Old Testament
Leviticus 13:36
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
the priest must examine them again. If the infection has spread, the priest doesn't even need to look for yellowish hair — the person is unclean.
Compare translations
Then the priest shall look on him: and, behold, if the scall be spread in the skin, the priest shall not seek for yellow hair; he is unclean.
What Leviticus 13:36 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Leviticus 13:36, the focus is on the role of the priest in determining the state of a person's skin condition, specifically a type of infection known as 'scall.' If the infection has spread, the priest does not need to check for specific signs, such as yellowish hair, to declare the person unclean. This indicates that the spread of the infection is a clear sign of impurity, and further examination for other symptoms is unnecessary. The priest's judgment is crucial in maintaining the community's health and purity, reflecting the seriousness of skin diseases in ancient Israelite society. The emphasis is on the visible evidence of the condition rather than on additional tests, highlighting the importance of clear and decisive action in matters of health and cleanliness.
How to apply Leviticus 13:36 to your life
This verse reminds us of the importance of addressing issues of health and cleanliness in our lives and communities. It encourages us to seek help when we notice problems and to rely on trusted authorities for guidance. Being proactive can prevent further complications.
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 13:36
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 13:36
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 13:36 say about skin infections?
Leviticus 13:36 addresses the role of the priest in examining skin infections, specifically a condition referred to as 'scall.' If the infection has spread, the priest does not need to look for additional signs, such as yellowish hair, to determine that the person is unclean. This highlights the importance of visible symptoms in assessing health and purity within the community.
Why is the priest's examination important in Leviticus 13:36?
The priest's examination is crucial because it serves as a means of maintaining community health and purity. In ancient Israelite society, skin diseases were taken seriously, and the priest acted as an authority figure to make judgments about cleanliness. This process ensured that individuals with infections were identified and managed appropriately to prevent the spread of disease.
What can we learn from Leviticus 13:36 about health issues?
Leviticus 13:36 teaches us the importance of addressing health issues promptly and seeking guidance from trusted authorities. It emphasizes being proactive in recognizing and dealing with problems, which can help prevent complications. This principle can be applied in modern contexts, encouraging individuals to consult healthcare professionals when they notice concerning symptoms.
How does Leviticus 13:36 relate to community standards?
This verse reflects the community standards of ancient Israel regarding health and cleanliness. It underscores the collective responsibility to maintain purity and prevent the spread of infections. By relying on the priest's judgment, the community upheld standards that protected its members, illustrating the importance of communal health and the role of authority in enforcing these standards.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.