Leviticus 13:39 Meaning and Explanation
“Then the priest shall look: and, behold, if the bright spots in the skin of their flesh be darkish white; it is a freckled spot that groweth in the skin; he is clean.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →If white bright spots are darkish white, they are natural freckles and the person is clean.
The Context of Leviticus 13:39
Natural freckles distinguished from leprosy.
What Does Leviticus 13:39 Mean?
The priest examines the white spots and observes their specific character: they are darkish white rather than pure white. This coloring is consistent with natural freckles or pigmentation marks that develop on skin. Such marks are a normal feature of skin, not a disease or condition requiring isolation.
The pronouncement of cleanness is immediate, as no disease is present. The spots are natural skin markings, not leprosy. The person need not be quarantined or subjected to observation; the examination confirms the spots' harmless nature. The distinction between diseased lesions and normal skin variation is central to the priest's diagnostic role.
Frequently Asked Questions About Leviticus 13:39
What does Leviticus 13:39 mean?
If white bright spots are darkish white, they are natural freckles and the person is clean.
What is the context of Leviticus 13:39?
Natural freckles distinguished from leprosy.