King James Version

What Does Leviticus 13:31 Mean?

Leviticus 13:31 in the King James Version says “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 ...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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:”

Leviticus 13:31 · KJV

Context

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;

33

He shall be shaven, but the scall shall he not shave; and the priest shall shut up him that hath the scall seven days more:

Read Leviticus 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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:

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.
What Leviticus portrayed through types and shadows, Christ fulfilled in reality through His incarnation, perfect life, atoning death, and resurrection.

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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. In what practical ways should this verse influence your church life, family relationships, or personal integrity?
  3. In what ways does this verse challenge contemporary cultural values or your personal attitudes?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 23 words
וְכִֽי1 of 23
H3588

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

יִרְאֶ֨ה2 of 23

“look”

H7200

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

הַכֹּהֵ֛ן3 of 23

“And if the priest”

H3548

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

אֶת4 of 23
H853

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

נֶ֥גַע5 of 23

“on the plague”

H5061

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

הַנֶּ֖תֶק6 of 23

“of the scall”

H5424

scurf

וְהִנֵּ֤ה7 of 23
H2009

lo!

אֵין8 of 23
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

מַרְאֵ֙הוּ֙9 of 23

“and behold it be not 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),

עָמֹ֣ק10 of 23

“deeper”

H6013

deep (literally or figuratively)

מִן11 of 23
H4480

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

הָע֔וֹר12 of 23

“than the skin”

H5785

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

וְשֵׂעָ֥ר13 of 23

“hair”

H8181

hair (as if tossed or bristling)

שָׁחֹ֖ר14 of 23

“and that there is no black”

H7838

properly, dusky, but also (absol.) jetty

אֵ֣ין15 of 23
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

בּ֑וֹ16 of 23
H0
וְהִסְגִּ֧יר17 of 23

“shall shut”

H5462

to shut up; figuratively, to surrender

הַכֹּהֵ֛ן18 of 23

“And if the priest”

H3548

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

אֶת19 of 23
H853

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

נֶ֥גַע20 of 23

“on the plague”

H5061

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

הַנֶּ֖תֶק21 of 23

“of the scall”

H5424

scurf

שִׁבְעַ֥ת22 of 23

“seven”

H7651

seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number

יָמִֽים׃23 of 23

“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 13:31 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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