Leviticus 13:12

Authorized King James Version

And if a leprosy break out abroad in the skin, and the leprosy cover all the skin of him that hath the plague from his head even to his foot, wheresoever the priest looketh;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְאִם
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
#2
תִּפְרַ֤ח
abroad
to break forth as a bud, i.e., bloom; generally, to spread; specifically, to fly (as extending the wings); figuratively, to flourish
#3
תִּפְרַ֤ח
abroad
to break forth as a bud, i.e., bloom; generally, to spread; specifically, to fly (as extending the wings); figuratively, to flourish
#4
הַצָּרַ֗עַת
And if a leprosy
leprosy
#5
ע֣וֹר
all the skin
skin (as naked); by implication, hide, leather
#6
וְכִסְּתָ֣ה
cover
properly, to plump, i.e., fill up hollows; by implication, to cover (for clothing or secrecy)
#7
הַצָּרַ֗עַת
And if a leprosy
leprosy
#8
אֵ֚ת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#9
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#10
ע֣וֹר
all the skin
skin (as naked); by implication, hide, leather
#11
הַנֶּ֔גַע
of him that hath the plague
a blow (figuratively, infliction); also (by implication) a spot (concretely, a leprous person or dress)
#12
מֵֽרֹאשׁ֖וֹ
from his head
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
#13
וְעַד
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#14
רַגְלָ֑יו
even to his foot
a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda
#15
לְכָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#16
מַרְאֵ֖ה
looketh
a view (the act of seeing); also an appearance (the thing seen), whether (real) a shape (especially if handsome, comeliness; often plural the looks),
#17
עֵינֵ֥י
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
#18
הַכֹּהֵֽן׃
wheresoever the priest
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Leviticus, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Leviticus.

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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