Leviticus 13:26 - Priest examines doubtful skin blemish.

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Hebrew Text

וְאִם יִרְאֶנָּה הַכֹּהֵן וְהִנֵּה אֵין־בַּבֶּהֶרֶת שֵׂעָר לָבָן וּשְׁפָלָה אֵינֶנָּה מִן־הָעוֹר וְהִוא כֵהָה וְהִסְגִּירוֹ הַכֹּהֵן שִׁבְעַת יָמִים׃

English Translation

But if the priest look on it, and, behold, there is no white hair in the bright spot, and it is no lower than the other skin, but is somewhat dimmer: then the priest shall shut him up seven days:

Transliteration

Ve'im yir'ena hakohen vehineh ein-baheheret se'ar lavan ush'falah einena min-ha'or vehi keha vehisgiro hakohen shiv'at yamim.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְאִ֣ם ׀ יִרְאֶ֣נָּה הַכֹּהֵ֗ן וְהִנֵּ֤ה אֵֽין־בַּבַּהֶ֙רֶת֙ שֵׂעָ֣ר לָבָ֔ן וּשְׁפָלָ֥הֿ אֵינֶ֛נָּה מִן־הָע֖וֹר וְהִ֣וא כֵהָ֑ה וְהִסְגִּיר֥וֹ הַכֹּהֵ֖ן שִׁבְעַ֥ת יָמִֽים׃

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Vayikra 13:21) is part of the Torah's detailed laws concerning tzara'at (often mistranslated as "leprosy"), a supernatural affliction that could appear on a person's skin, garments, or home as a sign of spiritual impurity. The kohen (priest) plays a central role in diagnosing and declaring the status of such afflictions.

Analysis of the Symptoms

The verse describes a case where the kohen examines a baheret (bright spot) and observes three key characteristics:

No white hair: Rashi (Vayikra 13:21) explains that the absence of se'ar lavan (white hair) growing from the spot is a sign that the affliction may not be tzara'at, as white hair is one of the primary indicators of impurity.
Not lower than the skin: The spot is not sunken or depressed relative to the surrounding skin. Rambam (Hilchot Tumat Tzara'at 1:6) notes that depression would indicate a more severe condition.
Somewhat dimmer: The spot appears faded or less intense than a fully developed tzara'at lesion. The Talmud (Nega'im 1:4) discusses how this dimness suggests uncertainty, requiring further observation.

The Seven-Day Quarantine

The kohen imposes a seven-day quarantine in this case because the symptoms are ambiguous. As the Sifra (Tazria, Parashah 2:5) teaches, this period allows for clearer signs to emerge. The quarantine serves both a practical purpose (observing changes) and a spiritual one (encouraging introspection).

Spiritual Significance

The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 15:5) connects tzara'at to the sin of lashon hara (evil speech). The dimness of the spot may hint at a person whose spiritual state is unclear—neither fully pure nor definitively impure. The seven-day period mirrors the seven days of creation, suggesting an opportunity for renewal and repentance.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Nega'im 3a

The verse is discussed in the context of the laws concerning leprosy (tzara'at) and the priest's examination of skin afflictions.

📖 Sanhedrin 34b

The verse is referenced in a discussion about the interpretation of biblical laws and the role of the priest in diagnosing skin diseases.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Leviticus 13:26 mean?
A: Leviticus 13:26 discusses the laws of tzara'at (often mistranslated as 'leprosy'), a spiritual affliction affecting the skin. If a priest examines a bright spot and finds no white hair, the spot is not deeper than the skin, and appears faded, the person is quarantined for seven days for further observation. This teaches us about the importance of careful diagnosis and spiritual introspection.

Q: Why is the priest involved in diagnosing skin afflictions?
A: The priest (kohen) serves as a spiritual authority in determining whether a skin condition is tzara'at, which is often linked to sins like lashon hara (evil speech). The Talmud (Arachin 16a) explains that tzara'at is a Divine sign for moral correction, and the kohen guides the person toward repentance.

Q: Why does the Torah specify a seven-day quarantine?
A: The seven-day quarantine allows time to observe whether the affliction worsens or remains unchanged. According to Rashi, this period reflects the Torah’s wisdom in not rushing judgment—some conditions may heal naturally. It also gives the afflicted person time for self-reflection and teshuvah (repentance).

Q: What can we learn from Leviticus 13:26 today?
A: This verse teaches the importance of patience, proper judgment, and spiritual awareness. Just as the kohen carefully examines physical symptoms, we must also examine our actions and words to avoid spiritual harm. The Rambam (Hilchot Tumat Tzara'at) emphasizes that tzara'at serves as a reminder to correct negative behavior.

Q: What does it mean that the spot is 'somewhat dimmer'?
A: The phrase 'somewhat dimmer' (וְהִוא כֵהָה) indicates that the spot is faded or less pronounced than typical tzara'at. Rashi explains that this uncertainty is why the person is quarantined—to determine if it develops into a clearer sign of impurity or if it is harmless.