But if the priest look on it, and, behold, there be no white hairs therein, and if it be not lower than the skin, but be somewhat dark; then the priest shall shut him up seven days:
LEVITICUS 13:21KJVWhat does Leviticus 13:21 mean?
Leviticus 13:21 describes a situation where a priest examines a skin problem and, if there are no white hairs and the spot is not deeper than the skin but appears somewhat dark, the priest isolates the person for seven days to observe the condition. This is part of a careful process to determine if someone has a serious skin disease.
In this verse, God is giving instructions to Moses and Aaron about how priests should diagnose possible cases of skin disease among the Israelites. The priest acts as a kind of health inspector, looking for specific signs—like white hairs or a spot deeper than the skin—to decide if the condition is dangerous. If the signs are not clear, the priest does not make a quick judgment but instead waits and watches for a week to see if the problem changes.
The Hebrew behind Leviticus 13:21
- כֹּהֵן (kohen, "priest"): This word refers to the religious official responsible for examining the skin condition. The priest’s role is not just spiritual but also practical, acting as a community health authority.
- שָׁחֹר (shachor, "dark"): The word used here means "dark" or "dull," describing the appearance of the spot. This detail helps the priest distinguish between a more dangerous infection and something less serious.
- סָגַר (sagar, "shut up" or "isolate"): This verb means to confine or quarantine the person. The idea is to prevent possible spread and to allow time for the condition to develop, making diagnosis clearer.
- שֶׁבַע (sheva, "seven"): The number seven often marks a complete period in the Bible. Here, seven days is the standard observation time to see if the skin problem changes.
Why Leviticus 13:21 matters
- Leviticus 13:21 shows that the priest is instructed to be cautious and not rush to declare someone unclean, emphasizing careful observation and fairness.
- The verse highlights the importance of community health and the role of religious leaders in protecting the people from possible disease.
- This careful process connects to the wider passage, showing that the laws about skin diseases were detailed and aimed at both physical and social well-being.