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Leviticus 13:34 - Priest checks purity on Shabbat?

Leviticus 13:34 - ויקרא 13:34

Hebrew Text

וְרָאָה הַכֹּהֵן אֶת־הַנֶּתֶק בַּיּוֹם הַשְּׁבִיעִי וְהִנֵּה לֹא־פָשָׂה הַנֶּתֶק בָּעוֹר וּמַרְאֵהוּ אֵינֶנּוּ עָמֹק מִן־הָעוֹר וְטִהַר אֹתוֹ הַכֹּהֵן וְכִבֶּס בְּגָדָיו וְטָהֵר׃

English Translation

and on the seventh day the priest shall look on the patch: and, behold, if the patch be not spread in the skin, nor be in sight deeper than the skin; then the priest shall pronounce him clean: and he shall wash his clothes, and be clean.

Transliteration

Ve-ra'a ha-kohen et ha-netek ba-yom ha-shvi'i ve-hine lo-fasa ha-netek ba-or u-mar'ehu eynenu amok min ha-or ve-tihar oto ha-kohen ve-khibes begadav ve-taher.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְרָאָה֩ הַכֹּהֵ֨ן אֶת־הַנֶּ֜תֶק בַּיּ֣וֹם הַשְּׁבִיעִ֗י וְ֠הִנֵּ֠ה לֹא־פָשָׂ֤ה הַנֶּ֙תֶק֙ בָּע֔וֹר וּמַרְאֵ֕הוּ אֵינֶ֥נּוּ עָמֹ֖ק מִן־הָע֑וֹר וְטִהַ֤ר אֹתוֹ֙ הַכֹּהֵ֔ן וְכִבֶּ֥ס בְּגָדָ֖יו וְטָהֵֽר׃
וְרָאָה֩ הַכֹּהֵ֨ן אֶת־הַנֶּ֜תֶק בַּיּ֣וֹם הַשְּׁבִיעִ֗י וְ֠הִנֵּ֠ה לֹא־פָשָׂ֤ה הַנֶּ֙תֶק֙ בָּע֔וֹר וּמַרְאֵ֕הוּ אֵינֶ֥נּוּ עָמֹ֖ק מִן־הָע֑וֹר וְטִהַ֤ר אֹתוֹ֙ הַכֹּהֵ֔ן וְכִבֶּ֥ס בְּגָדָ֖יו וְטָהֵֽר׃

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Parasha Commentary

Understanding the Verse in Context

This verse (Vayikra 13:34) is part of the Torah's detailed laws concerning tzara'at (often mistranslated as "leprosy"), a spiritual affliction manifesting as patches on the skin, clothing, or homes. The kohen (priest) serves as the halachic authority to diagnose and declare purity or impurity.

Key Elements of the Verse

  • "On the seventh day": The waiting period allows for observation, teaching patience and caution before rendering judgment (Rashi, Vayikra 13:5).
  • "The patch has not spread": The absence of growth indicates the affliction is not active, a sign of purity (Rambam, Hilchot Tumat Tzara'at 9:2).
  • "Not deeper than the skin": Superficial afflictions are less severe, aligning with Talmudic discussions (Nega'im 3:1) on depth as a factor in diagnosis.

Spiritual and Halachic Insights

The process emphasizes the kohen's role in spiritual matters, as physical symptoms reflect inner states (Midrash Vayikra Rabbah 15:5). Washing clothes symbolizes purification from prior transgressions, particularly lashon hara (evil speech), which our Sages associate with tzara'at (Arachin 15b).

Practical Implications

This teaches that purity is not automatic—even after symptoms subside, one must actively seek the kohen's declaration and engage in purification rituals (Sefer HaChinuch, Mitzvah 169). The emphasis on human judgment (not medical diagnosis) underscores Torah's spiritual framework.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Nega'im 3:1
The verse is discussed in the context of the laws concerning skin afflictions (tzara'at) and the priest's examination process.
📖 Shabbat 133b
Referenced in a discussion about the priest's duties and the purification process, highlighting the importance of following the Torah's commandments precisely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Leviticus 13:34 mean?
A: Leviticus 13:34 discusses the laws of tzara'at (often mistranslated as 'leprosy'), a spiritual affliction affecting the skin. The verse explains that if, after seven days, a patch (netek) has not spread or penetrated deeper than the skin, the kohen (priest) declares the person tahor (ritually pure). The person must then wash their clothes to complete the purification process. This teaches us about the importance of spiritual purity and the role of the kohen in diagnosing and declaring purity.
Q: Why is the seventh day significant in Leviticus 13:34?
A: The seventh day is significant because it represents a period of waiting and observation. According to Rashi and Talmudic sources (Arachin 16a), this waiting period allows the kohen to determine whether the affliction is temporary or truly tzara'at. The number seven often symbolizes completion in Torah (e.g., Shabbat, the seventh day), and here it signifies the completion of the diagnostic process before declaring purity.
Q: Why does the person need to wash their clothes after being declared clean?
A: Washing clothes is part of the purification process, as taught by the Rambam (Hilchot Tumat Tzara'at 11:1). Even after being declared tahor, the person must remove any residual spiritual impurity by washing their garments. This act symbolizes renewal and readiness to re-enter the community and sacred spaces, emphasizing the importance of both internal and external purity in Jewish law.
Q: How does Leviticus 13:34 apply today without the Temple?
A: While we no longer have the Temple or kohanim to diagnose tzara'at, the verse teaches timeless lessons about introspection and repentance. The Talmud (Arachin 16a) states that tzara'at comes as a consequence of lashon hara (evil speech) and arrogance. Today, we apply this by being mindful of our speech, examining our behavior, and seeking forgiveness—internalizing the spiritual messages behind the physical laws.
Q: What is the deeper meaning behind 'not deeper than the skin' in this verse?
A: The phrase 'not deeper than the skin' (אֵינֶנּוּ עָמֹק מִן־הָעוֹר) hints that tzara'at is primarily a surface-level affliction, reflecting external sins like lashon hara (Midrash Vayikra Rabbah 16:1). Unlike internal illnesses, tzara'at is a visible sign calling for correction. The Torah emphasizes that the affliction must not penetrate deeper, symbolizing that repentance is still possible before negative traits become ingrained in one's character.