Leviticus 13:31

31 But if the priest examines the diseased area of the skin's infection and {if} its appearance is not deeper than the skin and there is no black hair in it, then the priest shall confine the afflicted person [with] the diseased area of skin [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 "And when a man or a woman {has} an infection on [the] head or in [the] beard,
30 then the priest shall examine the infection, and {if} its appearance [is] deeper than the skin and in it [is] thin bright red hair, then the priest shall declare it unclean--it [is] a diseased area of skin; it [is] an infectious skin disease of the head or the beard.
31 But if the priest examines the diseased area of the skin's infection and {if} its appearance is not deeper than the skin and there is no black hair in it, then the priest shall confine the afflicted person [with] the diseased area of skin [for] seven days.
32 And the priest shall examine the infection on the seventh day, and {if} the diseased area of skin has not spread and it does not have bright red hair in it and the diseased area of the skin's appearance is not deeper than the skin,
33 then he shall shave himself, but he shall not shave the diseased area of skin, and the priest shall confine [the person with] the diseased area of skin [a] second [time] [for] seven days.

Footnotes 3

Scripture quotations marked (LEB) are from the Lexham English Bible. Copyright 2012 Logos Bible Software. Lexham is a registered trademark of Logos Bible Software.