King James Version

What Does Leviticus 13:23 Mean?

Leviticus 13:23 in the King James Version says “But if the bright spot stay in his place, and spread not, it is a burning boil; and the priest shall pronounce him clean...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Leviticus 13:23 · KJV

Context

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.

24

Or if there be any flesh, in the skin whereof there is a hot burning, and the quick flesh that burneth have a white bright spot, somewhat reddish, or white; a hot: Heb. a burning of fire

25

Then the priest shall look upon it: and, behold, if the hair in the bright spot be turned white, and it be in sight deeper than the skin; it is a leprosy broken out of the burning: wherefore the priest shall pronounce him unclean: it is the plague of leprosy.

Read Leviticus 13 full chapter

Commentary

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

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. Ritual purity laws taught Israel to distinguish between clean and unclean, holy and common, training them in discernment and reverence for God's presence.
Every sacrifice and ritual in Leviticus points forward to Jesus Christ, who fulfills the entire sacrificial system as both perfect sacrifice and eternal high priest.

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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. 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. How does Christ's superior priesthood, prefigured in this verse, assure you of access to God and effective intercession?
  2. How can you develop greater spiritual discernment in distinguishing what honors God from what defiles?
  3. How does this verse point to Christ, and how does that deepen your faith and gratitude?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
וְאִם1 of 11
H518

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

תַּחְתֶּ֜יהָ2 of 11
H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

תַּֽעֲמֹ֤ד3 of 11

“stay”

H5975

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

הַבַּהֶ֙רֶת֙4 of 11

“But if the bright spot”

H934

a whitish spot on the skin

לֹ֣א5 of 11
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

פָשָׂ֔תָה6 of 11

“in his place and spread”

H6581

to spread

צָרֶ֥בֶת7 of 11

“not it is a burning”

H6867

conflagration (of fire or disease)

הַשְּׁחִ֖ין8 of 11

“boil”

H7822

inflammation, i.e., an ulcer

הִ֑וא9 of 11
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

וְטִֽהֲר֖וֹ10 of 11

“shall pronounce him clean”

H2891

to be pure (physical sound, clear, unadulterated; levitically, uncontaminated; morally, innocent or holy)

הַכֹּהֵֽן׃11 of 11

“and 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 13:23 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 13:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Samuel 12:13Job 34:31-321 Peter 4:2-3Matthew 26:752 Corinthians 2:7Proverbs 28:13

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