Leviticus 13:41

Or if his hairline recedes and he is bald on his forehead, he is still clean.

Study Bible

If his hair falls out
The Hebrew root for "falls out" is "נָשַׁל" (nashal), which conveys the idea of something being removed or shed. In the context of Leviticus, this phrase addresses a natural condition rather than a disease. The loss of hair is a common human experience, and here it is treated with a sense of normalcy. This reflects the broader biblical theme that not all physical conditions are indicative of impurity or sin. It is a reminder of the natural processes of life and the acceptance of aging and change as part of God's creation.

from his forehead
The forehead, or "מֵצַח" (metzach) in Hebrew, is often symbolically significant in the Bible, representing the face or the front of the head. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the forehead could symbolize identity and character. The mention of the forehead specifically highlights the visibility of the condition, as the forehead is a prominent and noticeable part of the body. This visibility might have social implications, as physical appearance often influenced social interactions and perceptions in biblical times.

he is bald on the forehead
The term "bald" here is "קֵרֵחַ" (qereach) in Hebrew, which simply describes the absence of hair. In the ancient world, baldness could be seen as a mark of age or wisdom, but it could also be misunderstood as a sign of disease. The specificity of "on the forehead" indicates a localized condition, distinguishing it from more generalized skin diseases that the priests were trained to diagnose. This distinction is crucial in the Levitical laws, which aim to differentiate between conditions that require isolation and those that do not.

but he is clean
The declaration of being "clean" is significant in the Levitical context, where cleanliness is not just about physical hygiene but also about ritual purity. The Hebrew word "טָהוֹר" (tahor) means pure or clean, and it is used to describe a state of being that allows a person to participate fully in the community and in worship. This pronouncement reassures the individual and the community that baldness, in this case, does not carry any ritual impurity. It emphasizes God's understanding and compassion, recognizing the difference between natural conditions and those that require separation for the sake of communal health and holiness.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The author of Leviticus, who received the laws from God to instruct the Israelites.

2. Aaron
Moses' brother and the first high priest, who would have been responsible for implementing these laws among the Israelites.

3. Israelites
The people to whom these laws were given, living in the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt.

4. Priests
The religious leaders responsible for examining individuals and determining their cleanliness or uncleanliness according to the law.

5. Wilderness
The setting where the Israelites received the law, a place of testing and preparation before entering the Promised Land.

Teaching Points

Understanding Cleanliness
The concept of cleanliness in Leviticus is not just about physical health but also about spiritual purity and community integrity.

God's Holiness
These laws reflect God's holiness and the call for His people to be set apart, emphasizing the importance of living a life that honors God.

Compassion and Restoration
While the law distinguishes between clean and unclean, it also provides a path for restoration, pointing to God's desire for healing and reconciliation.

Inner vs. Outer Appearance
The focus on physical conditions like baldness reminds us that God is more concerned with the heart than outward appearances.

Community Responsibility
The role of the priests in examining and declaring cleanliness highlights the community's responsibility in maintaining holiness and supporting one another.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the concept of cleanliness in Leviticus 13:41 relate to our understanding of spiritual purity today?

2. In what ways can we apply the principles of holiness and being set apart in our daily lives?

3. How does the role of the priests in Leviticus inform our understanding of spiritual leadership and accountability in the church?

4. What lessons can we learn from the distinction between clean and unclean about God's character and His expectations for His people?

5. How can we balance the importance of outward actions and inner heart attitudes in our walk with God, as seen in the broader context of Leviticus and other scriptures?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 14
Discusses the cleansing process for those who were declared unclean, showing the importance of restoration and community.

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

1 Samuel 16
God's choice of David, emphasizing that God looks at the heart rather than outward appearances.

Matthew 8
Jesus' healing of a leper, demonstrating His authority over the law and His compassion for the unclean.

1 Corinthians 6
Paul’s teaching on the body as a temple, encouraging believers to maintain purity and holiness.