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Leviticus 13:31 - Priest examines doubtful skin affliction

Leviticus 13:31 - ויקרא 13:31

Hebrew Text

וְכִי־יִרְאֶה הַכֹּהֵן אֶת־נֶגַע הַנֶּתֶק וְהִנֵּה אֵין־מַרְאֵהוּ עָמֹק מִן־הָעוֹר וְשֵׂעָר שָׁחֹר אֵין בּוֹ וְהִסְגִּיר הַכֹּהֵן אֶת־נֶגַע הַנֶּתֶק שִׁבְעַת יָמִים׃

English Translation

And if the priest look on the plague of the patch, and, behold, it be not in appearance deeper than the skin, and there is no black hair in it; then the priest shall shut up him that has the plague of the patch seven days:

Transliteration

Vechi-yireh hakohen et-nega hanetek vehineh ein-marehu amok min-haor vese'ah shachor ein bo vehisgir hakohen et-nega hanetek shiv'at yamim.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְכִֽי־יִרְאֶ֨ה הַכֹּהֵ֜ן אֶת־נֶ֣גַע הַנֶּ֗תֶק וְהִנֵּ֤ה אֵין־מַרְאֵ֙הוּ֙ עָמֹ֣ק מִן־הָע֔וֹר וְשֵׂעָ֥ר שָׁחֹ֖ר אֵ֣ין בּ֑וֹ וְהִסְגִּ֧יר הַכֹּהֵ֛ן אֶת־נֶ֥גַע הַנֶּ֖תֶק שִׁבְעַ֥ת יָמִֽים׃
וְכִֽי־יִרְאֶ֨ה הַכֹּהֵ֜ן אֶת־נֶ֣גַע הַנֶּ֗תֶק וְהִנֵּ֤ה אֵין־מַרְאֵ֙הוּ֙ עָמֹ֣ק מִן־הָע֔וֹר וְשֵׂעָ֥ר שָׁחֹ֖ר אֵ֣ין בּ֑וֹ וְהִסְגִּ֧יר הַכֹּהֵ֛ן אֶת־נֶ֥גַע הַנֶּ֖תֶק שִׁבְעַ֥ת יָמִֽים׃

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Parasha Commentary

Overview of the Verse

The verse (Vayikra 13:31) discusses the laws of tzara'at (often mistranslated as leprosy), specifically addressing a condition called netek (a patch-like affliction). The Torah outlines the priest's (kohen) role in examining and determining the status of such afflictions, emphasizing the need for careful observation before declaring a person ritually impure (tamei).

Key Terms and Their Meanings

  • Netek (נֶתֶק): Rashi explains that this refers to a patch of hair loss, often associated with a skin affliction resembling tzara'at. Unlike other forms of tzara'at, netek is specifically related to the scalp or beard (Rashi on Vayikra 13:30).
  • Not deeper than the skin (אֵין־מַרְאֵהוּ עָמֹק מִן־הָעוֹר): The affliction must not penetrate below the skin's surface. Rambam (Hilchot Tumat Tzara'at 8:1) clarifies that this indicates a superficial condition, distinguishing it from more severe forms of tzara'at.
  • No black hair (שֵׂעָר שָׁחֹר אֵין בּוֹ): The absence of healthy black hair is a sign of impurity, as healthy hair growth would indicate healing (Talmud, Nega'im 10:10).

The Role of the Kohen

The kohen serves as the halachic authority in diagnosing tzara'at, as emphasized by the repeated phrase "וְכִי־יִרְאֶה הַכֹּהֵן" ("And if the priest looks"). The Talmud (Sanhedrin 34b) teaches that even if a learned scholar recognizes the signs, only a kohen may declare the affliction impure or pure.

The Seven-Day Quarantine

The verse mandates a seven-day quarantine (הִסְגִּיר שִׁבְעַת יָמִים) when the affliction is ambiguous. The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 16:1) explains that this period allows for further observation, reflecting the Torah's caution in judging spiritual and physical ailments. The Rambam (Hilchot Tumat Tzara'at 9:2) adds that this delay prevents hasty rulings, ensuring fairness.

Spiritual Dimensions

Classical commentators, such as the Kli Yakar, connect tzara'at to spiritual failings, particularly lashon hara (evil speech). The quarantine period serves as a time for introspection and repentance. The absence of healthy hair symbolizes a lack of vitality, hinting at the spiritual damage caused by sin (Kli Yakar on Vayikra 13:31).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Nega'im 2a
The verse is discussed in the context of the laws concerning skin afflictions (tzara'at) and the priest's examination process.
📖 Sanhedrin 71a
Referenced in a broader discussion about the interpretation of biblical laws and their applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the 'plague of the patch' mentioned in Leviticus 13:31?
A: The 'plague of the patch' (נגע הנתק) refers to a type of skin discoloration or lesion that could be a sign of tzara'at (often mistranslated as leprosy). According to Rashi and the Talmud (Arachin 15b), it was a supernatural affliction that could appear on skin, clothing, or houses as a consequence of speaking lashon hara (evil speech). The Torah provides detailed laws for the Kohen (priest) to diagnose and treat it.
Q: Why does the Kohen examine the hair in the affected area?
A: The Kohen checks for black hair in the affected area because its presence or absence helps determine whether the lesion is impure (tamei). As Rashi explains (based on Torat Kohanim), if there is no black hair, it suggests the affliction is spreading, making it likely to be tzara'at. The color and growth of hair were key diagnostic signs in the Torah's system of purity laws.
Q: Why is the person quarantined for seven days?
A: The seven-day quarantine (הסגר) serves as an observation period. As the Rambam explains in Hilchot Tumat Tzara'at 9:2, this allows time to see if the lesion changes or spreads. If it remains unchanged after seven days, a second quarantine may be needed. This careful process emphasizes the Torah's value of proper diagnosis before declaring someone impure.
Q: What lesson can we learn from these laws about tzara'at today?
A: Although we no longer have the phenomenon of tzara'at today, the Talmud (Arachin 16a) teaches that it primarily came as a consequence of lashon hara (harmful speech). The detailed laws remind us of the seriousness of how we speak about others. The quarantine period also teaches the importance of patience, proper judgment, and avoiding rash conclusions about others.
Q: Why was the Kohen responsible for diagnosing tzara'at and not a doctor?
A: As Rashi and the Sifra explain, tzara'at was not a medical condition but a spiritual one, requiring the discernment of a Kohen. The Kohen served as a spiritual guide, connecting the physical symptoms to their root causes. The Talmud (Nedarim 64b) also notes that the Kohen's role emphasized that purity and impurity are matters of Torah law, not just health.