Leviticus 13:3

Authorized King James Version

And the priest shall look on the plague in the skin of the flesh: and when the hair in the plague is turned white, and the plague in sight be deeper than the skin of his flesh, it is a plague of leprosy: and the priest shall look on him, and pronounce him unclean.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְרָאָ֥הוּ
shall look
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#2
הַכֹּהֵ֖ן
And the priest
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
#3
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#4
נֶ֥גַע
and the plague
a blow (figuratively, infliction); also (by implication) a spot (concretely, a leprous person or dress)
#5
מֵע֣וֹר
in the skin
skin (as naked); by implication, hide, leather
#6
בְּשָׂר֔וֹ
of his flesh
flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man
#7
וְשֵׂעָ֨ר
and when the hair
hair (as if tossed or bristling)
#8
נֶ֥גַע
and the plague
a blow (figuratively, infliction); also (by implication) a spot (concretely, a leprous person or dress)
#9
הָפַ֣ךְ׀
is turned
to turn about or over; by implication, to change, overturn, return, pervert
#10
לָבָ֗ן
white
white
#11
וּמַרְאֵ֤ה
in sight
a view (the act of seeing); also an appearance (the thing seen), whether (real) a shape (especially if handsome, comeliness; often plural the looks),
#12
נֶ֥גַע
and the plague
a blow (figuratively, infliction); also (by implication) a spot (concretely, a leprous person or dress)
#13
עָמֹק֙
be deeper
deep (literally or figuratively)
#14
מֵע֣וֹר
in the skin
skin (as naked); by implication, hide, leather
#15
בְּשָׂר֔וֹ
of his flesh
flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man
#16
נֶ֥גַע
and the plague
a blow (figuratively, infliction); also (by implication) a spot (concretely, a leprous person or dress)
#17
צָרַ֖עַת
of leprosy
leprosy
#18
ה֑וּא
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
#19
וְרָאָ֥הוּ
shall look
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#20
הַכֹּהֵ֖ן
And the priest
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
#21
וְטִמֵּ֥א
on him and pronounce him unclean
to be foul, especially in a ceremial or moral sense (contaminated)
#22
אֹתֽוֹ׃
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

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

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Study Resources