Leviticus 13:22

If it spreads any further on the skin, the priest must pronounce him unclean; it is an infection.

Study Bible

If it spreads in the skin
The Hebrew word for "spreads" is "פָּשָׂה" (pasa), which implies an outward movement or expansion. In the context of Leviticus, this spreading is a sign of impurity or disease, specifically a skin disease that could be contagious. The skin, "עוֹר" (or), is the body's largest organ and serves as a protective barrier. In ancient Israel, the health of the skin was a visible indicator of one's overall health and ritual purity. The spreading of a disease in the skin symbolized the pervasive nature of sin and impurity, which could affect the community if not addressed.

the priest must pronounce him unclean
The role of the priest, "כֹּהֵן" (kohen), was not only to lead in worship but also to act as a health inspector and judge of ritual purity. The declaration of someone as "unclean," "טָמֵא" (tamei), was a serious matter, as it affected the individual's ability to participate in community and worship activities. This pronouncement was not merely a medical diagnosis but a spiritual and communal one, emphasizing the need for holiness and separation from anything that could defile the community.

it is an infection
The term "infection" here is translated from "נֶגַע" (nega), which can mean a plague, mark, or spot. In the Levitical context, an infection was not just a physical ailment but a symbol of spiritual impurity. The presence of an infection required careful examination and, if necessary, isolation to prevent the spread of impurity. This reflects the broader biblical theme of the need for purity and the removal of sin, which can spread and corrupt if left unchecked.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Priest
In ancient Israel, priests were responsible for maintaining the holiness of the community, including diagnosing and managing skin diseases as described in Leviticus 13.

2. Person with Skin Disease
The individual who is being examined by the priest for signs of spreading disease, which could render them ceremonially unclean.

3. Israelite Community
The broader community that is affected by the laws of cleanliness and uncleanliness, which are crucial for maintaining communal holiness and health.

4. Tabernacle
The central place of worship for the Israelites, where the presence of God dwelled and where ceremonial cleanliness was essential.

5. Levitical Law
The body of laws given to the Israelites, including those concerning cleanliness, which were intended to set them apart as God's holy people.

Teaching Points

Holiness and Community Health
The laws in Leviticus emphasize the importance of holiness and the health of the community. They remind us that our actions and conditions can affect those around us.

Role of Spiritual Leadership
The priest's role in diagnosing and declaring someone clean or unclean underscores the importance of spiritual leadership in guiding and maintaining the spiritual health of the community.

Spiritual Contagion
Just as physical diseases can spread, so can spiritual and moral corruption. We must be vigilant in our spiritual lives to prevent sin from spreading within us and our communities.

Restoration and Redemption
The process of being declared clean again points to the hope of restoration and redemption, which is fully realized in Christ, who cleanses us from all unrighteousness.

Personal Reflection and Examination
This passage encourages us to examine our own lives for areas of spiritual "disease" and to seek God's cleansing and healing.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the role of the priest in Leviticus 13:22 reflect the responsibilities of spiritual leaders today?

2. In what ways can we apply the principles of cleanliness and holiness from Leviticus to our modern lives?

3. How does the concept of spiritual contagion challenge us to guard our hearts and communities against sin?

4. What parallels can we draw between the cleansing rituals in Leviticus and the redemptive work of Christ in the New Testament?

5. How can we actively seek restoration and healing in our spiritual lives, and what role does community play in this process?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 14
This chapter provides the procedures for cleansing a person who has been healed of a skin disease, highlighting the importance of restoration and reintegration into the community.

Matthew 8:1-4
Jesus heals a man with leprosy, demonstrating His authority over disease and His willingness to make the unclean clean, fulfilling the law with compassion.

1 Peter 1:15-16
Calls believers to be holy as God is holy, reflecting the underlying principle of the Levitical laws concerning cleanliness.