seven days. English Revised Version And if the priest look on the plague of the scall, and, behold, the appearance thereof be not deeper than the skin, and there be no black hair in it, then the priest shall shut up him that hath the plague of the scall seven days: GOD'S WORD® Translation But if the priest examines the scabby disease and it does not look deeper than the rest of the skin and there is no black hair in it, the priest must put the person with the scabby disease in isolation for seven days. Good News Translation If, when the priest examines you, the sore does not appear to be deeper than the surrounding skin, but there are still no healthy hairs in it, he shall isolate you for seven days. International Standard Version But when the priest examines the scales of the skin rash and it doesn't appear more extensive than skin deep and there's no black hair in it, then the priest is to isolate him for seven days. NET Bible But if the priest examines the scall infection and it does not appear to be deeper than the skin, and there is no black hair in it, then the priest is to quarantine the person with the scall infection for seven days. New Heart English Bible If the priest examines the plague of itching, and look, its appearance isn't deeper than the skin, and there is no black hair in it, then the priest shall isolate him the person infected with itching seven days. Webster's Bible Translation And if the priest shall look on the plague of the scall, and behold, it is not in sight deeper than the skin, and no black hair in it; then the priest shall shut up him that hath the plague of the scall seven days: Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleBut if the priest examines the scaly infection and it does not appear to be deeper than the skin, and there is no black hair in it, the priest shall isolate the infected person for seven days. World English Bible If the priest examines the plague of itching, and behold, its appearance isn’t deeper than the skin, and there is no black hair in it, then the priest shall isolate the person infected with itching seven days. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd when the priest sees the scaly plague, and behold, its appearance is not deeper than the skin, and there is no black hair in it, then the priest has shut up [him who has] the scaly plague [for] seven days. Berean Literal Bible And if the priest examines the plague of the scale, and behold, its appearance is not deeper than the skin, and black hair is not in it, then the priest shall shut up the one who has the plague of the scale seven days. Young's Literal Translation And when the priest seeth the plague of the scall, and lo, its appearance is not deeper than the skin, and there is no black hair in it, then hath the priest shut up him who hath the plague of the scall seven days. Smith's Literal Translation And when the priest shall see the stroke of the scall, and behold, its sight not deep from the skin, and no black hair in it; and the priest shut up the stroke of the scall seven days. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleBut if he perceive the place of the spot is equal with the flesh that is near it, and the hair black: he shall shut him up seven days, Catholic Public Domain Version But if he sees that the place of the spot is equal with the nearby flesh, and that the hair is black, he shall seclude him for seven days, New American Bible But if the priest, upon examining the scall infection, finds that it does not appear to be deeper than the skin, though the hair in it may not be black, the priest shall quarantine the scall-stricken person for seven days. New Revised Standard Version If the priest examines the itching disease, and it appears no deeper than the skin and there is no black hair in it, the priest shall confine the person with the itching disease for seven days. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd if the priest look on the disease, and it does not appear deeper than the skin and there is no black hair in it; then the priest shall observe it seven days; Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And if the Priest will see a sore whose appearance is not deeper than the skin and the hair is black, there is nothing in it; the Priest shall seclude that sore seven days: OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And if the priest look on the plague of the scall, and, behold, the appearance thereof be not deeper than the skin, and there be no black hair in it, then the priest shall shut up him that hath the plague of the scall seven days. Brenton Septuagint Translation And if the priest should see the plague of the scurf, and, behold, the appearance of it be not beneath the skin, and there is no yellowish hair in it, then the priest shall set apart him that has the plague of the scurf seven days. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Laws about Skin Diseases…30the priest shall examine the infection, and if it appears to be deeper than the skin and the hair in it is yellow and thin, the priest must pronounce him unclean; it is a scaly outbreak, an infectious disease of the head or chin. 31But if the priest examines the scaly infection and it does not appear to be deeper than the skin, and there is no black hair in it, the priest shall isolate the infected person for seven days. 32On the seventh day the priest is to reexamine the infection, and if the scaly outbreak has not spread and there is no yellow hair in it, and it does not appear to be deeper than the skin,… Cross References But if the priest examines the scaly infection Leviticus 14:2-7 “This is the law for the one afflicted with a skin disease on the day of his cleansing, when he is brought to the priest. / The priest is to go outside the camp to examine him, and if the skin disease of the afflicted person has healed, / the priest shall order that two live clean birds, cedar wood, scarlet yarn, and hyssop be brought for the one to be cleansed. … Deuteronomy 24:8-9 In cases of infectious skin diseases, be careful to diligently follow everything the Levitical priests instruct you. Be careful to do as I have commanded them. / Remember what the LORD your God did to Miriam on the journey after you came out of Egypt. and it does not appear to be deeper than the skin, Leviticus 14:37 He is to examine the house, and if the mildew on the walls consists of green or red depressions that appear to be beneath the surface of the wall, 2 Kings 5:14 So Naaman went down and dipped himself in the Jordan seven times, according to the word of the man of God, and his flesh was restored and became like that of a little child, and he was clean. Exodus 4:6-7 Furthermore, the LORD said to Moses, “Put your hand inside your cloak.” So he put his hand inside his cloak, and when he took it out, his hand was leprous, white as snow. / “Put your hand back inside your cloak,” said the LORD. So Moses put his hand back inside his cloak, and when he took it out, it was restored, like the rest of his skin. and there is no black hair in it, Leviticus 14:8-9 The one being cleansed must wash his clothes, shave off all his hair, and bathe with water; then he will be ceremonially clean. Afterward, he may enter the camp, but he must remain outside his tent for seven days. / On the seventh day he must shave off all his hair—his head, his beard, his eyebrows, and the rest of his hair. He must wash his clothes and bathe himself with water, and he will be clean. Numbers 12:10-15 As the cloud lifted from above the Tent, suddenly Miriam became leprous, white as snow. Aaron turned toward her, saw that she was leprous, / and said to Moses, “My lord, please do not hold against us this sin we have so foolishly committed. / Please do not let her be like a stillborn infant whose flesh is half consumed when he comes out of his mother’s womb.” … 2 Kings 5:27 Therefore, the leprosy of Naaman will cling to you and your descendants forever!” And as Gehazi left his presence, he was leprous—as white as snow. the priest shall isolate the infected person for seven days. Numbers 5:2-3 “Command the Israelites to send away from the camp anyone with a skin disease, anyone who has a bodily discharge, and anyone who is defiled by a dead body. / You must send away male and female alike; send them outside the camp so they will not defile their camp, where I dwell among them.” Numbers 12:14-15 But the LORD answered Moses, “If her father had but spit in her face, would she not have been in disgrace for seven days? Let her be confined outside the camp for seven days; after that she may be brought back in.” / So Miriam was confined outside the camp for seven days, and the people did not move on until she was brought in again. 2 Chronicles 26:21 So King Uzziah was a leper until the day of his death. He lived in isolation, leprous and cut off from the house of the LORD, while his son Jotham had charge of the royal palace and governed the people of the land. Matthew 8:2-4 Suddenly a leper came and knelt before Him, saying, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.” / Jesus reached out His hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” He said. “Be clean!” And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. / Then Jesus instructed him, “See that you don’t tell anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the gift prescribed by Moses, as a testimony to them.” Luke 17:12-14 As He entered one of the villages, He was met by ten lepers. They stood at a distance / and raised their voices, shouting, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” / When Jesus saw them, He said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they were on their way, they were cleansed. Mark 1:40-44 Then a leper came to Jesus, begging on his knees: “If You are willing, You can make me clean.” / Moved with compassion, Jesus reached out His hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” He said. “Be clean!” / And immediately the leprosy left him, and the man was cleansed. … Luke 5:12-14 While Jesus was in one of the towns, a man came along who was covered with leprosy. When he saw Jesus, he fell facedown and begged Him, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.” / Jesus reached out His hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” He said. “Be clean!” And immediately the leprosy left him. / “Do not tell anyone,” Jesus instructed him. “But go, show yourself to the priest and present the offering Moses prescribed for your cleansing, as a testimony to them.” Matthew 10:8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give. Treasury of Scripture And if the priest look on the plague of the scale, and, behold, it be not in sight deeper than the skin, and that there is no black hair in it; then the priest shall shut up him that has the plague of the scale seven days: seven days Leviticus 13:4-6 If the bright spot be white in the skin of his flesh, and in sight be not deeper than the skin, and the hair thereof be not turned white; then the priest shall shut up him that hath the plague seven days: … Jump to Previous Appearance Appears Black Deep Deeper Disease Diseased Examines Hair Indeed Infected Infection Isolate Itching Kind Looks Plague Scale Scall Seem Seven Shut Sight Skin Sore ThereofJump to Next Appearance Appears Black Deep Deeper Disease Diseased Examines Hair Indeed Infected Infection Isolate Itching Kind Looks Plague Scale Scall Seem Seven Shut Sight Skin Sore ThereofLeviticus 13 1. The laws whereby the priest is to be guided in discerning the leprosy.But if the priest examines the scaly infection In ancient Israel, priests served not only as religious leaders but also as health inspectors. The examination of skin diseases was a critical duty, ensuring the community's purity and health. This reflects the broader Levitical concern with holiness and cleanliness, both physically and spiritually. The term "scaly infection" likely refers to a variety of skin conditions, not just leprosy, which was a term used broadly in ancient texts. and it does not appear to be deeper than the skin and there is no black hair in it the priest shall isolate the infected person for seven days Persons / Places / Events 1. The PriestIn ancient Israel, priests were responsible for examining skin diseases and determining the cleanliness of individuals. They acted as mediators between God and the people, ensuring the community's purity. 2. The Infected Person This refers to any individual in the Israelite community who showed signs of a skin disease. Their condition required examination and potential isolation to prevent the spread of impurity. 3. Isolation A period of separation for the infected person, lasting seven days, to determine if the condition was contagious or if it would heal. This practice was crucial for maintaining the community's health and ritual purity. 4. Scaly Infection A skin condition that required examination by the priest. The Hebrew term used here can refer to various skin diseases, not just leprosy. 5. Black Hair The presence or absence of black hair in the infection was a diagnostic criterion. Black hair indicated health, while its absence could suggest a deeper issue. Teaching Points The Role of the PriestPriests served as both spiritual and physical caretakers, highlighting the interconnectedness of health and holiness in the community. Importance of Community Health The isolation of the infected person underscores the value placed on communal well-being and the prevention of disease spread. Spiritual Implications of Physical Conditions Physical ailments often had spiritual connotations in biblical times, reminding us of the need for spiritual as well as physical healing. God's Provision for Restoration The process of examination and isolation reflects God's provision for restoration and reintegration into the community. Holiness and Purity The meticulous attention to cleanliness and purity in Leviticus points to the holiness God requires from His people, both physically and spiritually. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Leviticus 13:31?2. How does Leviticus 13:31 guide us in discerning spiritual cleanliness today? 3. What role does the priest play in Leviticus 13:31, and why is it significant? 4. How can Leviticus 13:31's principles be applied to maintaining personal holiness? 5. What connections exist between Leviticus 13:31 and New Testament teachings on purity? 6. How does "not appear to be deeper" relate to examining our spiritual lives? 7. Why does Leviticus 13:31 focus on hair and skin conditions? 8. How does Leviticus 13:31 reflect ancient Israelite health practices? 9. What is the theological significance of Leviticus 13:31's instructions on defilement? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Leviticus 13? 11. What does the Bible mention about leprosy? 12. Does commanding people with suspicious spots to remain quarantined align with modern understandings of infectious diseases (Leviticus 13:4-5)? 13. Why does the text attribute certain skin conditions to divine judgment instead of natural causes (Leviticus 13:9-17)? 14. Why does the Bible not mention germs or diseases caused by bacteria and viruses? What Does Leviticus 13:31 Mean But if the priest examines the scaly infection• God assigned Israel’s priests to act as frontline health inspectors. They did not guess; they “examined” (compare Leviticus 13:2–3, 9–11; Deuteronomy 24:8). • This hands-on assessment shows the Lord’s care for both the sick and the community. Love of neighbor meant taking time to look closely before making a judgment (Luke 17:14). and it does not appear to be deeper than the skin • Depth mattered. A spot sitting only on the surface suggested a milder, possibly temporary condition (see Leviticus 13:20, 31). • The guideline guards against panic. Not every blemish was leprosy; the priest had to rule out anything that had not penetrated beneath the skin’s outer layer. • Spiritually, the verse reminds us that sin, like disease, often starts beneath the surface; early, honest examination prevents deeper trouble (Psalm 139:23-24). and there is no black hair in it • Hair color served as another diagnostic clue. Black hair indicated health and normal growth, so its absence—or the presence of white or yellow hair—could signal serious infection (Leviticus 13:30, 37). • The priest looked for objective evidence, not superstition. Clear, observable signs protected people from wrongful isolation. the priest shall isolate the infected person for seven days • Seven days gave the skin time to declare itself. If the spot worsened, treatment—or permanent exclusion—would follow; if it faded, the person rejoined the camp (Leviticus 13:4-5). • Quarantine safeguarded the whole nation without permanently branding someone who might be fine (Numbers 12:14-15). • Even in the New Testament, Jesus honors this system by sending healed lepers to “show yourselves to the priests” (Luke 17:12-14), underscoring God’s consistent concern for public health and holiness. summary Leviticus 13:31 lays out a gracious, orderly process: the priest carefully inspects a questionable skin spot; if it sits only on the surface and lacks alarming signs, the person lives apart for one week while the condition proves harmless or dangerous. The verse upholds personal dignity, community safety, and the principle that God’s law addresses real-life needs with wisdom, compassion, and precision. (31) It be not in sight deeper than the skin.--Better, its appearance is not deeper than the other skin. If the first symptom which manifests itself in the depression of the affected spot is absent.And that there is no black hair in it.--Better, but there is no black hair in it; that is, the healthy black colour of the hair is absent, which is a suspicious sign. The phrase, "there is no black hair in it," is another way of saying "there is yellow hair in it." The presence of yellow hair, however, on the first inspection, though suspicious, did not necessarily indicate by itself leprosy, since the hair sometimes turned yellow temporarily in the case of an ordinary ulcer, and resumed its natural black colour when the patient returned to his usual health. Hence, the absence of the black hair was simply a suspicious symptom, which required the attention of the priest, for which reason the patient had to be put in quarantine for seven days. The alteration of the word "black" into "yellow," which has been adopted by those commentators who follow the LXX.,is therefore unnecessary. Indeed, if this reading be adopted, both the unfavourable symptoms mentioned in Leviticus 13:30, which indicate leprosy--viz., (1) the depression of the affected spot, and (2) the discolouring of the hair--would be absent. There would be no reason for quarantine, as the priest in the absence of these criteria would have to pronounce the man clean. (See Leviticus 13:37.) Hebrew But ifוְכִֽי־ (wə·ḵî-) Conjunctive waw | Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction the priest הַכֹּהֵ֜ן (hak·kō·hên) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3548: Priest examines יִרְאֶ֨ה (yir·’eh) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 7200: To see the scaly הַנֶּ֗תֶק (han·ne·ṯeq) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 5424: Scurf infection נֶ֣גַע (ne·ḡa‘) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 5061: Mark -- a blow, a spot and וְהִנֵּ֤ה (wə·hin·nêh) Conjunctive waw | Interjection Strong's 2009: Lo! behold! it does not אֵין־ (’ên-) Adverb Strong's 369: A non-entity, a negative particle appear מַרְאֵ֙הוּ֙ (mar·’ê·hū) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 4758: Sight, appearance, vision to be deeper עָמֹ֣ק (‘ā·mōq) Adjective - masculine singular Strong's 6013: Deep than מִן־ (min-) Preposition Strong's 4480: A part of, from, out of the skin, הָע֔וֹר (hā·‘ō·wr) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 5785: Skin, hide, leather and there is no אֵ֣ין (’ên) Adverb Strong's 369: A non-entity, a negative particle black שָׁחֹ֖ר (šā·ḥōr) Adjective - masculine singular Strong's 7838: Dusky, jetty hair וְשֵׂעָ֥ר (wə·śê·‘ār) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 8181: Hair in it, בּ֑וֹ (bōw) Preposition | third person masculine singular Strong's Hebrew the priest הַכֹּהֵ֛ן (hak·kō·hên) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3548: Priest shall isolate וְהִסְגִּ֧יר (wə·his·gîr) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 5462: To shut up, to surrender the infected person הַנֶּ֖תֶק (han·ne·ṯeq) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 5424: Scurf for seven שִׁבְעַ֥ת (šiḇ·‘aṯ) Number - masculine singular construct Strong's 7651: Seven, seven times, a week, an indefinite number days. יָמִֽים׃ (yā·mîm) Noun - masculine plural Strong's 3117: A day Links Leviticus 13:31 NIVLeviticus 13:31 NLT Leviticus 13:31 ESV Leviticus 13:31 NASB Leviticus 13:31 KJV Leviticus 13:31 BibleApps.com Leviticus 13:31 Biblia Paralela Leviticus 13:31 Chinese Bible Leviticus 13:31 French Bible Leviticus 13:31 Catholic Bible OT Law: Leviticus 13:31 If the priest examines the plague (Le Lv Lev.) |
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