Leviticus 13:7 - But if the scab spreads on the skin, after he has shown himself to the priest for his cleansing, he shall show himself to the priest again.

Generated Verse: Leviticus 13:7

What does "Leviticus 13:7" mean?


Leviticus 13 deals with the identification and treatment of various skin diseases, often translated as leprosy or skin ailments. The verse you quoted, Leviticus 13:7, outlines a procedure for a person who has previously been declared clean by the priest but whose skin condition has worsened. Let's break it down:

"But if the scab spreads on the skin...": This indicates a situation where a skin eruption or lesion (referred to as a "scab" in some translations, but more accurately meaning a skin ailment) has grown larger or spread to a greater area of the body after the person had already been examined and declared clean by the priest.

"...after he has shown himself to the priest for his cleansing...": This emphasizes the fact that the person had previously undergone the prescribed process for being declared ritually clean from the skin disease. The implication is that they were considered free from the contagious or impure condition.

"...he shall show himself to the priest again.": This is the instruction. The person must present themselves to the priest for another examination. The assumption is that the spreading of the condition suggests a potential recurrence or worsening of the disease, which would negate the previous declaration of cleanness.

In essence, the verse mandates a re-evaluation by the priest if a person who has been declared clean from a skin disease experiences a spread of the affected area. This highlights the importance of continuous monitoring and the priest's role in determining the individual's ritual status and potential for contagion within the community. This process emphasizes the importance of vigilance and adherence to the established procedures to maintain both individual and communal well-being.

What categories does "Leviticus 13:7" have?