Bible Verse Meaning: Leviticus 13:5
Verse: "And the priest shall look on the sore on the seventh day: and if the sore be at a stay, and the sore be not spread in the skin, then the priest shall pronounce him clean: it is but a scab: and he shall wash his clothes, and be clean." (Leviticus 13:5)
Summary of Leviticus 13:5: This verse is part of the regulations given regarding leprosy and other skin diseases. It emphasizes the role of the priest as a judge of cleanliness and health, highlighting the religious and social aspects of health in Israelite law.
Insights from Public Domain Commentaries
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Matthew Henry: Matthew Henry points out that the inspection by the priest on the seventh day signifies a period of waiting and observation, underscoring the seriousness of declaring someone clean or unclean. He emphasizes the importance of careful judgment in matters of health and purity, which reflects God's overall concern for His people’s spiritual and physical well-being.
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Albert Barnes: Albert Barnes notes that the priest's examination is crucial in determining the condition of the afflicted person. He explains that the seventh day represents a complete cycle of observation, a reflection of divine order. If the sore shows signs of healing and is contained, it demonstrates hope and restoration, not just physically but also spiritually, as being clean allows the individual to re-integrate into the community.
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Adam Clarke: Adam Clarke suggests that the mention of washing clothes pertains to the need for cleansing in the ritual practice of those declared clean. He notes that cleanliness goes beyond the physical state and looks toward a symbolic representation of purity, reflecting a person's spiritual condition as they return to worship and society.
Understanding the Context and Application
This verse speaks on several levels:
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Biblical Exegesis: The regulations surrounding leprosy are detailed and serve to remind the Israelites of God’s holiness. Purity laws play a crucial role in maintaining the sanctity of the community and ensuring that individuals are spiritually fit to engage in worship practices.
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Scripture Analysis: Leviticus 13:5 not only addresses physical health but also emphasizes the communal aspects of health. By ensuring that the person with a skin condition is examined and declared clean by a priest, the text highlights both individual and collective responsibility in maintaining community wellness.
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Application of Biblical Principles: In a modern context, this verse encourages individuals to take responsibility for their health and seek communal support when needed. It advocates for care, compassion, and thorough assessment before passing judgment on others, a principle easily applicable in various aspects of daily life.
Related Cross References
- Leviticus 14:2-3: Instructions for the priest regarding the cleansing of a person healed from leprosy.
- Numbers 5:2: Laws regarding unclean persons and their exclusion from the camp.
- Matthew 8:2-3: Jesus healing a leper which signifies the culmination of the law regarding cleanliness.
Conclusion
In Leviticus 13:5, the focus is on meticulous inspection by the priest, emphasizing God's intent for cleanliness in both a physical and spiritual sense. Through Bible verse interpretations and analyses, we see how God desires a community that reflects holiness and spiritual health, an understanding crucial for modern believers.
