King James Version

What Does Leviticus 13:21 Mean?

Leviticus 13:21 in the King James Version says “But if the priest look on it, and, behold, there be no white hairs therein, and if it be not lower than the skin, but be...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“But if the priest look on it, and, behold, there be no white hairs therein, and if it be not lower than the skin, but be somewhat dark; then the priest shall shut him up seven days:”

Leviticus 13:21 · KJV

Context

19

And in the place of the boil there be a white rising, or a bright spot, white, and somewhat reddish, and it be shewed to the priest;

20

And if, when the priest seeth it, behold, it be in sight lower than the skin, and the hair thereof be turned white; the priest shall pronounce him unclean: it is a plague of leprosy broken out of the boil.

21

But if the priest look on it, and, behold, there be no white hairs therein, and if it be not lower than the skin, but be somewhat dark; then the priest shall shut him up seven days:

22

And if it spread much abroad in the skin, then the priest shall pronounce him unclean: it is a plague.

23

But if the bright spot stay in his place, and spread not, it is a burning boil; and the priest shall pronounce him clean.

Read Leviticus 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But if the priest look on it, and, behold, there be no white hairs therein, and if it be not lower than the skin, but be somewhat dark; then the priest shall shut him up seven days:

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 can you use this verse to worship God more fully, obey Him more faithfully, or love others more sacrificially?
  3. In what practical ways should this verse influence your church life, family relationships, or personal integrity?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
וְאִ֣ם׀1 of 18
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

יִרְאֶ֣נָּה2 of 18

“look”

H7200

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

הַכֹּהֵ֖ן3 of 18

“But if the priest”

H3548

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

וְהִנֵּ֤ה4 of 18
H2009

lo!

אֵֽין5 of 18
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

בָּהּ֙6 of 18
H0
שֵׂעָ֣ר7 of 18

“hairs”

H8181

hair (as if tossed or bristling)

לָבָ֔ן8 of 18

“on it and behold there be no white”

H3836

white

וּשְׁפָלָ֥ה9 of 18

“therein and if it be not lower”

H8217

depressed, literally or figuratively

אֵינֶ֛נָּה10 of 18
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

מִן11 of 18
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הָע֖וֹר12 of 18

“than the skin”

H5785

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

וְהִ֣יא13 of 18
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

כֵהָ֑ה14 of 18

“but be somewhat dark”

H3544

feeble, obscure

וְהִסְגִּיר֥וֹ15 of 18

“shall shut”

H5462

to shut up; figuratively, to surrender

הַכֹּהֵ֖ן16 of 18

“But if the priest”

H3548

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

שִׁבְעַ֥ת17 of 18

“him up seven”

H7651

seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number

יָמִֽים׃18 of 18

“days”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

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 13:21 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 13:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Corinthians 5:5

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