Leviticus 13:40

Now if a man loses his hair and is bald, he is still clean.

Study Bible

Now if a man loses his hair
This phrase introduces a specific condition regarding hair loss. In the Hebrew context, hair was often seen as a symbol of strength and vitality, as seen in the account of Samson (Judges 16). The Hebrew word for "loses" here is "נָשָׁא" (nasha), which implies a natural process rather than a disease. This distinction is crucial in understanding the cultural and religious implications of baldness in ancient Israel. Hair loss, in this context, is not associated with impurity or sin but is recognized as a natural part of life.

and is bald
The term "bald" in Hebrew is "קֵרֵחַ" (qereach), which refers to the absence of hair on the scalp. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, baldness could sometimes be seen as a sign of mourning or shame (Isaiah 15:2, Jeremiah 47:5). However, Leviticus 13:40 makes it clear that baldness, in itself, does not render a person unclean. This reflects a compassionate understanding of human conditions, emphasizing that physical appearance does not determine one's spiritual state.

he is still clean
The declaration of being "clean" is significant in the Levitical law, where cleanliness often determined one's ability to participate in community and worship. The Hebrew word for "clean" is "טָהוֹר" (tahor), which denotes purity and acceptability before God. This statement reassures that natural baldness does not affect a man's ritual purity. It underscores a broader biblical principle that God looks at the heart rather than outward appearances (1 Samuel 16:7). This verse serves as a reminder of God's grace and the importance of inner purity over external conditions.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The author of Leviticus, who received the laws from God on Mount Sinai.

2. Israelites
The recipients of the Levitical laws, including the laws of cleanliness and uncleanliness.

3. Priests
The individuals responsible for examining and declaring someone clean or unclean according to the laws.

4. Baldness
A condition addressed in the Levitical laws, specifically in the context of ritual cleanliness.

5. Tabernacle
The central place of worship for the Israelites, where the laws of cleanliness were particularly relevant.

Teaching Points

Understanding Ritual Cleanliness
The laws in Leviticus highlight the importance of ritual cleanliness in maintaining a relationship with God. Baldness, in this context, is not a cause for uncleanliness, emphasizing that not all physical conditions affect one's spiritual state.

God's Concern for Holiness
The detailed laws in Leviticus reflect God's concern for holiness among His people. This passage reminds us that God distinguishes between physical conditions and moral or spiritual impurity.

Inner Purity Over Outward Appearance
While the Old Testament laws focus on physical cleanliness, the New Testament shifts the focus to inner purity. This passage can remind us to prioritize our spiritual health over mere outward appearances.

Compassion and Understanding
The declaration that baldness does not make one unclean can teach us to approach others with compassion and understanding, recognizing that physical conditions do not determine a person's worth or spiritual state.

Application to Modern Life
In today's context, this passage can encourage us to look beyond physical appearances and focus on the heart and character of individuals, aligning with the broader biblical teaching on inner purity.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the declaration of cleanliness for a bald man in Leviticus 13:40 reflect God's understanding of physical conditions versus spiritual purity?

2. In what ways can the principles of ritual cleanliness in Leviticus be applied to our spiritual lives today?

3. How does the focus on inner purity in the New Testament relate to the laws of cleanliness in Leviticus?

4. What can we learn from Leviticus 13:40 about God's view of physical appearances and their impact on our spiritual state?

5. How can we apply the lesson of looking beyond outward appearances in our interactions with others, as taught in both the Old and New Testaments?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 14
Discusses the cleansing process for those declared unclean, providing a broader context for understanding the laws of cleanliness.

Numbers 6
The Nazirite vow, which includes regulations about hair, showing the significance of hair in Israelite culture.

1 Samuel 16
God's choice of David as king, emphasizing that God looks at the heart rather than outward appearances, which can relate to the idea of cleanliness beyond physical conditions.

Matthew 23
Jesus' teaching on inner purity versus outward appearances, which can be connected to the principles behind the Levitical laws.

1 Corinthians 6
Paul's teaching on the body as a temple of the Holy Spirit, which can relate to the importance of spiritual cleanliness.