King James Version
What Does Leviticus 13:42 Mean?
“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.”
Context
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.
43
Then the priest shall look upon it: and, behold, if the rising of the sore be white reddish in his bald head, or in his bald forehead, as the leprosy appeareth in the skin of the flesh;
44
He is a leprous man, he is unclean: the priest shall pronounce him utterly unclean; his plague is in his head.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(42) **And if there be in the bald head.**—Better, *But if there be in the bald backhead. *But if a reddish-white eruption appears either in the hinder or fore part of the bald head, resembling that which arises in the place of healed boils (see Leviticus 13:19-24), then it indicates the existence of leprosy.
**In his bald head.**—Better, *in his bald backhead.*
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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 13:42 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.