Leviticus 13:10

Authorized King James Version

And the priest shall see him: and, behold, if the rising be white in the skin, and it have turned the hair white, and there be quick raw flesh in the rising;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְרָאָ֣ה
shall see
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#2
הַכֹּהֵ֗ן
And the priest
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
#3
וְהִנֵּ֤ה
lo!
#4
בַּשְׂאֵֽת׃
him and behold if the rising
an elevation or leprous scab; figuratively, elation or cheerfulness; exaltation in rank or character
#5
לָבָ֑ן
be white
white
#6
בָּע֔וֹר
in the skin
skin (as naked); by implication, hide, leather
#7
וְהִ֕יא
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#8
הָֽפְכָ֖ה
and it have turned
to turn about or over; by implication, to change, overturn, return, pervert
#9
שֵׂעָ֣ר
the hair
hair (as if tossed or bristling)
#10
לָבָ֑ן
be white
white
#11
וּמִֽחְיַ֛ת
and there be quick
preservation of life; hence, sustenance; also the live flesh, i.e., the quick
#12
בָּשָׂ֥ר
flesh
flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man
#13
חַ֖י
raw
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
#14
בַּשְׂאֵֽת׃
him and behold if the rising
an elevation or leprous scab; figuratively, elation or cheerfulness; exaltation in rank or character

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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