King James Version

What Does Leviticus 13:36 Mean?

Leviticus 13:36 in the King James Version says “Then the priest shall look on him: and, behold, if the scall be spread in the skin, the priest shall not seek for yellow...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Leviticus 13:36 · KJV

Context

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.

38

If a man also or a woman have in the skin of their flesh bright spots, even white bright spots;

Read Leviticus 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 New Testament reveals that Christ's sacrifice accomplishes what the Levitical system could only symbolize—complete forgiveness and restoration of relationship with 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. 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. What practical steps can you take this week to apply the principles taught in this verse?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וְרָאָ֙הוּ֙1 of 13

“shall look”

H7200

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

הַכֹּהֵ֛ן2 of 13

“Then the priest”

H3548

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

וְהִנֵּ֛ה3 of 13
H2009

lo!

פָּשָׂ֥ה4 of 13

“be spread”

H6581

to spread

הַנֶּ֖תֶק5 of 13

“on him and behold if the scall”

H5424

scurf

בָּע֑וֹר6 of 13

“in the skin”

H5785

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

לֹֽא7 of 13
H3808

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

יְבַקֵּ֧ר8 of 13

“shall not seek”

H1239

properly, to plough, or (generally) break forth, i.e., (figuratively) to inspect, admire, care for, consider

הַכֹּהֵ֛ן9 of 13

“Then the priest”

H3548

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

לַשֵּׂעָ֥ר10 of 13

“hair”

H8181

hair (as if tossed or bristling)

הַצָּהֹ֖ב11 of 13

“for yellow”

H6669

golden in color

טָמֵ֥א12 of 13

“he is unclean”

H2931

foul in a religious sense

הֽוּא׃13 of 13
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 13:36 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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