King James Version

What Does Leviticus 13:5 Mean?

Leviticus 13:5 in the King James Version says “And the priest shall look on him the seventh day: and, behold, if the plague in his sight be at a stay, and the plague s... — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And the priest shall look on him the seventh day: and, behold, if the plague in his sight be at a stay, and the plague spread not in the skin; then the priest shall shut him up seven days more:

Leviticus 13:5 · KJV


Context

3

And the priest shall look on the plague in the skin of the flesh: and when the hair in the plague is turned white, and the plague in sight be deeper than the skin of his flesh, it is a plague of leprosy: and the priest shall look on him, and pronounce him unclean.

4

If the bright spot be white in the skin of his flesh, and in sight be not deeper than the skin, and the hair thereof be not turned white; then the priest shall shut up him that hath the plague seven days:

5

And the priest shall look on him the seventh day: and, behold, if the plague in his sight be at a stay, and the plague spread not in the skin; then the priest shall shut him up seven days more:

6

And the priest shall look on him again the seventh day: and, behold, if the plague be somewhat dark, and the plague spread not in the skin, the priest shall pronounce him clean: it is but a scab: and he shall wash his clothes, and be clean.

7

But if the scab spread much abroad in the skin, after that he hath been seen of the priest for his cleansing, he shall be seen of the priest again:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the priest shall look on him the seventh day: and, behold, if the plague in his sight be at a stay, and the plague spread not in the skin; then the priest shall shut him up seven days more:

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 access to God's presence that Leviticus carefully regulated is now freely available through Christ's blood, tearing the veil and opening the way to God.

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. What does this verse teach about the seriousness of sin, the cost of redemption, or the beauty of holiness?
  3. How does this verse reveal God's character, and how should that revelation shape your relationship with Him?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וְרָאָ֣הוּ1 of 17

shall look

H7200

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

הַכֹּהֵ֛ן2 of 17

And the priest

H3548

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

יָמִ֖ים3 of 17

day

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הַשְּׁבִיעִי֒4 of 17

on him the seventh

H7637

seventh

וְהִנֵּ֤ה5 of 17
H2009

lo!

הַנֶּ֖גַע6 of 17

and behold if the plague

H5061

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

עָמַ֣ד7 of 17

be at a stay

H5975

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

בְּעֵינָ֔יו8 of 17

in his sight

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

לֹֽא9 of 17
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

פָשָׂ֥ה10 of 17

spread

H6581

to spread

הַנֶּ֖גַע11 of 17

and behold if the plague

H5061

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

בָּע֑וֹר12 of 17

not in the skin

H5785

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

וְהִסְגִּיר֧וֹ13 of 17

shall shut

H5462

to shut up; figuratively, to surrender

הַכֹּהֵ֛ן14 of 17

And the priest

H3548

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

שִׁבְעַ֥ת15 of 17

him up seven

H7651

seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number

יָמִ֖ים16 of 17

day

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

שֵׁנִֽית׃17 of 17

more

H8145

properly, double, i.e., second; also adverbially, again


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 13:5 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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