King James Version

What Does Leviticus 13:10 Mean?

Leviticus 13:10 in the King James Version says “And the priest shall see him: and, behold, if the rising be white in the skin, and it have turned the hair white, and th...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the priest shall see him: and, behold, if the rising be white in the skin, and it have turned the hair white, and there be quick raw flesh in the rising; quick: Heb. the quickening of living flesh”

Leviticus 13:10 · KJV

Context

8

And if the priest see that, behold, the scab spreadeth in the skin, then the priest shall pronounce him unclean: it is a leprosy.

9

When the plague of leprosy is in a man, then he shall be brought unto the priest;

10

And the priest shall see him: and, behold, if the rising be white in the skin, and it have turned the hair white, and there be quick raw flesh in the rising; quick: Heb. the quickening of living flesh

11

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.

12

And if a leprosy break out abroad in the skin, and the leprosy cover all the skin of him that hath the plague from his head even to his foot, wheresoever the priest looketh ;

Read Leviticus 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the priest shall see him: and, behold, if the rising be white in the skin, and it have turned the hair white, and there be quick raw flesh in the rising;

This verse falls within the section on Diagnosing Skin Diseases. Detailed procedures for priests to diagnose skin diseases (צָרַעַת, tzaraat), often translated 'leprosy' but covering various conditions.

The Aaronic priesthood mediated between God and Israel, offering sacrifices and maintaining the tabernacle. This prefigured Christ's superior priesthood after the order of Melchizedek.
The holiness demanded in Leviticus becomes possible through Christ, who both satisfies God's righteous requirements and transforms believers by His Spirit.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Detailed procedures for priests to diagnose skin diseases (צָרַעַת, tzaraat), often translated 'leprosy' but covering various conditions. Chapters 11-15 address ritual purity, teaching Israel to distinguish clean from unclean. These laws served multiple purposes: promoting health, teaching spiritual lessons about sin's defilement, and separating Israel from pagan practices. Archaeological evidence shows Canaanite worship involved practices Israel's laws explicitly prohibited. Israel received these laws while encamped at Sinai, before entering Canaan. The laws prepared them for life in the promised land, distinguishing them from Canaanite practices and establishing their identity as God's holy nation. The portable tabernacle, central to Levitical worship, accompanied them through wilderness wanderings and eventually found permanent form in Solomon's temple. Archaeological discoveries at sites like Ugarit reveal Canaanite religious practices Israel's laws explicitly rejected, confirming the Bible's historical reliability and the distinctiveness of Israelite worship.

Reflection Questions

  1. In what ways does this verse deepen your appreciation for Christ's atoning sacrifice and the seriousness of sin?
  2. How does Christ's superior priesthood, prefigured in this verse, assure you of access to God and effective intercession?
  3. What practical steps can you take this week to apply the principles taught in this verse?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וְרָאָ֣ה1 of 14

“shall see”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

הַכֹּהֵ֗ן2 of 14

“And the priest”

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

וְהִנֵּ֤ה3 of 14
H2009

lo!

בַּשְׂאֵֽת׃4 of 14

“him and behold if the rising”

H7613

an elevation or leprous scab; figuratively, elation or cheerfulness; exaltation in rank or character

לָבָ֑ן5 of 14

“be white”

H3836

white

בָּע֔וֹר6 of 14

“in the skin”

H5785

skin (as naked); by implication, hide, leather

וְהִ֕יא7 of 14
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

הָֽפְכָ֖ה8 of 14

“and it have turned”

H2015

to turn about or over; by implication, to change, overturn, return, pervert

שֵׂעָ֣ר9 of 14

“the hair”

H8181

hair (as if tossed or bristling)

לָבָ֑ן10 of 14

“be white”

H3836

white

וּמִֽחְיַ֛ת11 of 14

“and there be quick”

H4241

preservation of life; hence, sustenance; also the live flesh, i.e., the quick

בָּשָׂ֥ר12 of 14

“flesh”

H1320

flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man

חַ֖י13 of 14

“raw”

H2416

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

בַּשְׂאֵֽת׃14 of 14

“him and behold if the rising”

H7613

an elevation or leprous scab; figuratively, elation or cheerfulness; exaltation in rank or character

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Leviticus. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Leviticus 13:10 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Leviticus 13:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Kings 5:272 Chronicles 26:19-20Amos 5:10Leviticus 13:3-4Numbers 12:10-12Proverbs 12:1

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