Leviticus 13:14 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 13:14 mean?

Leviticus 13:14 says that if "raw flesh" appears on a person with a skin disease, that person is considered unclean. This is part of the instructions given to the priests for identifying and handling cases of skin diseases among the Israelites.

In this chapter, God is giving Moses and Aaron detailed guidelines for diagnosing skin conditions, which were often feared as contagious or ritually impure. The appearance of "raw flesh" was a clear sign that the disease was active and the person should be separated from the community for health and ritual reasons.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 13:14

• "Raw" (חַי, ḥay): This word usually means "alive" or "living," but here it refers to exposed, living tissue—flesh that is not covered by skin. It highlights that the disease has broken through the skin, making the condition more serious.
• "Flesh" (בָּשָׂר, basar): This is the common word for flesh or body, emphasizing that the disease affects the person's physical body in a visible way.
• "Appeareth" (רָאָה, ra'ah): This word means "to be seen" or "to appear." The instruction depends on what is visibly noticeable to the priest, showing that the diagnosis is based on observable symptoms.
• "Unclean" (טָמֵא, tame): This word means ritually impure, not just physically sick. It signals that the person is not only ill but also excluded from certain religious activities and contact with others.

Why Leviticus 13:14 matters

• Leviticus 13:14 clarifies that the presence of "raw flesh" is a decisive sign of uncleanness, not just any skin abnormality, which helps prevent unnecessary isolation for minor conditions.
• This verse shows the careful, observable process the priests were to follow, emphasizing fairness and clarity in community health and religious practice.
• The verse connects to the broader theme of Leviticus 13, where ritual purity and public health overlap, showing how ancient Israel managed both spiritual and practical concerns.