Leviticus 13 explained: Checking Skin Disease and Mold

First signs and waiting (vv. 1-8)

The Hebrew word often translated 'leprosy' covered various skin conditions and was not the same as modern leprosy. If a sore was unclear, the priest checked its depth, hair color and spread over one or two weeks before deciding whether the person was 'unclean', meaning barred from worship and normal community life.

Clear cases and a puzzle (vv. 9-17)

Raw, open flesh in a swelling settled the matter at once, with no waiting period. Oddly, a condition that turned the whole body white was declared clean, and scholars are unsure why, though one common view is that it had run its course.

Boils, burns and scalp sores (vv. 18-37)

The same tests of depth, spreading and hair color were used on healed boils, burns, and sores on the head or chin. Dark hair growing back in a scalp sore was taken as a sign it had healed.

Harmless spots and baldness (vv. 38-44)

Dull white spots and ordinary baldness were declared clean, so common conditions did not exclude anyone. Only a reddish white sore on a bald patch counted as the defiling disease.

Living apart (vv. 45-46)

Torn clothes, loose hair and a covered face were mourning signs, and the cry 'Unclean!' told others to keep their distance, so the person lived outside the camp for as long as the condition lasted. Christians have often read this alongside the Gospel stories of Jesus touching and cleansing people in exactly this situation.

Mold in cloth and leather (vv. 47-59)

The same Hebrew term is used for mold or mildew in wool, linen and leather, so the concern reached beyond the human body. The priest set the item aside and then had it washed, cut out the stained part, or burned it if the mold kept spreading.

Key verse: Leviticus 13:46

Where Christians differ

Christians differ on whether this chapter is mainly a picture of sin and spiritual uncleanness, or mainly a ritual law about wholeness and being fit to come near God's presence, with any health benefit a side matter.

Something to think about

What do you imagine it would be like to be cut off from normal life because of something about your body that you did not choose?