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Leviticus 13:20 Meaning, Context & Commentary

Read the Daily Bible VerseLeviticus 13:20 To Strengthen Your Spiritual Journey.

The Bible is a rich and complex book, filled with teachings, laws, and stories that guide Christians in their faith. One of the more challenging books to understand is Leviticus, which contains many laws and regulations given to the Israelites. Leviticus 13:20 is a verse that often raises questions for readers. In this article, we will explore the meaning of this verse by examining its context, the verse itself, its deeper meaning, and how it can be applied to our lives today.

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The Context of Leviticus 13:20 KJV

To understand Leviticus 13:20, we need to look at the broader context of the chapter. Leviticus 13 is part of the Old Testament law given to the Israelites by God through Moses. This chapter focuses on laws about skin diseases, often referred to as “leprosy” in the King James Version (KJV). However, the term “leprosy” in the Bible does not always refer to the modern disease known as Hansen’s disease. Instead, it describes a variety of skin conditions that were considered unclean.

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In ancient Israel, cleanliness was not just about hygiene; it was also a spiritual matter. Being “clean” or “unclean” determined whether a person could participate in worship and community life. Leviticus 13 provides detailed instructions for priests on how to identify and handle cases of skin diseases. The goal was to protect the community from the spread of disease and to maintain holiness before God.

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Leviticus 13:20 is part of a section that deals with boils, which were a common skin condition. The verse provides specific guidance for the priest to determine whether a boil is clean or unclean. Understanding this context helps us see that this verse is not just about medical diagnosis but also about spiritual and communal well-being.

Leviticus 13:20 (KJV)

Here is the verse in the King James Version:

“And if, when the priest seeth it, behold, it be in sight lower than the skin, and the hair thereof be turned white; the priest shall pronounce him unclean: it is a plague of leprosy broken out of the boil.” (Leviticus 13:20 KJV)

This verse describes a situation where a person has a boil, and after it heals, the priest examines the area. If the priest sees that the skin is discolored (lower than the surrounding skin) and the hair in that area has turned white, he declares the person unclean. This condition is identified as a “plague of leprosy” that has broken out of the boil.

Leviticus 13:20 Meaning

At first glance, Leviticus 13:20 might seem like a strange or outdated rule. However, when we dig deeper, we can find spiritual and practical lessons in this verse.

1. The Role of the Priest

The priest played a crucial role in diagnosing and managing skin diseases. He was not a doctor but a spiritual leader who followed God’s instructions. This reminds us that God cares about every aspect of our lives, including our physical health. It also shows the importance of seeking guidance from spiritual leaders when facing difficult situations.

2. The Significance of Cleanliness

In the Bible, being “clean” or “unclean” was not just about physical health. It was also a symbol of spiritual purity. Skin diseases made a person unclean because they were seen as a sign of sin or corruption. By declaring someone unclean, the priest was protecting the community from spiritual and physical harm. This teaches us the importance of maintaining purity in our lives and avoiding anything that could separate us from God.

3. The Importance of Obedience

The Israelites were required to follow these laws without question. This shows the importance of obedience to God’s commands, even when we don’t fully understand them. Obedience demonstrates our trust in God’s wisdom and authority.

4. A Picture of Sin

Some Bible scholars see the skin diseases in Leviticus as a picture of sin. Just as a skin disease spreads and corrupts the body, sin spreads and corrupts our souls. The need for cleansing and healing points to our need for a Savior. In the New Testament, Jesus is portrayed as the ultimate healer who cleanses us from sin and restores us to God.

Leviticus 13:20 Application in Life

While the laws in Leviticus 13 were given to the Israelites thousands of years ago, they still have relevance for us today. Here are some ways we can apply the lessons of Leviticus 13:20 to our lives:

1. Seek Spiritual Guidance

Just as the Israelites relied on the priest for guidance, we should seek wisdom from spiritual leaders in our lives. Whether it’s a pastor, mentor, or trusted Christian friend, having someone to guide us can help us navigate difficult situations and grow in our faith.

2. Pursue Holiness

The concept of cleanliness in Leviticus reminds us to pursue holiness in our lives. This means avoiding sin and striving to live in a way that honors God. While we are not under the Old Testament law, we are called to be holy because God is holy (1 Peter 1:16).

3. Be Aware of Sin’s Effects

Sin, like a skin disease, can spread and cause harm if left unchecked. We need to be vigilant about identifying and addressing sin in our lives. This might involve confession, repentance, and seeking God’s forgiveness.

4. Trust in God’s Wisdom

The laws in Leviticus may seem strange to us, but they reveal God’s wisdom and care for His people. When we face situations that don’t make sense, we can trust that God knows what is best for us. His ways are higher than our ways (Isaiah 55:9).

5. Look to Jesus for Healing

The ultimate fulfillment of the laws in Leviticus is found in Jesus Christ. He is the Great Physician who heals us from the disease of sin. Through His death and resurrection, we can be made clean and whole. If you are struggling with sin or feeling spiritually unclean, turn to Jesus for healing and restoration.

Conclusion

Leviticus 13:20 may seem like an obscure verse at first, but it contains valuable lessons for us today. By understanding its context, meaning, and application, we can see how it points to God’s care for His people, the importance of holiness, and our need for a Savior. While we are no longer under the Old Testament law, the principles of obedience, purity, and trust in God’s wisdom remain relevant.

As we reflect on Leviticus 13:20, let us remember that God’s Word is living and active (Hebrews 4:12). Even the most challenging passages can teach us something about God’s character and His plan for our lives. Let us strive to live in a way that honors Him, seeking His guidance and relying on His grace to overcome sin. And above all, let us look to Jesus, the ultimate healer and redeemer, who makes us clean and restores us to a right relationship with God.

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