Old Testament
Leviticus 13:12
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
If the leprosy breaks out and spreads across the entire body, covering the person's skin from head to foot — everywhere the priest can see —
Compare translations
And if a leprosy break out abroad in the skin, and the leprosy cover all the skin of him that hath the plague from his head even to his foot, wheresoever the priest looketh;
What Leviticus 13:12 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Leviticus 13:12, the text describes a situation where a skin disease, referred to as leprosy, has spread extensively over a person's body. This condition is serious enough that it covers the skin from head to toe, making it visible to the priest who is responsible for examining such ailments. The priest's role is crucial in determining the state of the individual’s health and whether they are clean or unclean according to the laws given to the Israelites. The emphasis on the priest's ability to see the condition highlights the importance of thorough examination and the communal aspect of health in ancient Israel. This verse underscores the seriousness of skin diseases and the need for proper assessment and care, reflecting the broader themes of purity and community health in the Levitical laws.
How to apply Leviticus 13:12 to your life
This verse reminds us of the importance of seeking help and guidance when facing health issues. Just as the priest was responsible for assessing physical conditions, we should rely on trusted professionals for our well-being. It encourages us to be vigilant about our health and the health of those around us.
Curated for this public verse page. Leviticus Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from David's story: Samuel Anoints David (1 Samuel 16:1–13)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
David
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724987). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Hebron, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Hebron
Where Abraham lived and buried Sarah, and where David was first made king.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Leviticus 13:12
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Leviticus 13:12
Related Bible verses
Key themes
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 13:12 mean?
Leviticus 13:12 describes a severe case of leprosy where the disease covers a person's entire body, indicating a serious health condition that requires examination by a priest.
What is the meaning of leprosy in Leviticus 13:12?
In Leviticus 13:12, leprosy refers to a skin disease that can render a person unclean, highlighting the importance of health and purity in the community.
Why is the priest's examination important in Leviticus 13:12?
The priest's examination in Leviticus 13:12 is crucial because it determines the individual's health status and whether they are considered clean or unclean under the law.
How does Leviticus 13:12 relate to community health?
Leviticus 13:12 relates to community health by illustrating the collective responsibility of assessing and managing health issues, reflecting the communal standards of purity in ancient Israel.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.