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Leviticus 13:6 - Scab fades - priest declares clean?

Leviticus 13:6 - ויקרא 13:6

Hebrew Text

וְרָאָה הַכֹּהֵן אֹתוֹ בַּיּוֹם הַשְּׁבִיעִי שֵׁנִית וְהִנֵּה כֵּהָה הַנֶּגַע וְלֹא־פָשָׂה הַנֶּגַע בָּעוֹר וְטִהֲרוֹ הַכֹּהֵן מִסְפַּחַת הִיא וְכִבֶּס בְּגָדָיו וְטָהֵר׃

English Translation

and the priest shall look on him again on the seventh day: and, behold, if the plague be somewhat dimmer, and the plague spread not in the skin, the priest shall pronounce him clean: it is but a scab: and he shall wash his clothes, and be clean.

Transliteration

Ve-ra'a ha-kohen oto ba-yom ha-shvi'i shenit ve-hine keha ha-nega ve-lo-fasa ha-nega ba-or ve-tiharo ha-kohen mispachat hi ve-chibes begadav ve-taher.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְרָאָה֩ הַכֹּהֵ֨ן אֹת֜וֹ בַּיּ֣וֹם הַשְּׁבִיעִי֮ שֵׁנִית֒ וְהִנֵּה֙ כֵּהָ֣ה הַנֶּ֔גַע וְלֹא־פָשָׂ֥ה הַנֶּ֖גַע בָּע֑וֹר וְטִהֲר֤וֹ הַכֹּהֵן֙ מִסְפַּ֣חַת הִ֔וא וְכִבֶּ֥ס בְּגָדָ֖יו וְטָהֵֽר׃
וְרָאָה֩ הַכֹּהֵ֨ן אֹת֜וֹ בַּיּ֣וֹם הַשְּׁבִיעִי֮ שֵׁנִית֒ וְהִנֵּה֙ כֵּהָ֣ה הַנֶּ֔גַע וְלֹא־פָשָׂ֥ה הַנֶּ֖גַע בָּע֑וֹר וְטִהֲר֤וֹ הַכֹּהֵן֙ מִסְפַּ֣חַת הִ֔וא וְכִבֶּ֥ס בְּגָדָ֖יו וְטָהֵֽר׃

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Parasha Commentary

Understanding the Process of Tzara'at Examination

The verse describes the procedure for diagnosing tzara'at (often mistranslated as "leprosy," but actually a spiritual affliction manifesting on skin, garments, or houses). Rashi (Vayikra 13:6) explains that the priest (kohen) must re-examine the affliction on the seventh day to determine whether it has faded (keha) and not spread. This waiting period allows for clarity in diagnosis, as some skin discolorations may be temporary.

The Significance of the Seventh Day

The Rambam (Hilchot Tumat Tzara'at 9:2) emphasizes that the seven-day interval is a fixed halachic requirement, not subject to discretion. The number seven symbolizes completion (as in Creation), suggesting that the process reflects spiritual refinement. The Sforno adds that the delay prevents hasty judgments, teaching patience and thoroughness in spiritual matters.

The Criteria for Purity

The Talmud (Arachin 16a) discusses the two conditions for declaring purity:

  • Fading (keha): The affliction loses intensity, indicating the person's repentance is effective (Ramban).
  • No spreading: The affliction's boundaries remain stable, showing it is not an active spiritual malady (Chizkuni).

Washing Clothes as a Symbolic Act

The requirement to wash garments (even after being declared pure) is interpreted by the Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 16:3) as a metaphor for removing residual spiritual impurity. The Kli Yakar connects this to the idea that external actions (like washing) reinforce internal purification, aligning with the penitent's renewed state.

The Term Mispachat (Scab)

Rashi clarifies that mispachat refers to a secondary skin condition, less severe than full-blown tzara'at. The Ibn Ezra notes that this classification prevents unnecessary stringency, as not all discolorations are spiritually consequential.

📚 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.
📖 Moed Katan 7b
Referenced in a discussion about the purification process and the role of the priest in declaring cleanliness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Leviticus 13:6 mean?
A: Leviticus 13:6 describes the process where a priest examines someone with a skin condition (tzara'at) on the seventh day. If the condition has faded and not spread, the priest declares the person clean (tahor). The person must then wash their clothes to complete the purification process. This verse is part of the Torah's laws about purity and impurity, emphasizing the role of the kohanim (priests) in determining spiritual and physical cleanliness.
Q: Why is the priest involved in checking skin conditions?
A: In Judaism, the kohanim (priests) were given the responsibility to diagnose and declare purity or impurity regarding skin conditions like tzara'at (often mistranslated as 'leprosy'). According to Rashi and the Talmud (Arachin 16a), tzara'at was not just a physical ailment but could also be a spiritual affliction, often associated with lashon hara (evil speech). The priest's role was to assess and guide the person toward repentance and purification.
Q: Why does the verse mention washing clothes after being declared clean?
A: Washing clothes was part of the purification process after being declared clean from tzara'at. The Rambam (Hilchot Tumat Tzara'at) explains that this step symbolizes a fresh start, removing any residual impurity. It teaches that spiritual renewal requires active effort, even after being declared pure by the priest.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Leviticus 13:6 today?
A: This verse teaches the importance of patience, proper judgment, and spiritual renewal. Just as the priest waited seven days to reassess the condition, we learn that some matters require time and careful observation before making decisions. Additionally, the washing of clothes symbolizes the need for personal improvement and cleansing from negative behaviors, such as harmful speech (lashon hara), which Jewish tradition connects to tzara'at.
Q: Does this law about skin conditions still apply today?
A: According to traditional Jewish law (halacha), the laws of tzara'at and the priestly inspections are not practiced today because we lack the Beit Hamikdash (Holy Temple) and the active priesthood. However, the moral and spiritual lessons—such as guarding one's speech, seeking repentance, and pursuing purity—remain eternally relevant, as discussed in the Talmud (Arachin 16a) and later commentaries.