Leviticus 13:40

Authorized King James Version

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And the man whose hair is fallen off his head, he is bald; yet is he clean.

Original Language Analysis

וְאִ֕ישׁ And the man H376
וְאִ֕ישׁ And the man
Strong's: H376
Word #: 1 of 8
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
כִּ֥י H3588
כִּ֥י
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 2 of 8
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יִמָּרֵ֖ט whose hair is fallen H4803
יִמָּרֵ֖ט whose hair is fallen
Strong's: H4803
Word #: 3 of 8
to polish; by implication, to make bald (the head), to gall (the shoulder); also, to sharpen
רֹאשׁ֑וֹ off his head H7218
רֹאשׁ֑וֹ off his head
Strong's: H7218
Word #: 4 of 8
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
קֵרֵ֥חַ he is bald H7142
קֵרֵ֥חַ he is bald
Strong's: H7142
Word #: 5 of 8
bald (on the back of the head)
ה֖וּא H1931
ה֖וּא
Strong's: H1931
Word #: 6 of 8
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
טָה֥וֹר yet is he clean H2889
טָה֥וֹר yet is he clean
Strong's: H2889
Word #: 7 of 8
pure (in a physical, chemical, ceremonial or moral sense)
הֽוּא׃ H1931
הֽוּא׃
Strong's: H1931
Word #: 8 of 8
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

Analysis & Commentary

And the man whose hair is fallen off his head, he is bald; yet is he clean.

This verse falls within the section on Diagnosing Skin Diseases. Detailed procedures for priests to diagnose skin diseases (צָרַעַת, tzaraat), often translated 'leprosy' but covering various conditions.

Ritual purity laws taught Israel to distinguish between clean and unclean, holy and common, training them in discernment and reverence for God's presence.
Hebrews 9-10 explains how Christ's once-for-all sacrifice supersedes the repeated Levitical offerings, providing permanent cleansing from sin.

Historical Context

Detailed procedures for priests to diagnose skin diseases (צָרַעַת, tzaraat), often translated 'leprosy' but covering various conditions. Chapters 11-15 address ritual purity, teaching Israel to distinguish clean from unclean. These laws served multiple purposes: promoting health, teaching spiritual lessons about sin's defilement, and separating Israel from pagan practices. Archaeological evidence shows Canaanite worship involved practices Israel's laws explicitly prohibited. Israel received these laws while encamped at Sinai, before entering Canaan. The laws prepared them for life in the promised land, distinguishing them from Canaanite practices and establishing their identity as God's holy nation. The portable tabernacle, central to Levitical worship, accompanied them through wilderness wanderings and eventually found permanent form in Solomon's temple. Ancient sacrificial texts from cultures surrounding Israel demonstrate the widespread practice of animal sacrifice, but Israel's system uniquely emphasized moral atonement over magical efficacy.

Questions for Reflection

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