Definition: And in the seventh day the priest shall look on the scall: and, behold, [if] the scall be not spread in the skin, nor [be] in sight deeper than the skin; then the priest shall pronounce him clean: and he shall wash his clothes, and be clean.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Leviticus 13:34. It’s a really important passage about purity and holiness in the Old Testament. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a ritual cleansing for someone who has been ritually unclean – meaning they’ve had an accidental contact with something impure. Think of it like a quick, symbolic wash to make them pure again. Let’s break it down word by word: “And in the seventh day…” : This tells us this is part of a process that happens seven days after a particular event. It’s not just a normal cleansing; it's a specific, deliberate action. “…the priest shall look on the scall:” "Scall" refers to a young sheep – specifically, a very small, delicate piece of wool that grows on the sheep’s neck. The priest is looking at this sheep. “and, behold, [if] the scall be not spread in the skin…” : This is the crucial part. The priest examines the sheep's wool very closely . He’s checking to see if it has spilled or gotten on the skin (the layer of flesh). “Be not spread” means it shouldn’t have spread out, meaning it shouldn’t be visible. “nor [be] in sight deeper than the skin…” : This is a key detail. The priest needs to ensure the wool doesn't go beyond the surface of the sheep's skin – it should remain hidden. It’s being examined deeply, almost like looking behind the surface. “then the priest shall pronounce him clean: and he shall wash his clothes…” : If the priest finds that the wool isn’t visible deeper than the skin, they say, “He is clean!” Then, they proceed to wash their clothes as a sign of purity. What does this mean in a broader sense? This verse is about demonstrating God's holiness and perfection. It’s a way for God to show that someone has been touched by something impure and that they are being made clean through a symbolic act of purification. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining a pure heart and spirit, as it relates to the relationship between humans and God. Important Note: This verse is part of a larger system of rituals and laws in the Old Testament, designed to maintain holiness and ensure a connection with God. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these parts in more detail? Give you a quick summary of the overall context of this passage?