King James Version

What Does Leviticus 13:43 Mean?

Leviticus 13:43 in the King James Version says “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 ...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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;”

Leviticus 13:43 · KJV

Context

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.

45

And the leper in whom the plague is, his clothes shall be rent, and his head bare, and he shall put a covering upon his upper lip, and shall cry, Unclean, unclean.

Read Leviticus 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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;

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.
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 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. In what ways does this verse deepen your appreciation for Christ's atoning sacrifice and the seriousness of sin?
  2. How does Christ's superior priesthood, prefigured in this verse, assure you of access to God and effective intercession?
  3. What does this verse teach about the seriousness of sin, the cost of redemption, or the beauty of holiness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וְרָאָ֨ה1 of 15

“shall look”

H7200

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

אֹת֜וֹ2 of 15
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַכֹּהֵ֗ן3 of 15

“Then the priest”

H3548

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

וְהִנֵּ֤ה4 of 15
H2009

lo!

שְׂאֵת5 of 15

“upon it and behold if the rising”

H7613

an elevation or leprous scab; figuratively, elation or cheerfulness; exaltation in rank or character

הַנֶּ֙גַע֙6 of 15

“of the sore”

H5061

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

לְבָנָ֣ה7 of 15

“be white”

H3836

white

אֲדַמְדֶּ֔מֶת8 of 15

“reddish”

H125

reddish

בְּקָֽרַחְתּ֖וֹ9 of 15

“in his bald head”

H7146

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

א֣וֹ10 of 15
H176

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

בְגַבַּחְתּ֑וֹ11 of 15

“or in his bald forehead”

H1372

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

כְּמַרְאֵ֥ה12 of 15

“appeareth”

H4758

a view (the act of seeing); also an appearance (the thing seen), whether (real) a shape (especially if handsome, comeliness; often plural the looks),

צָרַ֖עַת13 of 15

“as the leprosy”

H6883

leprosy

ע֥וֹר14 of 15

“in the skin”

H5785

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

בָּשָֽׂר׃15 of 15

“of the flesh”

H1320

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

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 13:43 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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