King James Version

What Does Leviticus 13:32 Mean?

Leviticus 13:32 in the King James Version says “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 ...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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;”

Leviticus 13:32 · KJV

Context

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:

34

And in the seventh day the priest shall look on the scall: and, behold, if the scall be not spread in the skin, nor be in sight deeper than the skin; then the priest shall pronounce him clean: and he shall wash his clothes, and be clean.

Read Leviticus 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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;

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 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.

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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 Israelite dietary laws in Leviticus 11 have no exact parallel in surrounding cultures, though some ancient cultures had food taboos, suggesting unique revelation rather than borrowed customs.

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. What practical steps can you take this week to apply the principles taught in this verse?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
וְרָאָ֨ה1 of 21

“shall look”

H7200

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

הַכֹּהֵ֣ן2 of 21

“the priest”

H3548

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

אֶת3 of 21
H853

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

הַנֶּגַע֮4 of 21

“on the plague”

H5061

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

בַּיּ֣וֹם5 of 21

“day”

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

הַשְּׁבִיעִי֒6 of 21

“And in the seventh”

H7637

seventh

וְהִנֵּה֙7 of 21
H2009

lo!

לֹֽא8 of 21
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

פָשָׂ֣ה9 of 21

“spread”

H6581

to spread

הַנֶּ֔תֶק10 of 21

“and behold if the scall”

H5424

scurf

וְלֹא11 of 21
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

הָ֥יָה12 of 21
H1961

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

ב֖וֹ13 of 21
H0
שֵׂעָ֣ר14 of 21

“hair”

H8181

hair (as if tossed or bristling)

צָהֹ֑ב15 of 21

“not and there be in it no yellow”

H6669

golden in color

וּמַרְאֵ֣ה16 of 21

“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),

הַנֶּ֔תֶק17 of 21

“and behold if the scall”

H5424

scurf

אֵ֥ין18 of 21
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

עָמֹ֖ק19 of 21

“deeper”

H6013

deep (literally or figuratively)

מִן20 of 21
H4480

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

הָעֽוֹר׃21 of 21

“than the skin”

H5785

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

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 13:32 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 13:32 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 13:30Matthew 23:5Romans 2:23Luke 18:9-12

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