Definition: But if the priest look on it, and, behold, [there be] no white hair in the bright spot, and it [be] no lower than the [other] skin, but [be] somewhat dark; then the priest shall shut him up seven days:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Leviticus 13:26. It’s a really interesting and slightly unsettling verse about how to handle a person who has been ritually cleansed as a sacrifice. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Situation: Imagine a young man, a boy, is being purified – cleansed – as a sacrifice. This isn’t just a normal cleansing; it’s a special ritual with specific rules. Let’s unpack the details: “But if the priest look on it…” - The priest is observing this person closely. “…and, behold, [there be] no white hair in the bright spot…” – This is the key part. The priest notices that there's no white hair in a particular area of their skin. White hair is a sign of youth and vitality. “And it [be] no lower than the [other] skin…” - The priest also observes that this person’s skin isn’t significantly darker than the rest of their body. It's not noticeably paler or sunken. “…but [be] somewhat dark; then the priest shall shut him up seven days:” – Because of these observations, the priest decides to keep the person under strict control for a period of seven days. What’s the Point? The verse is essentially saying: "If you see this person looking healthy and normal, and they don't have any signs of aging or significant difference in their skin tone, then you should treat them as a sacrifice." Why was this rule established? This rule was created to ensure the purity of the offering. The priests needed to be absolutely certain that the sacrifice wasn’t a deception – that the person wasn't being tricked into looking healthy. The verse is a way for God to confirm that the offering was genuine and not a false representation. Important Note: This passage is often interpreted with a bit of a moral caution. It highlights the importance of honesty and verification in religious rituals. --- Do you want me to: Explain a specific part in more detail? Connect this verse to other Bible stories or themes? Give you a historical context for when this passage was written?