King James Version

What Does Leviticus 13:26 Mean?

Leviticus 13:26 in the King James Version says “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 ...” — 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 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:”

Leviticus 13:26 · KJV

Context

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:

27

And the priest shall look upon him the seventh day: and if it be spread much abroad in the skin, then the priest shall pronounce him unclean: it is the plague of leprosy.

28

And if the bright spot stay in his place, and spread not in the skin, but it be somewhat dark; it is a rising of the burning, and the priest shall pronounce him clean: for it is an inflammation of the burning.

Read Leviticus 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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:

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 New Testament reveals that Christ's sacrifice accomplishes what the Levitical system could only symbolize—complete forgiveness and restoration of relationship with God.

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. 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. How does this verse help you understand both God's justice and His mercy in salvation?

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

בַּבֶּהֶ֙רֶת֙6 of 18

“in the bright spot”

H934

a whitish spot on the skin

שֵׂעָ֣ר7 of 18

“hair”

H8181

hair (as if tossed or bristling)

לָבָ֔ן8 of 18

“on it and behold there be no white”

H3836

white

וּשְׁפָלָ֥ה9 of 18

“and it be no 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 other skin”

H5785

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

וְהִ֣וא13 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 13:26 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 13:26 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 13:4-5Leviticus 13:23

Test Your Knowledge

Leviticus 13 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterLeviticus Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Leviticus 13 with CommentaryAll Leviticus ChaptersComplete Leviticus QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes