When a man shall have in the skin of his flesh a rising, a scab, or bright spot, and it be in the skin of his flesh like the plague of leprosy; then he shall be brought unto Aaron the priest, or unto one of his sons the priests:

LEVITICUS 13:2KJV
Know the Bible

Leviticus 13:2 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 13:2 mean?

Leviticus 13:2 gives instructions for what to do when someone develops a suspicious skin problem, such as a swelling, scab, or bright spot, that might be a serious disease like leprosy. The person must be brought to Aaron the priest or one of his sons, who are responsible for examining such cases.

In this verse, God is giving Moses and Aaron specific guidelines for handling possible cases of infectious skin disease among the Israelites. The priests, not doctors, are assigned the role of diagnosing these conditions, which shows their important part in both the spiritual and physical health of the community.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 13:2

  • "man" (אָדָם, 'adam) refers to any person in the community, not just males, showing the instructions apply broadly.
  • "skin" (עוֹר, 'or) and "flesh" (בָּשָׂר, basar) are both mentioned, emphasizing the physical, visible nature of the problem.
  • "rising" (שְׂאֵת, se'et), "scab" (סַפַּחַת, sappachat), and "spot" (בַּהֶרֶת, baheret) are three different types of skin changes, suggesting careful observation was needed to distinguish between them.
  • "plague" (נֶגַע, nega‘) and "leprosy" (צָרַעַת, tsara‘at) together highlight that this is not just any rash, but something considered a serious, possibly contagious condition.

Why Leviticus 13:2 matters

  • This verse clarifies that priests had a practical, community health role, not just religious duties, which may surprise modern readers.
  • The careful description of symptoms shows the seriousness with which the Israelites treated potential outbreaks, reflecting concern for both individual and community well-being.
  • Leviticus 13:2 sets up the detailed instructions that follow, helping the reader understand the process for diagnosing and handling skin diseases in ancient Israel.

Where else these words appear

“scab” Hebrew H5597 · used in 2 verses

“spot” Hebrew H934 · used in 11 verses

  • Leviticus 13:4 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:
  • Leviticus 13:24 Or if there be any flesh, in the skin whereof there is a hot burning, and the quick flesh that burneth have a white bright spot, somewhat reddish, or white;
  • Leviticus 13:28 And if the bright spot stay in his place, and spread not in the skin, but it be somewhat dark; it is a rising of the burning, and the priest shall pronounce him clean: for it is an inflammation of the burning.

“rising” Hebrew H7613 · used in 13 verses

  • Genesis 4:7 If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him.
  • Leviticus 13:28 And if the bright spot stay in his place, and spread not in the skin, but it be somewhat dark; it is a rising of the burning, and the priest shall pronounce him clean: for it is an inflammation of the burning.
  • Job 31:23 For destruction from God was a terror to me, and by reason of his highness I could not endure.

“leprosy” Hebrew H6883 · used in 33 verses

  • Leviticus 13:3 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.
  • Leviticus 13:30 Then the priest shall see the plague: and, behold, if it be in sight deeper than the skin; and there be in it a yellow thin hair; then the priest shall pronounce him unclean: it is a dry scall, even a leprosy upon the head or beard.
  • Leviticus 14:34 When ye be come into the land of Canaan, which I give to you for a possession, and I put the plague of leprosy in a house of the land of your possession;