King James Version

What Does Leviticus 13:39 Mean?

Leviticus 13:39 in the King James Version says “Then the priest shall look: and, behold, if the bright spots in the skin of their flesh be darkish white; it is a freckl...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Then the priest shall look: and, behold, if the bright spots in the skin of their flesh be darkish white; it is a freckled spot that groweth in the skin; he is clean.”

Leviticus 13:39 · KJV

Context

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;

39

Then the priest shall look: and, behold, if the bright spots in the skin of their flesh be darkish white; it is a freckled spot that groweth in the skin; he is clean.

40

And the man whose hair is fallen off his head, he is bald; yet is he clean. hair: Heb. head is pilled

41

And he that hath his hair fallen off from the part of his head toward his face, he is forehead bald: yet is he clean.

Read Leviticus 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Then the priest shall look: and, behold, if the bright spots in the skin of their flesh be darkish white; it is a freckled spot that groweth in the skin; he is 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.
Every sacrifice and ritual in Leviticus points forward to Jesus Christ, who fulfills the entire sacrificial system as both perfect sacrifice and eternal high priest.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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. What does this verse teach about the seriousness of sin, the cost of redemption, or the beauty of holiness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וְרָאָ֣ה1 of 14

“shall look”

H7200

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

הַכֹּהֵ֗ן2 of 14

“Then the priest”

H3548

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

וְהִנֵּ֧ה3 of 14
H2009

lo!

בָּע֖וֹר4 of 14

“in the skin”

H5785

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

בְּשָׂרָ֛ם5 of 14

“of their flesh”

H1320

flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man

בֶּֽהָרֹ֖ת6 of 14

“and behold if the bright spots”

H934

a whitish spot on the skin

כֵּה֣וֹת7 of 14

“be darkish”

H3544

feeble, obscure

לְבָנֹ֑ת8 of 14

“white”

H3836

white

בֹּ֥הַק9 of 14

“it is a freckled spot”

H933

white scurf

ה֛וּא10 of 14
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

פָּרַ֥ח11 of 14

“that groweth”

H6524

to break forth as a bud, i.e., bloom; generally, to spread; specifically, to fly (as extending the wings); figuratively, to flourish

בָּע֖וֹר12 of 14

“in the skin”

H5785

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

טָה֥וֹר13 of 14

“he is clean”

H2889

pure (in a physical, chemical, ceremonial or moral sense)

הֽוּא׃14 of 14
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 13:39 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 13:39 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ecclesiastes 7:20James 3:2Romans 7:22-25

Test Your Knowledge

Leviticus 13 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterLeviticus Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Leviticus 13 with CommentaryAll Leviticus ChaptersComplete Leviticus QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes