Leviticus 13:16 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 13:16 mean?

Leviticus 13:16 says that if a person’s raw, open flesh from a skin disease turns back and becomes white again, that person must go to the priest for examination. This verse is about the process for checking if someone with a skin condition might be getting better and what steps to take next.

In this part of Leviticus, God is giving Moses and Aaron instructions for the priests about how to diagnose and handle skin diseases, which were often called “leprosy” in older translations. The verse describes a situation where a person’s sore seems to be healing, so the priest needs to check if the person is still unclean or can be declared clean.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 13:16

• "raw" (חַי, ḥay): This word literally means “living” or “alive,” but here it refers to raw, exposed flesh, showing an active or open sore. The use of this word highlights the seriousness of the condition.
• "again" (שׁוּב, shuv): This word means “to turn back” or “return.” It signals a change in the condition, suggesting improvement or reversal.
• "changed" (הָפַךְ, hafakh): This word means “to turn” or “to change.” Here, it’s about the raw flesh changing its appearance, which is a key sign for the priest to look for.
• "white" (לָבָן, lavan): This word means “white.” In the context of Leviticus 13, white skin often meant healing or a less severe stage of the disease, which could lead to being declared clean.

Why Leviticus 13:16 matters

• Leviticus 13:16 shows that the priest’s role was not just to declare people unclean but also to watch for signs of healing and restoration, giving hope for recovery.
• The verse clarifies that even after a serious-looking skin condition, improvement was possible and there was a set process for re-examination.
• This instruction fits into a larger section about careful, step-by-step checks for skin diseases, showing the concern for both the individual’s health and the community’s well-being.