King James Version

What Does Leviticus 13:34 Mean?

Leviticus 13:34 in the King James Version says “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 i...” — 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 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.”

Leviticus 13:34 · KJV

Context

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.

35

But if the scall spread much in the skin after his cleansing;

36

Then the priest shall look on him: and, behold, if the scall be spread in the skin, the priest shall not seek for yellow hair; he is unclean.

Read Leviticus 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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.
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. How can you develop greater spiritual discernment in distinguishing what honors God from what defiles?
  3. In what practical ways should this verse influence your church life, family relationships, or personal integrity?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 22 words
וְרָאָה֩1 of 22

“shall look”

H7200

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

הַכֹּהֵ֔ן2 of 22

“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)

הַנֶּ֙תֶק֙4 of 22

“and behold if the scall”

H5424

scurf

בַּיּ֣וֹם5 of 22

“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

הַשְּׁבִיעִ֗י6 of 22

“And in the seventh”

H7637

seventh

וְ֠הִנֵּה7 of 22
H2009

lo!

לֹֽא8 of 22
H3808

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

פָשָׂ֤ה9 of 22

“be not spread”

H6581

to spread

הַנֶּ֙תֶק֙10 of 22

“and behold if the scall”

H5424

scurf

הָע֑וֹר11 of 22

“in the skin”

H5785

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

וּמַרְאֵ֕הוּ12 of 22

“nor 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),

אֵינֶ֥נּוּ13 of 22
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

עָמֹ֖ק14 of 22

“deeper”

H6013

deep (literally or figuratively)

מִן15 of 22
H4480

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

הָע֑וֹר16 of 22

“in the skin”

H5785

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

וְטָהֵֽר׃17 of 22

“and be clean”

H2891

to be pure (physical sound, clear, unadulterated; levitically, uncontaminated; morally, innocent or holy)

אֹתוֹ֙18 of 22
H853

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

הַכֹּהֵ֔ן19 of 22

“the priest”

H3548

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

וְכִבֶּ֥ס20 of 22

“and he shall wash”

H3526

to trample; hence, to wash (properly, by stamping with the feet), whether literal (including the fulling process) or figurative

בְּגָדָ֖יו21 of 22

“his clothes”

H899

a covering, i.e., clothing

וְטָהֵֽר׃22 of 22

“and be clean”

H2891

to be pure (physical sound, clear, unadulterated; levitically, uncontaminated; morally, innocent or holy)

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 13:34 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 13:34 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jude 1:22Revelation 2:21 John 4:1

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