King James Version

What Does Leviticus 13:16 Mean?

Leviticus 13:16 in the King James Version says “Or if the raw flesh turn again, and be changed unto white, he shall come unto the priest;” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Or if the raw flesh turn again, and be changed unto white, he shall come unto the priest;”

Leviticus 13:16 · KJV

Context

14

But when raw flesh appeareth in him, he shall be unclean.

15

And the priest shall see the raw flesh, and pronounce him to be unclean: for the raw flesh is unclean: it is a leprosy.

16

Or if the raw flesh turn again, and be changed unto white, he shall come unto the priest;

17

And the priest shall see him: and, behold, if the plague be turned into white; then the priest shall pronounce him clean that hath the plague: he is clean.

18

The flesh also, in which, even in the skin thereof, was a boil, and is healed,

Read Leviticus 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Or if the raw flesh turn again, and be changed unto white, he shall come unto the priest;

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 access to God's presence that Leviticus carefully regulated is now freely available through Christ's blood, tearing the veil and opening the way to God.

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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. Ancient sacrificial texts from cultures surrounding Israel demonstrate the widespread practice of animal sacrifice, but Israel's system uniquely emphasized moral atonement over magical efficacy.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Christ's superior priesthood, prefigured in this verse, assure you of access to God and effective intercession?
  2. How does this verse point to Christ, and how does that deepen your faith and gratitude?
  3. How does this verse help you understand both God's justice and His mercy in salvation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
א֣וֹ1 of 10
H176

desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if

כִ֥י2 of 10
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

יָשׁ֛וּב3 of 10

“turn again”

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

הַבָּשָׂ֥ר4 of 10

“flesh”

H1320

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

הַחַ֖י5 of 10

“Or if the 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

וְנֶהְפַּ֣ךְ6 of 10

“and be changed”

H2015

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

לְלָבָ֑ן7 of 10

“unto white”

H3836

white

וּבָ֖א8 of 10

“he shall come”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֶל9 of 10
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַכֹּהֵֽן׃10 of 10

“unto the priest”

H3548

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

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 13:16 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 13:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Galatians 1:14-161 Timothy 1:13-15Philippians 3:6-8Romans 7:14-24

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