Then the priest shall look: and, behold, if the bright spots in the skin of their flesh be darkish white; it is a freckled spot that groweth in the skin; he is clean.

LEVITICUS 13:39KJV
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Leviticus 13:39 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 13:39 mean?

Leviticus 13:39 explains that if a priest examines someone and sees bright spots on their skin that are a dull or grayish white, these are just harmless freckles or patches, not a serious skin disease, and the person is considered clean. The verse reassures that not every skin change is a cause for concern or exclusion.

In this part of Leviticus, God is giving Moses and Aaron instructions for priests on how to identify different skin conditions among the Israelites. The verse is part of a larger section about diagnosing skin diseases, especially those that could make someone ritually unclean. Here, the focus is on distinguishing between a minor, non-contagious skin spot and more serious conditions that would require isolation.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 13:39

  • "priest" (כֹּהֵן, kohen): This word refers to the religious leader responsible for examining and declaring someone clean or unclean. The priest’s role is practical and authoritative in community health.
  • "darkish" (כֵּהֶה, keheh): This word means something like "dull" or "faint," describing the spots as not bright white but more muted in color. This helps the priest tell the difference between a dangerous disease and a harmless spot.
  • "clean" (טָהוֹר, tahor): This word means ritually pure or acceptable. Declaring someone "clean" meant they could fully participate in community and worship life.

Why Leviticus 13:39 matters

  • Leviticus 13:39 helps prevent unnecessary fear or exclusion by clarifying that not all skin changes are dangerous or make someone unclean.
  • The verse shows the careful, practical approach the priests were to take in distinguishing between different skin conditions, emphasizing fairness and accuracy.
  • In the wider context, this verse highlights the importance of community health and the balance between caution and compassion in ancient Israel’s laws.

Where else these words appear

“darkish” Hebrew H3544 · used in 9 verses

  • Leviticus 13:6 And the priest shall look on him again the seventh day: and, behold, if the plague be somewhat dark, and the plague spread not in the skin, the priest shall pronounce him clean: it is but a scab: and he shall wash his clothes, and be clean.
  • Leviticus 13:26 But if the priest look on it, and, behold, there be no white hair in the bright spot, and it be no lower than the other skin, but be somewhat dark; then the priest shall shut him up seven days:
  • 1 Samuel 3:2 And it came to pass at that time, when Eli was laid down in his place, and his eyes began to wax dim, that he could not see;

“spots” Hebrew H934 · used in 11 verses

  • Leviticus 13:2 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 13:23 But if the bright spot stay in his place, and spread not, it is a burning boil; and the priest shall pronounce him clean.
  • Leviticus 13:26 But if the priest look on it, and, behold, there be no white hair in the bright spot, and it be no lower than the other skin, but be somewhat dark; then the priest shall shut him up seven days:

“white” Hebrew H3836 · used in 24 verses

  • Genesis 30:35 And he removed that day the he goats that were ringstraked and spotted, and all the she goats that were speckled and spotted, and every one that had some white in it, and all the brown among the sheep, and gave them into the hand of his sons.
  • Leviticus 13:13 Then the priest shall consider: and, behold, if the leprosy have covered all his flesh, he shall pronounce him clean that hath the plague: it is all turned white: he is clean.
  • Leviticus 13:26 But if the priest look on it, and, behold, there be no white hair in the bright spot, and it be no lower than the other skin, but be somewhat dark; then the priest shall shut him up seven days:

“groweth” Hebrew H6524 · used in 33 verses

  • Genesis 40:10 And in the vine were three branches: and it was as though it budded, and her blossoms shot forth; and the clusters thereof brought forth ripe grapes:
  • Numbers 17:8 And it came to pass, that on the morrow Moses went into the tabernacle of witness; and, behold, the rod of Aaron for the house of Levi was budded, and brought forth buds, and bloomed blossoms, and yielded almonds.
  • Isaiah 27:6 He shall cause them that come of Jacob to take root: Israel shall blossom and bud, and fill the face of the world with fruit.