Definition: And the priest shall look on the plague in the skin of the flesh: and [when] the hair in the plague is turned white, and the plague in sight [be] deeper than the skin of his flesh, it [is] a plague of leprosy: and the priest shall look on him, and pronounce him unclean.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Leviticus 13:3. It's a really important and somewhat unsettling passage about dealing with illness and spiritual impurity. Here’s a simple explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a situation where a person who is sick becomes a plague – meaning they are infected with a disease that can spread to others. It’s essentially a way for God to punish those who aren't clean on the inside. Let's unpack it word by word: “And the priest shall look on the plague in the skin of the flesh:” This means the priest is to directly observe someone who is sick and experiencing symptoms. It’s a very close, personal examination. “…and [when] the hair in the plague is turned white, and the plague in sight [be] deeper than the skin of his flesh…” This is the crucial part. It describes a transformation . When the person's hair turns white (which is often associated with leprosy), it signifies that the infection is becoming more severe. The "plague in sight" means it’s growing and spreading faster. “it [is] a plague of leprosy:” This is a direct statement – this is a disease of God, and it's a sickness that will cause harm. “…and the priest shall look on him, and pronounce him unclean.” The priest is tasked with examining the person closely and declaring them “unclean” – meaning they are not fit to participate in religious activities or be considered holy. In simpler terms: This verse describes a situation where someone becomes infected with a disease that causes visible symptoms (like white hair). The priest's job is to examine this person closely, noticing the worsening of the illness, and declaring them “unclean” – essentially, not fit for worship or religious duties. Why is this important in the Bible? This passage highlights several key themes: God’s Judgment: It shows that God sees all people as impure and needs to punish those who are not clean on their spiritual side. The Importance of Holiness: It underscores the idea that true holiness comes from within, and that sickness or impurity can affect our inner state. Divine Oversight: It’s a reminder that God is watching over us and has authority to protect us from harm. Important Note: This verse is often interpreted as a symbolic representation of the consequences of sin and spiritual neglect. It's not meant to be taken literally about every illness, but rather as a powerful message about the need for repentance and a return to God’s grace. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this passage? Discuss its connection to other biblical stories (like the story of Noah)?