Leviticus 13:31

But if the priest examines the scaly infection and it does not appear to be deeper than the skin, and there is no black hair in it, the priest shall isolate the infected person for seven days.

Berean Standard Bible

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Study note

Setting — Moses conveys this directive to Aaron and the priests during the systematic protocol for diagnosing skin conditions. The moment occurs mid-routine when a priest evaluates a suspected scaly infection on the scalp or chin.

The words — The verb רָאָה (yir.'Eh) literally means "he will see" or "he will observe." The phrase נֶגַע הַנֶּתֶק (Ne.ga' ha.Netek) denotes "the plague of the scall," specifying the localized infection being assessed.

The thread — The seven-day isolation rule directly links to Leviticus 13:32, where the priest reexamines the same condition after the waiting period. The text establishes a procedural pattern where observation precedes any final ritual pronouncement.

Why it lands — The passage requires a delayed response that waits for observable changes before acting. It asks the reader to follow a strict, criteria-driven process that separates initial suspicion from confirmed ritual status.

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

And if the priest look on the plague of the scall, and, behold, it be not in sight deeper than the skin, and that there is no black hair in it; then the priest shall shut up him that hath the plague of the scall seven days: