Leviticus 13:2

Authorized King James Version

When a man shall have in the skin of his flesh a rising, a scab, or bright spot, and it be in the skin of his flesh like the plague of leprosy; then he shall be brought unto Aaron the priest, or unto one of his sons the priests:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אָדָ֗ם
When a man
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
#2
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#3
יִהְיֶ֤ה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#4
בְעוֹר
and it be in the skin
skin (as naked); by implication, hide, leather
#5
בְּשָׂר֖וֹ
of his flesh
flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man
#6
שְׂאֵ֤ת
a rising
an elevation or leprous scab; figuratively, elation or cheerfulness; exaltation in rank or character
#7
אֽוֹ
desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if
#8
סַפַּ֙חַת֙
a scab
the mange (as making the hair fall off)
#9
א֣וֹ
desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if
#10
בַהֶ֔רֶת
or bright spot
a whitish spot on the skin
#11
וְהָיָ֥ה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#12
בְעוֹר
and it be in the skin
skin (as naked); by implication, hide, leather
#13
בְּשָׂר֖וֹ
of his flesh
flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man
#14
לְנֶ֣גַע
like the plague
a blow (figuratively, infliction); also (by implication) a spot (concretely, a leprous person or dress)
#15
צָרָ֑עַת
of leprosy
leprosy
#16
וְהוּבָא֙
then he shall be brought
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#17
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#18
אַֽהֲרֹ֣ן
unto Aaron
aharon, the brother of moses
#19
הַכֹּֽהֲנִֽים׃
the priest
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
#20
א֛וֹ
desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if
#21
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#22
אַחַ֥ד
or unto one
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
#23
מִבָּנָ֖יו
of his sons
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#24
הַכֹּֽהֲנִֽים׃
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 simile or metaphorical language. 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

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Leviticus Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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