Old Testament
Leviticus 13:11
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It is an old leprosy in the skin of his flesh, and the priest must declare him unclean and not isolate him, for he is unclean.
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It is an old leprosy in the skin of his flesh, and the priest shall pronounce him unclean, and shall not shut him up: for he is unclean.
What Leviticus 13:11 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Leviticus 13:11, the text discusses a specific case of leprosy, which is described as an old condition affecting the skin. The priest, who is responsible for examining such cases, must declare the person unclean. This declaration means that the individual is recognized as having a contagious condition that could affect others. However, unlike other cases of leprosy that might require isolation, this particular situation does not necessitate the person being shut away from the community. The emphasis here is on the recognition of the condition and the priest's role in determining the status of the individual. The term 'unclean' indicates a state that is not just physical but also has social and spiritual implications, affecting the person's ability to participate in communal worship and activities. This verse highlights the importance of the priest's judgment in matters of health and community purity, reflecting the broader themes of holiness and separation in the Israelite community.
How to apply Leviticus 13:11 to your life
This verse reminds us of the importance of community health and the role of leaders in making difficult decisions. It encourages us to be compassionate towards those who are unwell, recognizing that their condition does not define their worth. We should also seek to understand the spiritual and social dimensions of health issues.
Curated for this public verse page. Leviticus Summary
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Keep studying Leviticus 13:11
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At a Glance — the Book of Leviticus
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Leviticus 13:11 mean?
Leviticus 13:11 describes a case of old leprosy where the priest declares the person unclean. This means the individual has a contagious skin condition, but unlike other cases, they do not need to be isolated from the community.
What is the significance of being declared unclean in Leviticus 13:11?
Being declared unclean in Leviticus 13:11 indicates that the person has a contagious condition that affects their social and spiritual standing. It highlights the priest's role in assessing health and maintaining community purity.
What does 'old leprosy' refer to in Leviticus 13:11?
'Old leprosy' in Leviticus 13:11 refers to a chronic skin condition that has persisted over time. This specific classification affects how the priest handles the situation, allowing the individual to remain in the community despite being unclean.
Why does the priest not isolate the person in Leviticus 13:11?
In Leviticus 13:11, the priest does not isolate the person because the condition is classified as old leprosy, which does not require separation from the community. This reflects a distinction in how different cases of leprosy are managed.
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