Old Testament
Leviticus 13:30
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
the priest must examine it. If it appears to go deeper than the skin and the hair in it is thin and yellowish, the priest must declare the person unclean. It is a scaly infection — leprosy of the head or beard.
Compare translations
Then the priest shall see the plague: and, behold, if it be in sight deeper than the skin; and there be in it a yellow thin hair; then the priest shall pronounce him unclean: it is a dry scall, even a leprosy upon the head or beard.
What Leviticus 13:30 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Leviticus 13:30, the priest plays a crucial role in diagnosing skin conditions, particularly those that may indicate leprosy. The verse describes specific signs that the priest must look for, such as the depth of the infection and the appearance of the hair. If the infection seems to penetrate deeper than the skin and the hair is thin and yellowish, the priest must declare the person unclean. This process emphasizes the importance of careful examination and the authority of the priest in matters of health and purity. The term 'leprosy' here refers to a broader category of skin diseases, not just what we commonly think of as leprosy today. This diagnosis was significant in maintaining the community's health and spiritual cleanliness, as those deemed unclean were often isolated to prevent the spread of disease.
How to apply Leviticus 13:30 to your life
This verse reminds us of the importance of seeking help from qualified individuals when facing health issues. Just as the priest was responsible for diagnosing skin conditions, we should consult medical professionals for our health concerns. It also highlights the need for community support in maintaining well-being.
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 13:30
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 13:30
Related Bible verses
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 13:30 mean?
Leviticus 13:30 describes the role of a priest in diagnosing skin conditions that may indicate leprosy. The verse specifies signs such as the depth of the infection and the appearance of hair, guiding the priest to declare a person unclean if certain criteria are met.
What is the significance of the priest's examination in Leviticus 13:30?
The priest's examination in Leviticus 13:30 is significant as it emphasizes the authority of the priest in matters of health and purity. This process was essential for maintaining community health and preventing the spread of skin diseases.
What does 'leprosy' refer to in Leviticus 13:30?
In Leviticus 13:30, 'leprosy' refers to a broader category of skin diseases rather than the specific condition commonly known today. The term encompasses various infections that could render a person unclean according to the laws of that time.
How does Leviticus 13:30 relate to health practices today?
Leviticus 13:30 highlights the importance of consulting qualified individuals for health issues, similar to how we seek medical professionals today. It underscores the need for careful examination and community support in maintaining health.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.