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Leviticus 13:18 - Pox-healed skin: pure or impure?

Leviticus 13:18 - ויקרא 13:18

Hebrew Text

וּבָשָׂר כִּי־יִהְיֶה בוֹ־בְעֹרוֹ שְׁחִין וְנִרְפָּא׃

English Translation

The flesh also, the skin of which has on it a pox which is healed,

Transliteration

U'vasar ki-yihye bo-ve'oro shechin ve'nirpa.

Hebrew Leining Text

וּבָשָׂ֕ר כִּֽי־יִהְיֶ֥ה בֽוֹ־בְעֹר֖וֹ שְׁחִ֑ין וְנִרְפָּֽא׃
וּבָשָׂ֕ר כִּֽי־יִהְיֶ֥ה בֽוֹ־בְעֹר֖וֹ שְׁחִ֑ין וְנִרְפָּֽא׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in Leviticus

The verse (Vayikra 13:18) appears in the section of Parshat Tazria, which details the laws of tzara'at (often mistranslated as "leprosy")—a spiritual affliction manifesting on skin, garments, or houses. This specific case discusses a healed boil (shechin) that may develop into tzara'at.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Vayikra 13:18) clarifies that this refers to a boil (shechin) that initially appeared and healed, but afterward, a white discoloration or swelling arose in the same place. The Torah specifies that this healed area must now be inspected by a kohen to determine if it meets the criteria of tzara'at.

Rambam's Halachic Perspective

In Hilchot Tumat Tzara'at (9:1), the Rambam rules that any healed wound—whether from a burn, boil, or other injury—can potentially become a source of tzara'at if it develops the prescribed signs (whitish or reddish patches, spreading, etc.). The healed state is significant because it indicates the affliction is new, not a continuation of the original injury.

Midrashic Insight

The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 15:5) connects tzara'at to moral failings, particularly lashon hara (evil speech). A healed boil turning into tzara'at symbolizes how past wounds—whether physical or spiritual—can resurface if the root cause (e.g., sin) remains unaddressed. The need for the kohen's inspection underscores the importance of spiritual vigilance.

Key Teachings from the Talmud

  • Nega'im 9:1: The healed area must be at least the size of a griss (a lentil bean) to be considered for tzara'at inspection.
  • Erachin 16a: The Sages teach that tzara'at afflictions come as consequences for specific sins, including arrogance, theft, and selfishness.

Practical Implications

This verse highlights the Torah's holistic view of health, where physical symptoms are intertwined with spiritual states. The process of inspection and purification—conducted by the kohen—emphasizes repentance and self-reflection, turning a physical ailment into an opportunity for moral growth.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Nega'im 8:1
The verse is referenced in the Mishnah discussing the laws of skin afflictions (negaim), specifically regarding a healed boil (shechin) and its implications for ritual purity.
📖 Shabbat 134a
The verse is cited in a discussion about the healing of afflictions and the permissibility of certain medical treatments on the Sabbath.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Leviticus 13:18 mean?
A: Leviticus 13:18 discusses a case where a person has a 'שחין' (shechin), which is a type of skin affliction (often translated as a boil or inflammation) that has healed. This verse introduces the laws regarding how a Kohen (priest) examines such marks to determine if they are impure (טמא) or pure (טהור) according to Torah law.
Q: Why is this verse about skin afflictions important in Judaism?
A: This verse is part of the Torah's detailed laws about 'נגעים' (negaim—skin afflictions), which teach about spiritual and physical purity. The Talmud (Arachin 16a) explains that these afflictions can come as a consequence of lashon hara (evil speech) or other sins, reminding us to refine our behavior. The Kohen's role in diagnosing them highlights the connection between physical health and spiritual well-being.
Q: How does this apply today if we don’t have the Temple or Kohanim?
A: While we no longer have the Temple or Kohanim to diagnose skin afflictions, the Rambam (Hilchot Tumat Tzara’at) teaches that the deeper lessons remain relevant. The laws remind us to be mindful of our speech and actions, as spiritual 'impurities' can manifest in various ways. Many see this as a call to self-reflection and repentance (תשובה).
Q: What is the significance of the affliction being 'healed' in this verse?
A: Rashi explains that even after a שחין (boil) heals, the affected area must still be examined by the Kohen for signs of impurity (צרעת—tzara’at). This teaches that past afflictions can leave lasting spiritual or physical marks, and we must remain vigilant in our self-improvement even after recovery.