Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does 'raw flesh' mean in Leviticus 13:14?
A: In Leviticus 13:14, 'raw flesh' (בָּשָׂר חַי) refers to healthy, living skin tissue that appears in the middle of a skin affliction (tzara'at). According to Rashi and the Talmud (Nega'im 6:1), this is a clear sign that the person is ritually impure (tamei) and must follow the laws of quarantine and purification.
Q: Why is the appearance of raw flesh a sign of impurity in this verse?
A: The appearance of raw flesh indicates that the affliction is active and spreading, making the person ritually impure (tamei). The Rambam (Hilchot Tumat Tzara'at 1:6) explains that this sign shows the affliction is not merely superficial but affects deeper layers of skin, requiring isolation to prevent spiritual and communal harm.
Q: How does this verse apply to Jewish law today?
A: While the laws of tzara'at (skin afflictions) are not practically observed today due to the absence of the Temple and Kohanim (priests), the verse teaches important spiritual lessons. The Talmud (Arachin 16a) connects tzara'at to lashon hara (evil speech), reminding us to guard our words and seek repentance for harmful behavior.
Q: What should a person do if raw flesh appears in their skin affliction?
A: According to Leviticus 13, the person must show themselves to a Kohen (priest), who declares them impure (tamei). They then enter a period of isolation (Vayikra 13:46) until the condition changes. The Mishnah (Nega'im 3:1) details the examination process, emphasizing the Kohen's role in determining purity status.
Q: Is 'raw flesh' the only sign of impurity in skin afflictions?
A: No, Leviticus 13 lists multiple signs of impurity, including white hair in the affliction (13:3) or spreading (13:8). Raw flesh (13:14) is one clear indicator, but the Kohen evaluates all symptoms together. The Sifra (a halachic Midrash) explains that each sign carries specific halachic weight in the diagnosis.
Context in Leviticus
The verse (Vayikra 13:14) appears in the Torah's detailed laws concerning tzara'at (often mistranslated as "leprosy"), a spiritual affliction manifesting as skin lesions. The presence of "raw flesh" (basar chai) in an existing lesion is a critical sign of ritual impurity, requiring the afflicted individual to be declared tamei (unclean) by a kohen.
Rashi's Explanation
Rashi (Vayikra 13:14) clarifies that basar chai refers to healthy, unaffected skin appearing within the boundaries of the lesion. This is distinct from the lesion itself or scabbed tissue. The emergence of unaffected flesh indicates the affliction is active and spreading, thus confirming impurity.
Rambam's Halachic Perspective
In Hilchot Tumat Tzara'at (9:6), Rambam rules that the kohen must examine whether the raw flesh is pink or reddish and located within the lesion's borders. Only then does it render the person impure. This underscores the precision required in diagnosing tzara'at, which is a halachic—not medical—determination.
Symbolism in Midrashic Sources
Practical Implications
The Talmud (Arachin 16a) notes that tzara'at serves as a Divine warning to repent. The appearance of basar chai necessitates isolation (Vayikra 13:46), providing the afflicted time for introspection and teshuvah (repentance). This aligns with the broader Torah principle that physical phenomena often mirror spiritual states.