King James Version

What Does Leviticus 13:2 Mean?

Leviticus 13:2 in the King James Version says “When a man shall have in the skin of his flesh a rising, a scab, or bright spot, and it be in the skin of his flesh like... — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

When a man shall have in the skin of his flesh a rising, a scab, or bright spot, and it be in the skin of his flesh like the plague of leprosy; then he shall be brought unto Aaron the priest, or unto one of his sons the priests: rising: or, swelling

Leviticus 13:2 · KJV


Context

1

And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron, saying,

2

When a man shall have in the skin of his flesh a rising, a scab, or bright spot, and it be in the skin of his flesh like the plague of leprosy; then he shall be brought unto Aaron the priest, or unto one of his sons the priests: rising: or, swelling

3

And the priest shall look on the plague in the skin of the flesh: and when the hair in the plague is turned white, and the plague in sight be deeper than the skin of his flesh, it is a plague of leprosy: and the priest shall look on him, and pronounce him unclean.

4

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:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
When a man shall have in the skin of his flesh a rising, a scab, or bright spot, and it be in the skin of his flesh like the plague of leprosy; then he shall be brought unto Aaron the priest, or unto one of his sons the priests:

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.
What Leviticus portrayed through types and shadows, Christ fulfilled in reality through His incarnation, perfect life, atoning death, and resurrection.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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. The tabernacle's design parallels ancient Near Eastern temple architecture, yet its portable nature and absence of divine images distinguished it from pagan temples.

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. In what ways does this verse challenge contemporary cultural values or your personal attitudes?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 24 words
אָדָ֗ם1 of 24

When a man

H120

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

כִּֽי2 of 24
H3588

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

יִהְיֶ֤ה3 of 24
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

בְעוֹר4 of 24

and it be in the skin

H5785

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

בְּשָׂר֖וֹ5 of 24

of his flesh

H1320

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

שְׂאֵ֤ת6 of 24

a rising

H7613

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

אֽוֹ7 of 24
H176

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

סַפַּ֙חַת֙8 of 24

a scab

H5597

the mange (as making the hair fall off)

א֣וֹ9 of 24
H176

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

בַהֶ֔רֶת10 of 24

or bright spot

H934

a whitish spot on the skin

וְהָיָ֥ה11 of 24
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

בְעוֹר12 of 24

and it be in the skin

H5785

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

בְּשָׂר֖וֹ13 of 24

of his flesh

H1320

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

לְנֶ֣גַע14 of 24

like the plague

H5061

a blow (figuratively, infliction); also (by implication) a spot (concretely, a leprous person or dress)

צָרָ֑עַת15 of 24

of leprosy

H6883

leprosy

וְהוּבָא֙16 of 24

then he shall be brought

H935

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

אֶל17 of 24
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אַֽהֲרֹ֣ן18 of 24

unto Aaron

H175

aharon, the brother of moses

הַכֹּֽהֲנִֽים׃19 of 24

the priest

H3548

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

א֛וֹ20 of 24
H176

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

אֶל21 of 24
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אַחַ֥ד22 of 24

or unto one

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

מִבָּנָ֖יו23 of 24

of his sons

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

הַכֹּֽהֲנִֽים׃24 of 24

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 13:2 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 13:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study