Bible Strands
Leviticus 13:23
But if the spot remains unchanged and does not spread, it is only the scar from the boil, and the priest shall pronounce him clean.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Moses instructs the priests and Israelites on dermatological diagnostics, mid-routine for inspecting skin lesions. The verse functions as a conditional clause following the warning that spreading marks require an unclean pronouncement.
The words — תַּעֲמֹד (ta'amed) means "it will stay" or "remain stationary," and פָשְׂתָה (pashtah) means "it has spread." These verbs establish the diagnostic threshold between a healed scar and an active infection.
The thread — No direct thematic thread is supplied in the prompt. The listed cross-references (Galatians 6:1; Genesis 38:26; 2 Samuel 12:13) address unrelated topics of restoration, righteousness, and sin forgiveness.
Why it lands — The text demands precise observation before declaring ritual cleanliness. Readers must distinguish between a resolved condition and a progressing one, applying the priest's verdict without altering the visible evidence.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
But if the bright spot stay in his place, and spread not, it is a burning boil; and the priest shall pronounce him clean.
Cross-references
- Galatians 6:1 Brothers, if someone is caught in a trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him with a spirit of gentleness. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.
- Genesis 38:26 Judah recognized the items and said, “She is more righteous than I, since I did not give her to my son Shelah.” And he did not have relations with her again.
- 2 Samuel 12:13 Then David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the LORD.” “The LORD has taken away your sin,” Nathan replied. “You will not die.
- 2 Chronicles 19:2 Jehu son of Hanani the seer went out to confront him and said to King Jehoshaphat, “Should you help the wicked and love those who hate the LORD? Because of this, the wrath of the LORD is upon you.
- Job 34:31 Suppose someone says to God, ‘I have endured my punishment; I will offend no more.
- Job 40:4 “Behold, I am insignificant. How can I reply to You? I place my hand over my mouth.
- Proverbs 28:13 He who conceals his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy.
- Matthew 26:75 Then Peter remembered the word that Jesus had spoken: “Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” And he went outside and wept bitterly.
- 2 Corinthians 2:7 So instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow.
- 1 Peter 4:2 Consequently, he does not live out his remaining time on earth for human passions, but for the will of God.