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Leviticus 13:21 - Priest examines doubtful skin blemish?

Leviticus 13:21 - ויקרא 13:21

Hebrew Text

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

English Translation

But if the priest look on it, and behold, there be no white hairs in it, and if it be not lower than the skin, but be somewhat dimmer; then the priest shall shut him up for seven days:

Transliteration

Ve'im yir'ena hakohen vehine ein-ba se'ar lavan ushefala einena min-ha'or vehi keha vehisgiro hakohen shiv'at yamim.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְאִ֣ם <b>׀</b> יִרְאֶ֣נָּה הַכֹּהֵ֗ן וְהִנֵּ֤ה אֵֽין־בָּהּ֙ שֵׂעָ֣ר לָבָ֔ן וּשְׁפָלָ֥הֿ אֵינֶ֛נָּה מִן־הָע֖וֹר וְהִ֣יא כֵהָ֑ה וְהִסְגִּיר֥וֹ הַכֹּהֵ֖ן שִׁבְעַ֥ת יָמִֽים׃
וְאִ֣ם ׀ יִרְאֶ֣נָּה הַכֹּהֵ֗ן וְהִנֵּ֤ה אֵֽין־בָּהּ֙ שֵׂעָ֣ר לָבָ֔ן וּשְׁפָלָ֥הֿ אֵינֶ֛נָּה מִן־הָע֖וֹר וְהִ֣יא כֵהָ֑ה וְהִסְגִּיר֥וֹ הַכֹּהֵ֖ן שִׁבְעַ֥ת יָמִֽים׃

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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 spiritual affliction that manifests on the skin, garments, or homes. The kohen (priest) serves as the halachic authority to diagnose and determine the status of such afflictions.

Key Terms and Their Meanings

  • שֵׂעָר לָבָן (white hair): Rashi explains that the presence of white hair within the afflicted area is a definitive sign of tzara'at. Its absence here indicates the affliction may not be severe.
  • שְׁפָלָה אֵינֶנָּה מִן־הָעוֹר (not lower than the skin): Rambam (Hilchot Tumat Tzara'at 1:6) clarifies that if the affliction does not appear sunken beneath the skin's surface, it is a mitigating factor in the diagnosis.
  • כֵהָה (somewhat dimmer): The Sifra notes that this refers to a fading or unclear appearance, suggesting the affliction may be in a transitional state.

Halachic Process

The kohen is instructed to quarantine the individual for seven days to observe whether the affliction spreads or changes. This reflects the Torah's cautious approach to diagnosing spiritual impurities, as emphasized in the Talmud (Arachin 16a), which connects tzara'at to sins like lashon hara (evil speech).

Spiritual Implications

The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 15:5) teaches that tzara'at serves as a divine warning to repent. The seven-day quarantine provides an opportunity for introspection and teshuvah (repentance), aligning physical symptoms with spiritual growth.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Nega'im 3:1
The verse is discussed in the context of the laws concerning leprosy (tzara'at) and the priest's examination of skin afflictions.
📖 Sanhedrin 71a
Referenced in a broader discussion about the procedures and criteria for diagnosing skin afflictions as outlined in the Torah.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Leviticus 13:21 mean in simple terms?
A: Leviticus 13:21 describes a situation where a priest examines a skin affliction (possibly tzara'at, often mistranslated as leprosy) and finds no white hairs or depression in the skin, but the spot appears faded. Since it's unclear if it's impure, the priest quarantines the person for seven days to observe any changes before making a final determination.
Q: Why does the priest quarantine someone for seven days in this verse?
A: The seven-day quarantine allows time to observe whether the skin condition develops signs of impurity (like white hairs or spreading). This cautious approach, as explained in the Talmud (Nega'im 3:1), ensures no hasty rulings and follows the Torah's emphasis on careful diagnosis before declaring someone ritually impure.
Q: What can we learn from Leviticus 13:21 about how Judaism views uncertainty?
A: This verse teaches the importance of patience and thoroughness when dealing with uncertainty. Instead of rushing to judgment, the Torah instructs us to wait, observe, and reassess—a principle that applies to many areas of life, as noted by Jewish commentaries like Rashi and Rambam.
Q: Does this verse about skin afflictions still apply today?
A: While the laws of tzara'at (skin afflictions) are not practically applicable today without the Temple and priestly service, the underlying lessons remain relevant. The Talmud (Arachin 16a) connects tzara'at to ethical teachings, reminding us to be mindful of our speech and actions, as these were traditionally linked to such afflictions.
Q: What does 'somewhat dimmer' mean in Leviticus 13:21?
A: The phrase 'somewhat dimmer' (וְהִיא כֵהָה) refers to a spot that appears faded or less pronounced than the surrounding skin. Rashi explains this means the affliction lacks clear signs of impurity, requiring further observation. The Torah uses precise terminology to guide the priests in their evaluations.