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 13:7KJV
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Leviticus 13:7 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 13:7 mean?

Leviticus 13:7 says that if a person’s skin condition (a scab) spreads further after a priest has already checked them for cleansing, the person must go back to the priest for another examination. This verse sets up a process for ongoing checks, not just a one-time decision.

In this part of Leviticus, God is giving Moses and Aaron instructions for how priests should handle skin diseases among the Israelites. The verse highlights the careful attention given to changes in a person’s condition, showing that even after an initial check, things can change and need to be reassessed. The focus is on making sure that the community stays healthy and that anyone with a potentially contagious disease is properly monitored.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 13:7

  • "scab" (מִשְׂחָה, mis'ḥah): This word refers to a specific kind of skin sore or eruption, not just any wound. It points to the detailed way the law distinguishes between different skin problems.
  • "spread much abroad" (פָּרַח, parach): This verb means to spread out or blossom, emphasizing that the concern is about the condition getting worse or covering more skin, not just staying the same.
  • "skin" (עוֹר, 'or): The Hebrew word for skin is used here to make clear that the issue is visible on the surface of the body, not hidden or internal.
  • "cleansing" (טָהֳרָה, tahorah): This word means ritual purity or being declared clean. The verse is about the process of being officially recognized as clean, not just feeling better.

Why Leviticus 13:7 matters

  • This verse clarifies that being checked by a priest once is not always the end of the matter; ongoing observation is required if the condition changes.
  • The process described here shows the seriousness with which the community treated potential disease, emphasizing both public health and ritual purity.
  • Leviticus 13:7 fits into a larger section that outlines how priests act almost like health inspectors, showing the practical role of religious leaders in daily life for ancient Israel.