King James Version

What Does Leviticus 13:35 Mean?

Leviticus 13:35 in the King James Version says “But if the scall spread much in the skin after his cleansing;” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Leviticus 13:35 · KJV

Context

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.

37

But if the scall be in his sight at a stay, and that there is black hair grown up therein; the scall is healed, he is clean: and the priest shall pronounce him clean.

Read Leviticus 13 full chapter

Commentary

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

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.

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. Ancient texts like the Code of Hammurabi show that law codes were common in the ancient Near East, but biblical law uniquely grounded ethics in God's character rather than merely social convention.

Reflection Questions

  1. In what ways does this verse deepen your appreciation for Christ's atoning sacrifice and the seriousness of sin?
  2. How can you develop greater spiritual discernment in distinguishing what honors God from what defiles?
  3. How does this verse help you understand both God's justice and His mercy in salvation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
וְאִם1 of 7
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

יִפְשֶׂ֛ה2 of 7

“much”

H6581

to spread

יִפְשֶׂ֛ה3 of 7

“much”

H6581

to spread

הַנֶּ֖תֶק4 of 7

“But if the scall”

H5424

scurf

בָּע֑וֹר5 of 7

“in the skin”

H5785

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

אַֽחֲרֵ֖י6 of 7

“after”

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

טָֽהֳרָתֽוֹ׃7 of 7

“his cleansing”

H2893

ceremonial purification; moral purity

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 13:35 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 13:35 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Timothy 2:16-17Leviticus 13:7Leviticus 13:272 Timothy 3:13

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