Leviticus 13:4
New International Version
If the shiny spot on the skin is white but does not appear to be more than skin deep and the hair in it has not turned white, the priest is to isolate the affected person for seven days.

New Living Translation
“But if the affected area of the skin is only a white discoloration and does not appear to be more than skin-deep, and if the hair on the spot has not turned white, the priest will quarantine the person for seven days.

English Standard Version
But if the spot is white in the skin of his body and appears no deeper than the skin, and the hair in it has not turned white, the priest shall shut up the diseased person for seven days.

Berean Standard Bible
If, however, the spot on his skin is white and does not appear to be deeper than the skin, and the hair in it has not turned white, the priest shall isolate the infected person for seven days.

King James Bible
If the bright spot be white in the skin of his flesh, and in sight be not deeper than the skin, and the hair thereof be not turned white; then the priest shall shut up him that hath the plague seven days:

New King James Version
But if the bright spot is white on the skin of his body, and does not appear to be deeper than the skin, and its hair has not turned white, then the priest shall isolate the one who has the sore seven days.

New American Standard Bible
But if the bright spot is white on the skin of his body, and it does not appear to be deeper than the skin, and the hair on it has not turned white, then the priest shall isolate the person who has the infection for seven days.

NASB 1995
“But if the bright spot is white on the skin of his body, and it does not appear to be deeper than the skin, and the hair on it has not turned white, then the priest shall isolate him who has the infection for seven days.

NASB 1977
“But if the bright spot is white on the skin of his body, and it does not appear to be deeper than the skin, and the hair on it has not turned white, then the priest shall isolate him who has the infection for seven days.

Legacy Standard Bible
But if the bright spot is white on the skin of his body, and it does not appear to be deeper than the skin, and the hair on it has not turned white, then the priest shall isolate him who has the infection for seven days.

Amplified Bible
If the bright spot is white on the skin of his body and does not appear to be deeper than the skin, and the hair on it has not turned white, the priest shall isolate the person who has the infection for seven days.

Christian Standard Bible
But if the spot on the skin of his body is white and does not appear to be deeper than the skin, and the hair in it has not turned white, the priest will quarantine the stricken person for seven days.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
But if the spot on the skin of his body is white and does not appear to be deeper than the skin, and the hair in it has not turned white, the priest must quarantine the infected person for seven days.

American Standard Version
And if the bright spot be white in the skin of his flesh, and the appearance thereof be not deeper than the skin, and the hair thereof be not turned white, then the priest shall shut up him that hath the plague seven days:

Contemporary English Version
But if the infected area is white and only skin deep, and if the hair in it hasn't turned white, the priest will order you to stay away from everyone else for seven days.

English Revised Version
And if the bright spot be white in the skin of his flesh, and the appearance thereof be not deeper than the skin, and the hair thereof be not turned white, then the priest shall shut up him that hath the plague seven days:

GOD'S WORD® Translation
But if the irritated area is white and does not look deeper than the rest of the skin, and the hair has not turned white, the priest must put him in isolation for seven days.

Good News Translation
But if the sore is white and does not appear to be deeper than the skin around it and the hairs have not turned white, the priest shall isolate you for seven days.

International Standard Version
"If the light spot in the skin of his body is white but the appearance of the skin rash isn't deeper than the skin of his body and its hair has not become white, then the priest is to isolate the one who is infected for seven days.

Majority Standard Bible
If, however, the spot on his skin is white and does not appear to be deeper than the skin, and the hair in it has not turned white, the priest shall isolate the infected person for seven days.

NET Bible
"If it is a white bright spot on the skin of his body, but it does not appear to be deeper than the skin, and the hair has not turned white, then the priest is to quarantine the person with the infection for seven days.

New Heart English Bible
If the bright spot is white in the skin of his body, and its appearance isn't deeper than the skin, and its hair hasn't turned white, then the priest shall isolate the infected person for seven days.

Webster's Bible Translation
If the bright spot is white in the skin of his flesh, and in sight, not deeper than the skin, and the hair of it not turned white; then the priest shall shut up him that hath the plague seven days:

World English Bible
If the bright spot is white in the skin of his body, and its appearance isn’t deeper than the skin, and its hair hasn’t turned white, then the priest shall isolate the infected person for seven days.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And if the bright spot is white in the skin of his flesh, and its appearance is not deeper than the skin, and its hair has not turned white, then the priest has shut up [him who has] the plague [for] seven days.

Young's Literal Translation
And if the bright spot is white in the skin of his flesh, and its appearance is not deeper than the skin, and its hair hath not turned white, then hath the priest shut up him who hath the plague seven days.

Smith's Literal Translation
And if the brightness it white in the skin of his flesh, and its sight not deep from the skin, and the hair not turned white; and the priest shut up the stroke seven days.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
But if there be a shining whiteness in the skin, and not lower than the other flesh, and the hair be of the former colour, the priest shall shut him up seven days.

Catholic Public Domain Version
But if there will be a shining whiteness in the skin, but it is not lower than the rest of the flesh, and the hair is of unaffected color, the priest shall seclude him for seven days.

New American Bible
If, however, the blotch on the skin is white, but does not seem to be deeper than the skin, nor has the hair turned white, the priest shall quarantine the afflicted person for seven days.

New Revised Standard Version
But if the spot is white in the skin of his body, and appears no deeper than the skin, and the hair in it has not turned white, the priest shall confine the diseased person for seven days.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And if the shiny spot be white on the skin of his body, but does not appear to be deeper than the skin, and the hair in it has not turned white; then the priest shall observe the disease for seven days;

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And if the shiny spots are white in the skin of his flesh and they are deep and it is not apparent from the skin and the hair is not changed to white, the Priest shall seclude the sore seven days:
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And if the bright spot be white in the skin of his flesh, and the appearance thereof be not deeper than the skin, and the hair thereof be not turned white, then the priest shall shut up him that hath the plague seven days.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
But if the spot be clear and white in the skin of his flesh, yet the appearance of it be not deep below the skin, and its hair have not changed itself for white hair, but it is dark, then the priest shall separate him that has the spot seven days;

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Laws about Skin Diseases
3The priest is to examine the infection on his skin, and if the hair in the infection has turned white and the sore appears to be deeper than the skin, it is a skin disease. After the priest examines him, he must pronounce him unclean. 4If, however, the spot on his skin is white and does not appear to be deeper than the skin, and the hair in it has not turned white, the priest shall isolate the infected person for seven days. 5On the seventh day the priest is to reexamine him, and if he sees that the infection is unchanged and has not spread on the skin, the priest must isolate him for another seven days.…

Cross References
Matthew 8:2-4
Suddenly a leper came and knelt before Him, saying, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.” / Jesus reached out His hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” He said. “Be clean!” And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. / Then Jesus instructed him, “See that you don’t tell anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the gift prescribed by Moses, as a testimony to them.”

Luke 5:12-14
While Jesus was in one of the towns, a man came along who was covered with leprosy. When he saw Jesus, he fell facedown and begged Him, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.” / Jesus reached out His hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” He said. “Be clean!” And immediately the leprosy left him. / “Do not tell anyone,” Jesus instructed him. “But go, show yourself to the priest and present the offering Moses prescribed for your cleansing, as a testimony to them.”

Mark 1:40-44
Then a leper came to Jesus, begging on his knees: “If You are willing, You can make me clean.” / Moved with compassion, Jesus reached out His hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” He said. “Be clean!” / And immediately the leprosy left him, and the man was cleansed. ...

Luke 17:12-14
As He entered one of the villages, He was met by ten lepers. They stood at a distance / and raised their voices, shouting, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” / When Jesus saw them, He said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they were on their way, they were cleansed.

Matthew 10:8
Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.

2 Kings 5:1-14
Now Naaman, the commander of the army of the king of Aram, was a great man in his master’s sight and highly regarded, for through him the LORD had given victory to Aram. And he was a mighty man of valor, but he was a leper. / At this time the Arameans had gone out in bands and had taken a young girl from the land of Israel, and she was serving Naaman’s wife. / She said to her mistress, “If only my master would go to the prophet who is in Samaria, he would cure him of his leprosy.” ...

Numbers 12:10-15
As the cloud lifted from above the Tent, suddenly Miriam became leprous, white as snow. Aaron turned toward her, saw that she was leprous, / and said to Moses, “My lord, please do not hold against us this sin we have so foolishly committed. / Please do not let her be like a stillborn infant whose flesh is half consumed when he comes out of his mother’s womb.” ...

2 Chronicles 26:19-21
Uzziah, with a censer in his hand to offer incense, was enraged. But while he raged against the priests in their presence in the house of the LORD before the altar of incense, leprosy broke out on his forehead. / When Azariah the chief priest and all the priests turned to him and saw his leprous forehead, they rushed him out. Indeed, he himself hurried to get out, because the LORD had afflicted him. / So King Uzziah was a leper until the day of his death. He lived in isolation, leprous and cut off from the house of the LORD, while his son Jotham had charge of the royal palace and governed the people of the land.

Deuteronomy 24:8
In cases of infectious skin diseases, be careful to diligently follow everything the Levitical priests instruct you. Be careful to do as I have commanded them.

Isaiah 1:6
From the sole of your foot to the top of your head, there is no soundness—only wounds and welts and festering sores neither cleansed nor bandaged nor soothed with oil.

Isaiah 53:4
Surely He took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows; yet we considered Him stricken, struck down by God, and afflicted.

Matthew 11:5
The blind receive sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor.

Luke 7:22
So He replied, “Go back and report to John what you have seen and heard: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor.

Mark 14:3
While Jesus was in Bethany reclining at the table in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke open the jar and poured it on Jesus’ head.

John 9:6-7
When Jesus had said this, He spit on the ground, made some mud, and applied it to the man’s eyes. / Then He told him, “Go, wash in the Pool of Siloam” (which means “Sent”). So the man went and washed, and came back seeing.


Treasury of Scripture

If the bright spot be white in the skin of his flesh, and in sight be not deeper than the skin, and the hair thereof be not turned white; then the priest shall shut up him that has the plague seven days:

shut up

Numbers 12:15
And Miriam was shut out from the camp seven days: and the people journeyed not till Miriam was brought in again.

Deuteronomy 13:14
Then shalt thou inquire, and make search, and ask diligently; and, behold, if it be truth, and the thing certain, that such abomination is wrought among you;

Ezekiel 44:10
And the Levites that are gone away far from me, when Israel went astray, which went astray away from me after their idols; they shall even bear their iniquity.

Jump to Previous
Appear Appearance Appears Body Deep Deeper Diseased Flesh Hair Hasn't Infected Infection Isolate Isolation Mark Plague Priest Seem Seven Shut Sight Skin Sore Spot Thereof Turned White
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Appear Appearance Appears Body Deep Deeper Diseased Flesh Hair Hasn't Infected Infection Isolate Isolation Mark Plague Priest Seem Seven Shut Sight Skin Sore Spot Thereof Turned White
Leviticus 13
1. The laws whereby the priest is to be guided in discerning the leprosy.














But if the spot on his skin is white
The Hebrew word for "spot" is נֶגַע (nega), which can mean a plague, mark, or blemish. In the context of Leviticus, it refers to a physical manifestation that could indicate a deeper spiritual or physical impurity. The color "white" (לָבָן, laban) is significant in biblical symbolism, often representing purity or holiness. However, in this context, it is a diagnostic feature for the priest to consider. The skin (עוֹר, 'or) is the outermost layer, symbolizing the visible aspect of a person's life, which can reflect inner spiritual conditions.

and does not appear to be deeper than the skin
This phrase indicates a superficial condition, suggesting that the affliction has not penetrated beyond the surface. The Hebrew word for "deeper" (עָמֹק, amoq) implies depth or intensity. In a spiritual sense, this can be seen as a metaphor for sin or impurity that has not taken root in the heart. The priest's role is to discern whether the condition is merely external or indicative of a deeper issue.

and the hair in it has not turned white
Hair turning white (שֵׂעָר, se'ar) within the spot is a critical diagnostic sign. In ancient Israel, white hair within a lesion was considered a sign of leprosy, a serious condition. The absence of white hair suggests that the condition may not be severe. This detail underscores the importance of careful observation and discernment in spiritual leadership, as the priest must make a judgment based on visible evidence.

the priest shall isolate the infected person for seven days
The priest (כֹּהֵן, kohen) serves as a mediator between God and the people, responsible for maintaining the community's purity. Isolation (סָגַר, sagar) is a protective measure, both for the individual and the community, allowing time for the condition to be observed without spreading potential impurity. The number "seven" (שֶׁבַע, sheva) is significant in biblical numerology, often representing completeness or divine perfection. This period of isolation reflects God's grace, providing an opportunity for healing and restoration.

(4) If the bright spot be white.--But if upon inspection there merely appeared a white spot in the skin, and the above named two symptoms were absent, the case was not to be decided.

Then the priest shall shut up him that hath the plague.--The individual thus suspected was to be separated from the rest of the community for seven days, during which time it would be seen whether it actually developed itself into this disorder. According to the canons which obtained during the second Temple, if a bridegroom was seized with this distemper he could not be shut up during the nuptial week. It will be seen that the words "him that hath" are in italics, thus indicating that they are not in the text; but "plague" here, as we have seen in Leviticus 13:3, denotes plagued person.

Verses 4-8. - In case the symptoms are not decisive, then the priest shall shut up him that hath the plague seven days. The words thus translated would perhaps be better rendered, then the priest shall bind up the part affected for seven days. The priest is to delay his judgment for a week, and, if necessary, for a second week, during which period the patient is, according to the rendering, either to be confined to his house or, more probably, to have the spot bandaged. Whether the disease be or be not leprosy will probably have declared itself by the end of that time; and if the plague be somewhat dark on the fourteenth day, that is, if it has begun to lose its colour and to fade away, and has not spread in the skin, the priest is to decide that it is not real leprosy, and pronounce the man clean. He is still, however, to be kept under supervision, and if the spot is found to spread, he is to be pronounced unclean, as it is proved to be a leprosy.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
If, however,
וְאִם־ (wə·’im-)
Conjunctive waw | Conjunction
Strong's 518: Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not

the spot
בַּהֶרֶת֩ (ba·he·reṯ)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 934: A whitish spot on the skin

on his skin
בְּע֣וֹר (bə·‘ō·wr)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 5785: Skin, hide, leather

is white
לְבָנָ֨ה (lə·ḇā·nāh)
Adjective - feminine singular
Strong's 3836: White

and does not
אֵין־ (’ên-)
Adverb
Strong's 369: A non-entity, a negative particle

appear
מַרְאֶ֣הָ (mar·’e·hā)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person feminine singular
Strong's 4758: Sight, appearance, vision

to be deeper
וְעָמֹק֙ (wə·‘ā·mōq)
Conjunctive waw | Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 6013: Deep

than
מִן־ (min-)
Preposition
Strong's 4480: A part of, from, out of

the skin,
הָע֔וֹר (hā·‘ō·wr)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5785: Skin, hide, leather

and the hair in it
וּשְׂעָרָ֖ה (ū·śə·‘ā·rāh)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person feminine singular
Strong's 8181: Hair

has not
לֹא־ (lō-)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

turned
הָפַ֣ךְ (hā·p̄aḵ)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 2015: To turn about, over, to change, overturn, return, pervert

white,
לָבָ֑ן (lā·ḇān)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 3836: White

the priest
הַכֹּהֵ֛ן (hak·kō·hên)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3548: Priest

shall quarantine
וְהִסְגִּ֧יר (wə·his·gîr)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5462: To shut up, to surrender

the infected person
הַנֶּ֖גַע (han·ne·ḡa‘)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5061: Mark -- a blow, a spot

for seven
שִׁבְעַ֥ת (šiḇ·‘aṯ)
Number - masculine singular construct
Strong's 7651: Seven, seven times, a week, an indefinite number

days.
יָמִֽים׃ (yā·mîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 3117: A day


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OT Law: Leviticus 13:4 If the bright spot is white (Le Lv Lev.)
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