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Leviticus 13:32 - Priest examines doubtful skin affliction

Leviticus 13:32 - ויקרא 13:32

Hebrew Text

וְרָאָה הַכֹּהֵן אֶת־הַנֶּגַע בַּיּוֹם הַשְּׁבִיעִי וְהִנֵּה לֹא־פָשָׂה הַנֶּתֶק וְלֹא־הָיָה בוֹ שֵׂעָר צָהֹב וּמַרְאֵה הַנֶּתֶק אֵין עָמֹק מִן־הָעוֹר׃

English Translation

and on the seventh day the priest shall look on the plague: and, behold, if the patch spread not, and there be in it no yellow hair, and the patch be not in sight deeper than the skin;

Transliteration

V'ra'a hakohen et-hanega bayom hashvi'i v'hine lo-fasa hanetek v'lo-haya bo se'ar tzahov umar'e hanetek ein amok min-ha'or.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְרָאָ֨ה הַכֹּהֵ֣ן אֶת־הַנֶּ֘גַע֮ בַּיּ֣וֹם הַשְּׁבִיעִי֒ וְהִנֵּה֙ לֹא־פָשָׂ֣ה הַנֶּ֔תֶק וְלֹא־הָ֥יָה ב֖וֹ שֵׂעָ֣ר צָהֹ֑ב וּמַרְאֵ֣ה הַנֶּ֔תֶק אֵ֥ין עָמֹ֖ק מִן־הָעֽוֹר׃
וְרָאָ֨ה הַכֹּהֵ֣ן אֶת־הַנֶּ֘גַע֮ בַּיּ֣וֹם הַשְּׁבִיעִי֒ וְהִנֵּה֙ לֹא־פָשָׂ֣ה הַנֶּ֔תֶק וְלֹא־הָ֥יָה ב֖וֹ שֵׂעָ֣ר צָהֹ֑ב וּמַרְאֵ֣ה הַנֶּ֔תֶק אֵ֥ין עָמֹ֖ק מִן־הָעֽוֹר׃

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Parasha Commentary

Understanding the Verse in Context

This verse (Vayikra 13:32) is part of the Torah's detailed laws concerning tzara'at (often mistranslated as "leprosy"), a spiritual affliction that manifests on a person's skin, garments, or home. The kohen (priest) plays a central role in diagnosing and declaring the status of such afflictions, as they are not purely medical conditions but spiritual matters requiring halachic determination.

Key Elements of the Inspection

  • "On the seventh day": Rashi (Vayikra 13:5) explains that the seven-day waiting period allows for observation to determine whether the affliction is temporary or truly tzara'at. This mirrors the creation narrative, where completion and clarity often come after a seven-day cycle.
  • "The patch did not spread": According to the Rambam (Hilchot Tumat Tzara'at 1:7), the absence of spreading indicates the affliction may not be impure. Spread is a key sign of tzara'at's severity.
  • "No yellow hair": The Talmud (Nega'im 4:4) states that yellow or golden hair in the afflicted area is a definitive sign of impurity, as it contrasts with the natural hair color.
  • "Not deeper than the skin": The Sifra (on Vayikra 13:32) teaches that if the affliction does not penetrate below the skin's surface, it is less severe and may not render the person impure.

Spiritual Implications

The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 15:5) connects tzara'at to the sin of lashon hara (evil speech), emphasizing that physical symptoms reflect spiritual flaws. The kohen's role is not just diagnostic but also educational—prompting introspection and repentance.

Halachic Process and Symbolism

The Mishnah (Nega'im 2:5) details the meticulous examination process, highlighting that purity and impurity are not arbitrary but follow divine criteria. The absence of spreading, discolored hair, and depth signifies that the affliction may be benign, allowing the person to avoid the stringent laws of metzora (one afflicted with tzara'at).

📚 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 process on the seventh day.
📖 Sifra Tazria, Parashah 2
The verse is referenced in the midrashic interpretation of the laws of leprosy, emphasizing the criteria for determining impurity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Leviticus 13:32 mean?
A: Leviticus 13:32 describes the process a kohen (priest) follows when examining a person with a skin condition called 'netek' (a type of tzara'at, often mistranslated as leprosy). On the seventh day of inspection, if the patch hasn't spread, has no yellow hair, and isn't deeper than the skin, it indicates the condition may not be impure. This verse is part of the Torah's detailed laws about purity and impurity.
Q: Why is the seventh day important in Leviticus 13:32?
A: The seventh day is significant because it completes a week of observation, showing whether the skin condition is spreading (which would indicate impurity) or remaining stable (which could indicate purity). This waiting period demonstrates the Torah's careful approach to judgment, teaching us not to rush to conclusions about spiritual matters (Rashi on Leviticus 13:5).
Q: What can we learn from the priest's role in Leviticus 13:32?
A: We learn that spiritual leaders must carefully examine situations with wisdom and patience. The kohen doesn't rely on first impressions but observes over time, showing how we should approach judgment in our lives (based on Rambam's Mishneh Torah, Hilchot Tumat Tzara'at).
Q: Why does the Torah mention yellow hair in skin conditions?
A: Yellow hair was one of the specific signs that indicated a more serious form of tzara'at (Vayikra Rabbah 15:6). The Torah gives precise physical signs because tzara'at wasn't just a physical condition - our sages teach it often came as a consequence for spiritual failings like lashon hara (negative speech).
Q: How do these laws about skin conditions apply today?
A: While we don't have the Temple or kohanim to diagnose tzara'at today, the principles remain relevant. The Talmud (Arachin 16a) connects tzara'at to negative behaviors like gossip, teaching us to be mindful of our speech and to approach others with the same care and patience the kohen showed when examining physical signs.