King James Version

What Does Leviticus 13:3 Mean?

Leviticus 13:3 in the King James Version says “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 t...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Leviticus 13:3 · 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:

5

And the priest shall look on him the seventh day: and, behold, if the plague in his sight be at a stay, and the plague spread not in the skin; then the priest shall shut him up seven days more:

Read Leviticus 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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.
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 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. What does this verse teach about the seriousness of sin, the cost of redemption, or the beauty of holiness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 22 words
וְרָאָ֥הוּ1 of 22

“shall look”

H7200

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

הַכֹּהֵ֖ן2 of 22

“And the priest”

H3548

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

אֶת3 of 22
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

נֶ֥גַע4 of 22

“and the plague”

H5061

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

מֵע֣וֹר5 of 22

“in the skin”

H5785

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

בְּשָׂר֔וֹ6 of 22

“of his flesh”

H1320

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

וְשֵׂעָ֨ר7 of 22

“and when the hair”

H8181

hair (as if tossed or bristling)

נֶ֥גַע8 of 22

“and the plague”

H5061

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

הָפַ֣ךְ׀9 of 22

“is turned”

H2015

to turn about or over; by implication, to change, overturn, return, pervert

לָבָ֗ן10 of 22

“white”

H3836

white

וּמַרְאֵ֤ה11 of 22

“in sight”

H4758

a view (the act of seeing); also an appearance (the thing seen), whether (real) a shape (especially if handsome, comeliness; often plural the looks),

נֶ֥גַע12 of 22

“and the plague”

H5061

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

עָמֹק֙13 of 22

“be deeper”

H6013

deep (literally or figuratively)

מֵע֣וֹר14 of 22

“in the skin”

H5785

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

בְּשָׂר֔וֹ15 of 22

“of his flesh”

H1320

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

נֶ֥גַע16 of 22

“and the plague”

H5061

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

צָרַ֖עַת17 of 22

“of leprosy”

H6883

leprosy

ה֑וּא18 of 22
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

וְרָאָ֥הוּ19 of 22

“shall look”

H7200

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

הַכֹּהֵ֖ן20 of 22

“And the priest”

H3548

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

וְטִמֵּ֥א21 of 22

“on him and pronounce him unclean”

H2930

to be foul, especially in a ceremial or moral sense (contaminated)

אֹתֽוֹ׃22 of 22
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

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 13:3 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 13:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Romans 3:19-201 Timothy 1:20Leviticus 10:10John 20:23Ezekiel 16:30Leviticus 13:2

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