Leviticus 13:34
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.
Leviticus 13:34 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse, the priest is instructed to examine a scall, which is a skin disease or infection, on the seventh day after it is first discovered on a person. If the scall has not spread and is no deeper than the skin, the priest pronounces the person clean. This process was part of the purification rituals outlined in the book of Leviticus in the Bible. The purpose of these rituals was to ensure the physical, mental, and spiritual cleanliness of the people of Israel. By determining whether a scall was benign or infectious, the priest was able to protect the community from the spread of disease and maintain the overall health of the population. The act of washing one's clothes after being pronounced clean symbolized the washing away of impurities and the restoration of purity. This verse highlights the importance of cleanliness and hygiene in ancient times and serves as a reminder of the value of maintaining good health and well-being in both body and spirit.
Theological Overview
This verse from the book of Leviticus outlines a specific ritual for cleansing a person with a skin disease called scall. The theological interpretation of this verse highlights the importance of following prescribed rituals and seeking purification from a priest in the Old Testament. The word "scall" itself can be understood as a skin condition that needed to be examined by the priest to determine if the person was clean or unclean according to the law. The act of washing clothes after being pronounced clean signifies a physical cleansing that parallels a spiritual purification process. This verse reflects the significance of physical cleanliness as a symbol of inner purity and the need to seek forgiveness and restoration through rituals and obedience to God's commands. Overall, this verse emphasizes the importance of holiness and following the guidelines set forth by God to maintain a close relationship with Him.
Leviticus 13:34 in other translations
American Standard Version
and in the seventh day the priest shall look on the scall; and, behold, if the scall be not spread in the skin, and the appearance thereof be not deeper than the skin; then the priest shall pronounce him clean: and he shall wash his clothes, and be clean.
World English Bible
On the seventh day, the priest shall examine the itch; and behold, if the itch hasn’t spread in the skin, and its appearance isn’t deeper than the skin, then the priest shall pronounce him clean. He shall wash his clothes, and be clean.
Douay-Rheims
If on the seventh day the evil seem to have stayed in its place, and not lower than the other flesh, he shall cleanse him: and his clothes being washed he shall be clean.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And the seuenth day the Priest shall looke on the blacke spot: and if the blacke spot growe not in the skinne, nor seeme lower then the other skinne, then the Priest shall clense him, and hee shall wash his clothes, and be cleane.