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Leviticus 14:3 - Priest checks leprosy's healing.

Leviticus 14:3 - ויקרא 14:3

Hebrew Text

וְיָצָא הַכֹּהֵן אֶל־מִחוּץ לַמַּחֲנֶה וְרָאָה הַכֹּהֵן וְהִנֵּה נִרְפָּא נֶגַע־הַצָּרַעַת מִן־הַצָּרוּעַ׃

English Translation

and the priest shall go out of the camp; and the priest shall look, and, behold, if the plague of żara῾at be healed in the one afflicted;

Transliteration

Ve'yatza ha'kohen el-michutz la'machane ve'ra'a ha'kohen ve'hine nirpa nega ha'tzara'at min ha'tzaru'a.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְיָצָא֙ הַכֹּהֵ֔ן אֶל־מִח֖וּץ לַֽמַּחֲנֶ֑ה וְרָאָה֙ הַכֹּהֵ֔ן וְהִנֵּ֛ה נִרְפָּ֥א נֶֽגַע־הַצָּרַ֖עַת מִן־הַצָּרֽוּעַ׃
וְיָצָא֙ הַכֹּהֵ֔ן אֶל־מִח֖וּץ לַֽמַּחֲנֶ֑ה וְרָאָה֙ הַכֹּהֵ֔ן וְהִנֵּ֛ה נִרְפָּ֥א נֶֽגַע־הַצָּרַ֖עַת מִן־הַצָּרֽוּעַ׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Vayikra 14:3) describes the process of examining a metzora (a person afflicted with tzara'at, often translated as leprosy) after they have been quarantined outside the camp. The Torah outlines the priestly role in determining whether the affliction has healed, allowing the individual to begin the purification process.

Priestly Role in Diagnosis

Rashi (Vayikra 14:3) emphasizes that the priest must personally go outside the camp to inspect the metzora, rather than relying on reports from others. This underscores the importance of firsthand examination in halachic decision-making, particularly in matters of ritual purity. The Rambam (Hilchot Tumat Tzara'at 9:2) further elaborates that the priest must be knowledgeable in identifying the signs of tzara'at, as misdiagnosis could lead to improper rulings.

Symbolism of Tzara'at

The Talmud (Arachin 16a) teaches that tzara'at is a physical manifestation of spiritual failings, particularly lashon hara (evil speech). The healing of the affliction signifies repentance and moral improvement. The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 16:1) connects the isolation of the metzora to the harmful effects of gossip, which creates division among people.

The Process of Healing

  • Priestly Verification: The Torah requires the priest to confirm the healing, teaching that spiritual matters require authoritative guidance (Sforno, Vayikra 14:3).
  • Return to Community: The healing marks the beginning of reintegration, symbolizing the importance of communal life in Judaism (Ramban, Vayikra 14:3).
  • Purification Rituals: The subsequent verses detail the purification process, emphasizing that physical healing alone is insufficient without spiritual atonement (Kli Yakar, Vayikra 14:3).

Halachic Implications

The Mishnah (Negaim 3:1) details the specific signs the priest must look for to declare the tzara'at healed, such as the fading of the discoloration. This highlights the precision required in applying Torah law. The Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 336) codifies these laws, demonstrating their enduring relevance in Jewish practice.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Moed Katan 7b
The verse is referenced in the discussion about the laws of leprosy (tzara'at) and the role of the priest in examining and declaring the healing of the affliction.
📖 Nega'im 3:1
The Mishnah cites this verse in the context of the procedures for examining and declaring the healing of a leprous person, emphasizing the priest's role in the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does the verse about the priest checking for healed tzara'at mean?
A: This verse describes the process where a kohen (priest) examines someone who had tzara'at (often mistranslated as leprosy) to confirm if they have healed. According to Rashi and Talmudic sources (Arachin 16a), tzara'at was a spiritual affliction caused by sins like lashon hara (evil speech). The kohen's role was essential in determining purity status.
Q: Why did the priest have to go outside the camp to check for healed tzara'at?
A: The Torah (Leviticus 13:46) states that those with tzara'at must dwell alone outside the camp. Rambam (Hilchot Tumat Tzara'at 10:6) explains this separation served as both a physical quarantine and spiritual rectification. The kohen went outside to inspect them before permitting their return to the community.
Q: What can we learn from the priest's role in healing tzara'at?
A: The Talmud (Arachin 16a) teaches that tzara'at comes as a wake-up call for repentance. The kohen's involvement emphasizes that spiritual healing requires guidance from Torah authorities. Today, we learn the importance of seeking rabbinic counsel for personal growth and correcting wrongful behavior.
Q: Does tzara'at exist today? How does this verse apply now?
A: The Rambam (Hilchot Tumat Tzara'at 1:10) states that tzara'at no longer manifests since the Temple's destruction. However, the Sages (Midrash Vayikra Rabbah 16:1) teach that the spiritual lessons remain relevant - we must be mindful of speech and behavior, and seek repentance when needed.