Leviticus 13:31

31 But if the priest looks at it and it does not seem deeper than the skin and there is no black hair in it, the priest must separate the person from other people for 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 "When a man or a woman gets a sore on the scalp or on the chin,

30 a priest must look at the sore. If it seems deeper than the skin and the hair around it is thin and yellow, the priest must announce that the person is unclean. It is an itch, a harmful skin disease of the head or chin.

31 But if the priest looks at it and it does not seem deeper than the skin and there is no black hair in it, the priest must separate the person from other people for seven days.

32 On the seventh day the priest must look at the sore. If it has not spread, and there are no yellow hairs growing in it, and the sore does not seem deeper than the skin,

33 the person must shave himself, but he must not shave the sore place. The priest must separate that person from other people for seven more days.