Leviticus 13:17
New International Version
The priest is to examine them, and if the sores have turned white, the priest shall pronounce the affected person clean; then they will be clean.

New Living Translation
for another examination. If the affected areas have indeed turned white, the priest will then pronounce the person ceremonially clean by declaring, ‘You are clean!’

English Standard Version
and the priest shall examine him, and if the disease has turned white, then the priest shall pronounce the diseased person clean; he is clean.

Berean Standard Bible
The priest will reexamine him, and if the infection has turned white, the priest is to pronounce the infected person clean; then he is clean.

Berean Literal Bible
and the priest shall examine him, and behold, if the plague has turned to white, then the priest shall pronounce clean the one with the plague; he is clean.

King James Bible
And the priest shall see him: and, behold, if the plague be turned into white; then the priest shall pronounce him clean that hath the plague: he is clean.

New King James Version
And the priest shall examine him; and indeed if the sore has turned white, then the priest shall pronounce him clean who has the sore. He is clean.

New American Standard Bible
and the priest shall look at him, and behold, if the infected area has turned white, then the priest shall pronounce the one who has the infection clean; he is clean.

NASB 1995
and the priest shall look at him, and behold, if the infection has turned to white, then the priest shall pronounce clean him who has the infection; he is clean.

NASB 1977
and the priest shall look at him, and behold, if the infection has turned to white, then the priest shall pronounce clean him who has the infection; he is clean.

Legacy Standard Bible
and the priest shall look at him, and behold, if the infection has turned to white, then the priest shall pronounce clean him who has the infection; he is clean.

Amplified Bible
and the priest shall examine him, and if the diseased part is changed to white, then the priest shall pronounce him who had the disease to be clean; he is clean.

Berean Annotated Bible
The priest will reexamine him, and if the infection has turned white, the priest is to pronounce the infected person clean; then he is clean.

Christian Standard Bible
The priest will examine him, and if the sore has turned white, the priest must pronounce the stricken person clean; he is clean.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The priest will examine him, and if the infection has turned white, the priest must pronounce the infected person clean; he is clean.”

American Standard Version
and the priest shall look on him; and, behold, if the plague be turned into white, then the priest shall pronounce him clean that hath the plague: he is clean.

English Revised Version
and the priest shall look on him: and, behold, if the plague be turned into white, then the priest shall pronounce him clean that hath the plague: he is clean.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The priest will examine him again, and if the diseased area has turned white, the priest must declare the diseased person clean. He is clean.

Good News Translation
who will examine you again. If the sore has turned white, you are ritually clean, and the priest shall pronounce you clean.

International Standard Version
When the priest examines him and finds that the skin rash has indeed turned white, then the priest is to declare the one with the skin rash clean, and he will be clean."

NET Bible
The priest will then examine it, and if the infection has turned white, the priest is to pronounce the person with the infection clean--he is clean.

New Heart English Bible
and the priest shall examine him; and, look, if the plague has turned white, then the priest shall pronounce him clean of the plague. He is clean.

Webster's Bible Translation
And the priest shall see him: and behold, if the plague is turned into white: then the priest shall pronounce him clean that hath the plague: he is clean.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
The priest will reexamine him, and if the infection has turned white, the priest is to pronounce the infected person clean; then he is clean.

World English Bible
The priest shall examine him. Behold, if the plague has turned white, then the priest shall pronounce him clean of the plague. He is clean.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and the priest has seen him, and behold, the plague has been turned to white, and the priest has pronounced clean [him who has] the plague; he [is] clean.

Berean Literal Bible
and the priest shall examine him, and behold, if the plague has turned to white, then the priest shall pronounce clean the one with the plague; he is clean.

Young's Literal Translation
and the priest hath seen him, and lo, the plague hath been turned to white, and the priest hath pronounced clean him who hath the plague; he is clean.

Smith's Literal Translation
And the priest saw him, and behold, the stroke turned to white; and the priest cleansed the stroke: he is clean.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
The priest shall view him, and shall judge him to be clean.

Catholic Public Domain Version
the priest shall examine him, and he shall discern him to be clean.

New American Bible
should the latter, upon examination, find that the infection has indeed turned white, he shall declare the afflicted person clean; the individual is clean.

New Revised Standard Version
the priest shall examine him, and if the disease has turned white, the priest shall pronounce the diseased person clean. He is clean.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And the priest shall see him; and if the plague has turned white, then the priest shall pronounce him clean that has the plague; he is clean.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And the Priest shall see if the sore has turned to be white; the Priest shall declare the plague clean, because he is clean.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
and the priest shall look on him; and, behold, if the plague be turned into white, then the priest shall pronounce him clean that hath the plague: he is clean.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
and the priest shall see him, and, behold, if the plague is turned white, then the priest shall pronounce the patient clean: he is clean.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Laws about Skin Diseases
16But if the raw flesh changes and turns white, he must go to the priest. 17The priest will reexamine him, and if the infection has turned white, the priest is to pronounce the infected person clean; then he is clean. 18When a boil appears on someone’s skin and it heals,…

Cross References
The priest will reexamine him,

Leviticus 14:2-3
“This is the law for the one afflicted with a skin disease on the day of his cleansing, when he is brought to the priest. / The priest is to go outside the camp to examine him, and if the skin disease of the afflicted person has healed,

Luke 5:14
“Do not tell anyone,” Jesus instructed him. “But go, show yourself to the priest and present the offering Moses prescribed for your cleansing, as a testimony to them.”

Numbers 12:14-15
But the LORD answered Moses, “If her father had but spit in her face, would she not have been in disgrace for seven days? Let her be confined outside the camp for seven days; after that she may be brought back in.” / So Miriam was confined outside the camp for seven days, and the people did not move on until she was brought in again.
and if the infection has turned white

Exodus 4:6-7
Furthermore, the LORD said to Moses, “Put your hand inside your cloak.” So he put his hand inside his cloak, and when he took it out, his hand was leprous, white as snow. / “Put your hand back inside your cloak,” said the LORD. So Moses put his hand back inside his cloak, and when he took it out, it was restored, like the rest of his skin.

Numbers 12:10
As the cloud lifted from above the Tent, suddenly Miriam became leprous, white as snow. Aaron turned toward her, saw that she was leprous,

2 Kings 5:27
Therefore, the leprosy of Naaman will cling to you and your descendants forever!” And as Gehazi left his presence, he was leprous—as white as snow.
the priest is to pronounce the infected person clean

Leviticus 14:7
Seven times he shall sprinkle the one to be cleansed of the skin disease. Then he shall pronounce him clean and release the live bird into the open field.

Leviticus 14:11
The priest who performs the cleansing shall present the one to be cleansed, together with these offerings, before the LORD at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting.

Luke 17:14
When Jesus saw them, He said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they were on their way, they were cleansed.
then he is clean

Leviticus 14:8-9
The one being cleansed must wash his clothes, shave off all his hair, and bathe with water; then he will be ceremonially clean. Afterward, he may enter the camp, but he must remain outside his tent for seven days. / On the seventh day he must shave off all his hair—his head, his beard, his eyebrows, and the rest of his hair. He must wash his clothes and bathe himself with water, and he will be clean.

Matthew 8:3
Jesus reached out His hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” He said. “Be clean!” And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.

Luke 5:13
Jesus reached out His hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” He said. “Be clean!” And immediately the leprosy left him.
Matthew 8:2-4
Suddenly a leper came and knelt before Him, saying, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.” / Jesus reached out His hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” He said. “Be clean!” And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. / Then Jesus instructed him, “See that you don’t tell anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the gift prescribed by Moses, as a testimony to them.”

Luke 17:12-14
As He entered one of the villages, He was met by ten lepers. They stood at a distance / and raised their voices, shouting, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” / When Jesus saw them, He said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they were on their way, they were cleansed.

Mark 1:40-44
Then a leper came to Jesus, begging on his knees: “If You are willing, You can make me clean.” / Moved with compassion, Jesus reached out His hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” He said. “Be clean!” / And immediately the leprosy left him, and the man was cleansed. …

2 Kings 5:14
So Naaman went down and dipped himself in the Jordan seven times, according to the word of the man of God, and his flesh was restored and became like that of a little child, and he was clean.


Treasury of Scripture

And the priest shall see him: and, behold, if the plague be turned into white; then the priest shall pronounce him clean that has the plague: he is clean.

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Clean Disease Diseased Examine Free Infected Infection Plague Pronounce Pronounced Sore Sores Turned White
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Leviticus 13
1. The laws whereby the priest is to be guided in discerning the leprosy.












The priest will reexamine him
In ancient Israel, priests served not only as religious leaders but also as health inspectors. This role highlights the integration of spiritual and physical well-being in the community. The priest's reexamination signifies a thorough and careful process, ensuring that the person is truly healed. This reflects the importance of discernment and careful judgment in leadership roles.

and if the infection has turned white
The change in color of the infection was a key indicator of healing. White often symbolizes purity and cleansing in biblical texts. This transformation can be seen as a metaphor for spiritual renewal and forgiveness, where sin, once red like scarlet, becomes white as snow (Isaiah 1:18).

the priest is to pronounce the infected person clean
The pronouncement of cleanliness by the priest was crucial for the individual's reintegration into the community. This act underscores the authority of the priesthood and the importance of communal acceptance. It also prefigures the role of Jesus as the ultimate high priest who declares believers clean from sin (Hebrews 4:14-16).

then he is clean
The declaration of cleanliness is both a physical and spiritual restoration. It signifies the end of isolation and the beginning of a new life within the community. This mirrors the Christian concept of salvation, where believers are made clean through Christ's sacrifice, allowing them to enter into fellowship with God and the church (1 John 1:7).

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Priest
In ancient Israel, priests served as mediators between God and the people, performing religious rituals and making judgments on matters of ceremonial cleanliness.

2. The Infected Person
This refers to an individual who has been afflicted with a skin disease, which in the context of Leviticus, could be leprosy or another condition that required examination by a priest.

3. The Examination
A process conducted by the priest to determine the state of the skin disease and whether the person could be declared clean or unclean.

4. Ceremonial Cleanliness
A state required for participation in community and religious life in Israel, symbolizing spiritual purity and separation from sin.

5. The Camp of Israel
The community setting where the Israelites lived, which required maintaining purity to ensure God's presence among them.
Teaching Points
Role of the Priest
The priest acts as a mediator, reflecting Christ's role as our ultimate High Priest who intercedes for us and declares us clean from sin.

Symbolism of Cleanliness
Ceremonial cleanliness in the Old Testament symbolizes spiritual purity. As believers, we are called to pursue holiness and purity in our lives.

Community and Restoration
The declaration of cleanliness allowed individuals to rejoin the community, illustrating the importance of restoration and reconciliation in the body of Christ.

God's Provision for Healing
The process outlined in Leviticus shows God's care for both physical and spiritual well-being, reminding us of His provision for healing and wholeness.

Faith and Obedience
The requirement for the infected person to present themselves to the priest demonstrates faith and obedience, principles that are vital in our walk with God.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Leviticus 13:17?

2. How does Leviticus 13:17 demonstrate God's concern for physical and spiritual purity?

3. What role does the priest play in determining cleanliness in Leviticus 13:17?

4. How can we apply the principles of discernment from Leviticus 13:17 today?

5. How does Leviticus 13:17 connect to Jesus' healing ministry in the New Testament?

6. What does Leviticus 13:17 teach about community responsibility in maintaining holiness?

7. How does Leviticus 13:17 reflect God's view on purity and cleanliness?

8. What historical context influenced the laws in Leviticus 13:17?

9. How does Leviticus 13:17 relate to modern medical practices?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Leviticus 13?

11. What lessons does the Mosaic Law teach us?

12. What historical or medical evidence supports the ten lepers' instantaneous healing (Luke 17:11-19)?

13. Does commanding people with suspicious spots to remain quarantined align with modern understandings of infectious diseases (Leviticus 13:4-5)?

14. What is the Bible's perspective on healthcare?
What Does Leviticus 13:17 Mean
Reexamination by the priest

“The priest will reexamine him…” (Leviticus 13:17).

• God literally assigned priests the task of inspecting skin diseases, underscoring that holiness touches everyday health (Leviticus 13:1-3; 14:2-3).

• A second look shows God’s patience: healing is verified, not assumed. Jesus, our perfect High Priest, likewise examines hearts (Hebrews 4:14-16).

• Faithful submission to God-given authority opens the door to restoration (Romans 13:1-2).


Evidence of healing

“…and if the infection has turned white…”

• In this context, whiteness signaled the disease was no longer active; the body had pushed it outward.

Isaiah 1:18 pictures sin’s removal: “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow,” echoing this visible sign of cleansing.

• Physical change mirrors spiritual change: when Christ heals, evidence follows (Mark 1:41-44).


Declaration of cleansing

“…the priest is to pronounce the infected person clean…”

• The pronouncement was not magic but an authoritative confirmation of what God had done.

Luke 17:14—Jesus told ten lepers, “Go, show yourselves to the priests,” honoring this very procedure.

• Pronouncing clean restored the sufferer to worship and community life (Numbers 19:17-19).


Restored status

“…then he is clean.”

• The sentence is short yet life-altering: isolation ends (contrast Leviticus 13:46).

• Spiritually, Christ’s word brings the same finality: “You are clean because of the word I have spoken to you” (John 15:3).

1 John 1:9 promises the same certainty—He “is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”


summary

Leviticus 13:17 shows God’s orderly, compassionate path from sickness to wholeness: examination, evidence, declaration, and restoration. The verse points beyond ancient ceremony to Christ, who inspects our hearts, provides unmistakable signs of new life, declares us clean by His authority, and welcomes us back into full fellowship.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
The priest
הַכֹּהֵ֔ן (hak·kō·hên)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3548: Priest

will examine him,
וְרָאָ֙הוּ֙ (wə·rā·’ā·hū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine singular
Strong's 7200: To see

and if
וְהִנֵּ֛ה (wə·hin·nêh)
Conjunctive waw | Interjection
Strong's 2009: Lo! behold!

the infection
הַנֶּ֖גַע (han·ne·ḡa‘)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5061: Mark -- a blow, a spot

has turned
נֶהְפַּ֥ךְ (neh·paḵ)
Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 2015: To turn about, over, to change, overturn, return, pervert

white,
לְלָבָ֑ן (lə·lā·ḇān)
Preposition-l | Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 3836: White

the priest
הַכֹּהֵ֛ן (hak·kō·hên)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3548: Priest

is to pronounce the infected person
הַנֶּ֖גַע (han·ne·ḡa‘)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5061: Mark -- a blow, a spot

clean;
וְטִהַ֧ר (wə·ṭi·har)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 2891: To be clean or pure

then he
הֽוּא׃ (hū)
Pronoun - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are

is clean.
טָה֥וֹר (ṭā·hō·wr)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 2889: Clean, pure


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OT Law: Leviticus 13:17 And the priest shall examine him (Le Lv Lev.)
Leviticus 13:16
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