Old Testament
Leviticus 13:23
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In Leviticus 13:23, the focus is on the evaluation of skin conditions by a priest.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
But if the shiny spot stays in one place and doesn't spread, it's just a scar from the boil, and the priest must declare them clean.
But if the bright spot stay in his place, and spread not, it is a burning boil; and the priest shall pronounce him clean.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In Leviticus 13:23, the focus is on the evaluation of skin conditions by a priest. If a shiny spot on the skin remains stable and does not spread, it is determined to be a scar from a previous boil rather than an active infection. This distinction is important for maintaining community health and purity. The priest's role is crucial in making these assessments, as they ensure that individuals are declared clean when appropriate. This process reflects the broader theme of cleanliness and health in the community, emphasizing the importance of careful observation and discernment in matters of physical and spiritual well-being. The guidelines provided in this verse help to prevent the spread of disease and maintain the integrity of the community, showcasing the significance of following divine instructions in daily life.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Leviticus 13:23 to your life
This verse teaches us the importance of careful evaluation in our lives. Just as the priest assesses skin conditions, we should take time to reflect on our own situations before jumping to conclusions. Maintaining personal and communal health requires discernment and adherence to wise guidelines.
Curated for this public verse page. Leviticus Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Leviticus 13:23 mean?
Leviticus 13:23 explains that if a shiny spot on the skin remains in one place and does not spread, it is considered a scar from a previous boil, and the priest will declare the person clean. This highlights the importance of careful observation in determining health and purity.
What is the significance of the priest in Leviticus 13:23?
In Leviticus 13:23, the priest plays a crucial role in assessing skin conditions to ensure community health. Their judgment helps determine whether an individual is clean or unclean based on specific guidelines.
How does Leviticus 13:23 relate to community health?
Leviticus 13:23 relates to community health by providing guidelines for identifying skin conditions, which helps prevent the spread of disease. The priest's assessment ensures that individuals are declared clean when appropriate, promoting overall well-being.
What lessons can we learn from Leviticus 13:23?
From Leviticus 13:23, we learn the importance of careful evaluation and discernment in our lives. Just as the priest assesses skin conditions, we should reflect on our situations before making judgments, ensuring personal and communal health.

The Book of Leviticus
Leviticus 1: The Burnt Offering
The LORD calls to Moses from the tabernacle and gives instructions for the burnt offering. A man who brings a burnt offering from the herd presents a male without blemish at the door of the tabernacle. He lays his hand on the head of the offering, kills it, and Aaron's sons the priests sprinkle the blood around the altar. The animal is flayed and cut into pieces, and the whole is burned on the altar as a sweet savor to the LORD.
Unlock the full Leviticus summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of Leviticus — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 27 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of Leviticus summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.