King James Version

What Does Leviticus 13:42 Mean?

Leviticus 13:42 in the King James Version says “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...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Leviticus 13:42 · KJV

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.

Read Leviticus 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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.


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. How does this verse point to Christ, and how does that deepen your faith and gratitude?
  2. How does this verse help you understand both God's justice and His mercy in salvation?
  3. In what ways does this verse challenge contemporary cultural values or your personal attitudes?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וְכִֽי1 of 14
H3588

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

יִהְיֶ֤ה2 of 14
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

בְּקָֽרַחְתּ֖וֹ3 of 14

“And if there be in the bald head”

H7146

a bald spot (on the back of the head); figuratively, a threadbare spot (on the back side of the cloth)

א֣וֹ4 of 14
H176

desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if

בְגַבַּחְתּֽוֹ׃5 of 14

“or bald forehead”

H1372

baldness in the forehead; by analogy, a bare spot on the right side of cloth

נֶ֖גַע6 of 14

“sore”

H5061

a blow (figuratively, infliction); also (by implication) a spot (concretely, a leprous person or dress)

לָבָ֣ן7 of 14

“a white”

H3836

white

אֲדַמְדָּ֑ם8 of 14

“reddish”

H125

reddish

צָרַ֤עַת9 of 14

“it is a leprosy”

H6883

leprosy

פֹּרַ֙חַת֙10 of 14

“sprung”

H6524

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

הִ֔וא11 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

בְּקָֽרַחְתּ֖וֹ12 of 14

“And if there be in the bald head”

H7146

a bald spot (on the back of the head); figuratively, a threadbare spot (on the back side of the cloth)

א֥וֹ13 of 14
H176

desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if

בְגַבַּחְתּֽוֹ׃14 of 14

“or bald forehead”

H1372

baldness in the forehead; by analogy, a bare spot on the right side of cloth

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 13:42 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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