King James Version

What Does Leviticus 13:30 Mean?

Leviticus 13:30 in the King James Version says “Then the priest shall see the plague: and, behold, if it be in sight deeper than the skin; and there be in it a yellow t...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Then the priest shall see the plague: and, behold, if it be in sight deeper than the skin; and there be in it a yellow thin hair; then the priest shall pronounce him unclean: it is a dry scall, even a leprosy upon the head or beard.”

Leviticus 13:30 · KJV

Context

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.

29

If a man or woman have a plague upon the head or the beard;

30

Then the priest shall see the plague: and, behold, if it be in sight deeper than the skin; and there be in it a yellow thin hair; then the priest shall pronounce him unclean: it is a dry scall, even a leprosy upon the head or beard.

31

And if the priest look on the plague of the scall, and, behold, it be not in sight deeper than the skin, and that there is no black hair in it; then the priest shall shut up him that hath the plague of the scall seven days:

32

And in the seventh day the priest shall look on the plague: and, behold, if the scall spread not, and there be in it no yellow hair, and the scall be not in sight deeper than the skin;

Read Leviticus 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Then the priest shall see the plague: and, behold, if it be in sight deeper than the skin; and there be in it a yellow thin hair; then the priest shall pronounce him unclean: it is a dry scall, even a leprosy upon the head or beard.

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.
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.

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. 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 develop greater spiritual discernment in distinguishing what honors God from what defiles?
  3. How can you use this verse to worship God more fully, obey Him more faithfully, or love others more sacrificially?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 23 words
וְרָאָ֨ה1 of 23

“shall see”

H7200

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

הַכֹּהֵן֙2 of 23

“Then the priest”

H3548

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

אֶת3 of 23
H853

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

הַנֶּ֗גַע4 of 23

“the plague”

H5061

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

וְהִנֵּ֤ה5 of 23
H2009

lo!

מַרְאֵ֙הוּ֙6 of 23

“and behold if it be 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),

עָמֹ֣ק7 of 23

“deeper”

H6013

deep (literally or figuratively)

מִן8 of 23
H4480

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

הָע֔וֹר9 of 23

“than the skin”

H5785

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

וּב֛וֹ10 of 23
H0
שֵׂעָ֥ר11 of 23

“hair”

H8181

hair (as if tossed or bristling)

צָהֹ֖ב12 of 23

“and there be in it a yellow”

H6669

golden in color

דָּ֑ק13 of 23

“thin”

H1851

crushed, i.e., (by implication) small or thin

וְטִמֵּ֨א14 of 23

“shall pronounce him unclean”

H2930

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

אֹת֤וֹ15 of 23
H853

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

הַכֹּהֵן֙16 of 23

“Then the priest”

H3548

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

נֶ֣תֶק17 of 23

“it is a dry scall”

H5424

scurf

ה֔וּא18 of 23
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

צָרַ֧עַת19 of 23

“even a leprosy”

H6883

leprosy

הָרֹ֛אשׁ20 of 23

“upon the head”

H7218

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

א֥וֹ21 of 23
H176

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

הַזָּקָ֖ן22 of 23

“or beard”

H2206

the beard (as indicating age)

הֽוּא׃23 of 23
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

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 13:30 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 13:30 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 13:34-37Leviticus 14:54

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