Leviticus 13:31

31 But when the priest looks on the plague of the scall and if it does not look deeper than the skin and there is no black hair in it, then the priest shall shut up the one that has the plague of the scall seven days;

Leviticus 13:31 Meaning and Commentary

Leviticus 13:31

And if the priest look on the plague of the scall
As it may appear in another person, brought to him for inspection and examination: and, behold, it [be] not in the sight deeper than the skin;
it do not seem to be got into the flesh, or lower than the skin: and [that there is] no black hair in it;
or, "but no black hair in it"; for, as Jarchi says, if there was a black hair in it, he would be clean, and there would be no need of shutting up; for black hair in scalls is a sign of cleanness, as it is said, ( Leviticus 13:37 ) ; it would be a clear case that such a man had no leprosy on him; for black hair is a token of a strong and healthful constitution; and there could remain no doubt about it, and it would require no further trial and examination: Ben Gersom says it means two black hairs; and further observes, that black hair in the midst of a scall is a sign of cleanness; but this being wanting, then the priest shall shut up [him that hath] the plague of the scall
seven days;
from the time of his viewing the scall; and so Ben Gersom, this is the seventh day from the time of looking upon the scall.

Leviticus 13:31 In-Context

29 If a man or woman has a plague upon the head or the beard,
30 then the priest shall see the plague; and if it looks deeper than the skin and the hair in it is yellowish and thin, then the priest shall pronounce him unclean; it is a dry scall, leprosy of the head or beard.
31 But when the priest looks on the plague of the scall and if it does not look deeper than the skin and there is no black hair in it, then the priest shall shut up the one that has the plague of the scall seven days;
32 and in the seventh day the priest shall look on the plague; and if the scall appears not to have spread and there is no yellowish hair in it and the scall appears not to be deeper than the skin,
33 he shall be shaven, but the place of the scall he shall not shave; and the priest shall shut up the one that has the scall for seven days the second time.
The Jubilee Bible (from the Scriptures of the Reformation), edited by Russell M. Stendal, Copyright © 2000, 2001, 2010