Leviticus 13:3

The priest is to examine the infection on his skin, and if the hair in the infection has turned white and the sore appears to be deeper than the skin, it is a skin disease. After the priest examines him, he must pronounce him unclean.

Study Bible

The priest
In ancient Israel, the priest held a significant role as a mediator between God and the people. The Hebrew word for priest is "kohen," which signifies someone who is set apart for sacred duties. The priest's involvement in examining skin diseases underscores the intertwining of physical and spiritual health in the community. The priest's role was not only to diagnose but also to guide the individual in spiritual and communal restoration.

is to examine
The Hebrew verb "ra'ah" means to see, look at, or inspect. This examination was thorough and careful, reflecting the seriousness of maintaining purity within the community. The priest's examination was both a physical and spiritual assessment, ensuring that the individual was either fit to remain in the community or needed to be set apart for healing.

the sore on his skin
The term "sore" refers to a visible affliction, often associated with leprosy in biblical times. The Hebrew word "nega" can mean a plague or stroke, indicating a condition that is more than skin-deep. Skin diseases were not only medical concerns but also carried social and religious implications, affecting one's ability to participate in communal worship.

and if the hair in the sore has turned white
The change in hair color was a key diagnostic feature. White hair in a sore indicated a deeper issue, possibly a sign of leprosy. This detail highlights the meticulous nature of the priestly examination, as even small changes were significant in determining the nature of the affliction.

and the appearance of the sore is deeper than the skin of his body
This phrase indicates that the disease penetrates beyond the surface, symbolizing a deeper impurity. In a spiritual sense, it reflects how sin can penetrate beyond outward actions into the heart. The priest's role was to discern these deeper issues, guiding the community in maintaining holiness.

it is a leprous infection
Leprosy, or "tzaraath" in Hebrew, was a term for various skin diseases, not just what is known today as Hansen's disease. It was considered a serious condition, often associated with spiritual impurity. The identification of leprosy required the individual to be set apart, emphasizing the need for purity and the community's protection from defilement.

When the priest examines him
The repetition of the priest's examination underscores the importance of careful discernment. The priest acted as a judge, determining the individual's status and the necessary steps for restoration. This process reflects the broader biblical theme of God's desire for His people to be holy and set apart.

he must pronounce him unclean
The declaration of uncleanness was not merely a medical diagnosis but a spiritual and communal one. Being pronounced unclean meant separation from the community and the need for purification. This highlights the biblical principle that sin and impurity require acknowledgment and cleansing before restoration can occur.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Priest
In ancient Israel, priests were responsible for religious duties and served as mediators between God and the people. They were tasked with examining skin diseases to determine ritual cleanliness.

2. The Sore
This refers to a physical affliction on the skin, which could potentially be a sign of leprosy, a serious and isolating disease in biblical times.

3. The Examination
A process conducted by the priest to determine the nature of the skin condition, which involved careful observation of specific symptoms.

4. Unclean Pronouncement
A declaration made by the priest if the sore met certain criteria, resulting in the affected person being considered ritually unclean.

5. Leprosy
A term used in the Bible to describe various skin diseases, not limited to what is known today as Hansen's disease.

Teaching Points

The Role of the Priest
Priests served as both spiritual and physical caretakers, highlighting the integration of faith and daily life.

Understanding Uncleanness
Ritual uncleanness was not just about physical health but also about maintaining holiness and purity before God.

The Importance of Community
The process of examination and pronouncement affected the individual's place in the community, underscoring the value of communal health and holiness.

Spiritual Examination
Just as the priest examined physical sores, believers are called to examine their hearts for spiritual impurities.

Christ as Our High Priest
Jesus, our ultimate High Priest, provides cleansing from sin, offering a deeper and eternal purification.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the role of the priest in Leviticus 13:3 reflect the responsibilities of spiritual leaders today?

2. In what ways does the concept of ritual uncleanness in Leviticus relate to the New Testament teachings on sin and purity?

3. How can the process of examination and pronouncement in Leviticus 13:3 be applied to our personal spiritual lives?

4. What lessons can we learn from Jesus' interactions with lepers in the Gospels that apply to how we treat those marginalized in society today?

5. How does understanding the cultural and religious context of Leviticus 13:3 enhance our appreciation of Jesus' role as our High Priest?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Numbers 12
The account of Miriam's leprosy highlights the seriousness of the disease and the need for divine intervention for healing.

Luke 17
Jesus' healing of the ten lepers demonstrates His authority over physical and spiritual uncleanness, emphasizing faith and gratitude.

Mark 1
Jesus' interaction with a leper shows His compassion and willingness to make the unclean clean, breaking social and religious barriers.