Leviticus 13:5 Meaning and Explanation
“And the priest shall look on him the seventh day: and, behold, if the plague in his sight be at a stay, and the plague spread not in the skin; then the priest shall shut him up seven days more:”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →If the lesion remains unchanged or has not spread after seven days, quarantine extends for another week.
The Context of Leviticus 13:5
Extended observation for stable lesions.
What Does Leviticus 13:5 Mean?
On the seventh day, the priest re-examines the person. If the lesion is stable (at a stay) and has not expanded across the skin, the condition has not progressed toward confirmed leprosy. Rather than declaring the person clean immediately, the priest orders another seven-day quarantine to continue observation.
The doubling of the observation period—fourteen days total—reflects the priesthood's caution and desire for certainty. A condition that neither worsens nor spreads over this time suggests it may be minor or temporary. Continuing quarantine protects the community while a definitive assessment is reached.
Frequently Asked Questions About Leviticus 13:5
What does Leviticus 13:5 mean?
If the lesion remains unchanged or has not spread after seven days, quarantine extends for another week.
What is the context of Leviticus 13:5?
Extended observation for stable lesions.