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 13:6KJV
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Leviticus 13:6 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 13:6 mean?

Leviticus 13:6 describes how, after seven days, a priest examines someone with a skin problem to see if it has changed or spread. If the affected area has become darker and has not spread, the priest declares the person clean, saying it is only a scab, and the person must wash their clothes to be considered clean.

In this verse, God is giving instructions to Moses and Aaron for the priests to follow when someone might have a skin disease. The priest acts as a kind of health inspector, checking the person again after a week. If the spot has not gotten worse and looks less severe, the priest can reassure the person and allow them to rejoin the community after washing their clothes.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 13:6

  • "Priest" (כֹּהֵן, kohen): This word refers to the priest, who had the authority and responsibility to inspect and make decisions about ritual cleanliness.
  • "Plague" (נֶגַע, nega‘): This term is used for the skin condition or outbreak being examined. It does not always mean a contagious disease, but any suspicious mark.
  • "Somewhat dark" (כֵּהָה, kehah): This word means "dull" or "faded," indicating the spot is less intense in color, which is a good sign in this context.
  • "Clean" (טָהֵר, taher): This word means ritually pure or acceptable, showing the person is no longer considered unclean and can return to normal life.

Why Leviticus 13:6 matters

  • Leviticus 13:6 shows that the priest’s role was not just religious but also practical, acting as a public health official to protect the community from possible disease.
  • The verse highlights that not every skin problem was treated the same; careful observation over time was required before declaring someone unclean or clean.
  • This verse connects to the larger section in Leviticus about purity laws, showing the importance of process, patience, and fairness in dealing with uncertain situations.

Where else these words appear

“scab” Hebrew H4556 · used in 3 verses

  • Leviticus 13:7 But if the scab spread much abroad in the skin, after that he hath been seen of the priest for his cleansing, he shall be seen of the priest again:
  • Leviticus 13:8 And if the priest see that, behold, the scab spreadeth in the skin, then the priest shall pronounce him unclean: it is a leprosy.

“dark” Hebrew H3544 · used in 9 verses

  • Leviticus 13:21 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 13:28 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.
  • 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;

“spread” Hebrew H6581 · used in 18 verses

  • Leviticus 13:5 And the priest shall look on him the seventh day: and, behold, if the plague in his sight be at a stay, and the plague spread not in the skin; then the priest shall shut him up seven days more:
  • Leviticus 13:27 And the priest shall look upon him the seventh day: and if it be spread much abroad in the skin, then the priest shall pronounce him unclean: it is the plague of leprosy.
  • Leviticus 13:51 And he shall look on the plague on the seventh day: if the plague be spread in the garment, either in the warp, or in the woof, or in a skin, or in any work that is made of skin; the plague is a fretting leprosy; it is unclean.

“wash” Hebrew H3526 · used in 48 verses

  • Genesis 49:11 Binding his foal unto the vine, and his ass's colt unto the choice vine; he washed his garments in wine, and his clothes in the blood of grapes:
  • Leviticus 15:5 And whosoever toucheth his bed shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the even.
  • Numbers 8:21 And the Levites were purified, and they washed their clothes; and Aaron offered them as an offering before the LORD; and Aaron made an atonement for them to cleanse them.