King James Version

What Does Leviticus 13:24 Mean?

Leviticus 13:24 in the King James Version says “Or if there be any flesh, in the skin whereof there is a hot burning, and the quick flesh that burneth have a white brig...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Leviticus 13:24 · KJV

Context

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.

26

But if the priest look on it, and, behold, there be no white hair in the bright spot, and it be no lower than the other skin, but be somewhat dark; then the priest shall shut him up seven days:

Read Leviticus 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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;

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.


Hebrews 9-10 explains how Christ's once-for-all sacrifice supersedes the repeated Levitical offerings, providing permanent cleansing from sin.

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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 can you use this verse to worship God more fully, obey Him more faithfully, or love others more sacrificially?
  2. What practical steps can you take this week to apply the principles taught in this verse?
  3. What does this verse teach about the seriousness of sin, the cost of redemption, or the beauty of holiness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
א֣וֹ1 of 15
H176

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

בָשָׂ֔ר2 of 15

“Or if there be any flesh”

H1320

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

כִּֽי3 of 15
H3588

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

יִהְיֶ֥ה4 of 15
H1961

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

בְעֹר֖וֹ5 of 15

“in the skin”

H5785

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

הַמִּכְוָ֗ה6 of 15

“burning”

H4348

a burn

אֵ֑שׁ7 of 15

“whereof there is a hot”

H784

fire (literally or figuratively)

וְֽהָיְתָ֞ה8 of 15
H1961

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

מִֽחְיַ֣ת9 of 15

“and the quick”

H4241

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

הַמִּכְוָ֗ה10 of 15

“burning”

H4348

a burn

בַּהֶ֛רֶת11 of 15

“bright spot”

H934

a whitish spot on the skin

לְבָנָֽה׃12 of 15

“have a white”

H3836

white

אֲדַמְדֶּ֖מֶת13 of 15

“somewhat reddish”

H125

reddish

א֥וֹ14 of 15
H176

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

לְבָנָֽה׃15 of 15

“have a white”

H3836

white

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 13:24 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 13:24 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 3:24

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