King James Version

What Does Leviticus 13:7 Mean?

Leviticus 13:7 in the King James Version says “But if the scab spread much abroad in the skin, after that he hath been seen of the priest for his cleansing, he shall b...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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:”

Leviticus 13:7 · KJV

Context

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:

8

And if the priest see that, behold, the scab spreadeth in the skin, then the priest shall pronounce him unclean: it is a leprosy.

9

When the plague of leprosy is in a man, then he shall be brought unto the priest;

Read Leviticus 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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:

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. Ritual purity laws taught Israel to distinguish between clean and unclean, holy and common, training them in discernment and reverence for God's presence.
The New Testament reveals that Christ's sacrifice accomplishes what the Levitical system could only symbolize—complete forgiveness and restoration of relationship with 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 Israelite dietary laws in Leviticus 11 have no exact parallel in surrounding cultures, though some ancient cultures had food taboos, suggesting unique revelation rather than borrowed customs.

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. How can you develop greater spiritual discernment in distinguishing what honors God from what defiles?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וְאִם1 of 14
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

תִפְשֶׂ֤ה2 of 14

“abroad”

H6581

to spread

תִפְשֶׂ֤ה3 of 14

“abroad”

H6581

to spread

הַמִּסְפַּ֙חַת֙4 of 14

“But if the scab”

H4556

scruf (as spreading over the surface)

בָּע֔וֹר5 of 14

“in the skin”

H5785

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

אַֽחֲרֵ֧י6 of 14

“after”

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

וְנִרְאָ֥ה7 of 14

“he shall be seen”

H7200

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

אֶל8 of 14
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַכֹּהֵֽן׃9 of 14

“of the priest”

H3548

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

לְטָֽהֳרָת֑וֹ10 of 14

“for his cleansing”

H2893

ceremonial purification; moral purity

וְנִרְאָ֥ה11 of 14

“he shall be seen”

H7200

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

שֵׁנִ֖ית12 of 14

“again”

H8145

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

אֶל13 of 14
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַכֹּהֵֽן׃14 of 14

“of the priest”

H3548

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

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 13:7 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 13:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 1:5-6Leviticus 13:27Psalms 38:32 Timothy 2:16-17Leviticus 13:35-36Romans 6:12-14

Test Your Knowledge

Leviticus 13 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterLeviticus Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Leviticus 13 with CommentaryAll Leviticus ChaptersComplete Leviticus QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes