And for a rising, and for a scab, and for a bright spot:

LEVITICUS 14:56KJV
Know the Bible

Leviticus 14:56 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 14:56 mean?

Leviticus 14:56 lists three specific skin conditions—“a rising, and for a scab, and for a bright spot”—as part of the instructions for diagnosing and addressing various skin diseases under the law given to ancient Israel. This verse highlights the types of skin problems that the priest was to examine and pronounce clean or unclean.

In the context of Leviticus 14, Moses is relaying God’s instructions to the Israelites about how priests should handle cases of skin disease, often called “leprosy” in older translations but covering a range of conditions. This verse is part of a summary at the end of a detailed section, clarifying which kinds of skin issues the laws apply to and ensuring the people know what the priest’s examination covers.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 14:56

  • “Rising” (שְׂאֵת, śe’ēt) refers to a swelling or raised area on the skin. This word points to a visible change that might signal an underlying disease, helping the priest identify something abnormal.
  • “Scab” (סַפַּחַת, sappachat) is a term for a scab or eruption on the skin. This highlights a crusty or rough patch, which could be a sign of infection or healing.
  • “Spot” (בַּהֶרֶת, baheret) means a bright or white spot. This draws attention to discoloration, which was another key symptom the priest looked for in diagnosing skin conditions.

Why Leviticus 14:56 matters

  • Leviticus 14:56 clarifies that the priestly laws were not just about one disease but covered a range of skin issues, showing the thoroughness of the instructions.
  • This verse helps modern readers understand that “leprosy” in the Bible is a broad term, not limited to what we call leprosy (Hansen’s disease) today.
  • By listing these specific symptoms, the verse shows the practical, careful approach taken in ancient Israel to protect the community’s health and ritual purity.

Where else these words appear

“scab” Hebrew H5597 · used in 2 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:

“spot” 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:

“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 13:19 And in the place of the boil there be a white rising, or a bright spot, white, and somewhat reddish, and it be shewed to the priest;
  • Job 31:23 For destruction from God was a terror to me, and by reason of his highness I could not endure.