King James Version

What Does Leviticus 13:40 Mean?

Leviticus 13:40 in the King James Version says “And the man whose hair is fallen off his head, he is bald; yet is he clean. hair: Heb. head is pilled — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Leviticus 13:40 · KJV


Context

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.

42

And if there be in the bald head, or bald forehead, a white reddish sore; it is a leprosy sprung up in his bald head, or his bald forehead.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the man whose hair is fallen off his head, he is bald; yet is he 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.

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 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 can you develop greater spiritual discernment in distinguishing what honors God from what defiles?
  2. In what ways does this verse challenge contemporary cultural values or your personal attitudes?
  3. How does this verse point to Christ, and how does that deepen your faith and gratitude?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
וְאִ֕ישׁ1 of 8

And the man

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

כִּ֥י2 of 8
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

יִמָּרֵ֖ט3 of 8

whose hair is fallen

H4803

to polish; by implication, to make bald (the head), to gall (the shoulder); also, to sharpen

רֹאשׁ֑וֹ4 of 8

off his head

H7218

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

קֵרֵ֥חַ5 of 8

he is bald

H7142

bald (on the back of the head)

ה֖וּא6 of 8
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

טָה֥וֹר7 of 8

yet is he clean

H2889

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

הֽוּא׃8 of 8
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 13:40 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 13:40 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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