Vayikra 13:31

31 And if the kohen examine the nega of the scale, and, hinei, it be not in appearance deeper than the skin, and that there is no black hair in it, then the kohen shall quarantine him that hath the nega of the scale shivat yamim;

Vayikra 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.

Vayikra 13:31 In-Context

29 If an ish or isha have a nega upon the head or the chin,

30 Then the kohen shall examine the nega, and, hinei, if it be in appearance deeper than the skin, and there be in it a yellow thin hair, then the kohen shall pronounce him tamei; it is a scale, even a tzara’at upon the head or chin.

31 And if the kohen examine the nega of the scale, and, hinei, it be not in appearance deeper than the skin, and that there is no black hair in it, then the kohen shall quarantine him that hath the nega of the scale shivat yamim;

32 And in the yom hashevi’i the kohen shall examine the nega; and, hinei, if the scale spread not, and there be in it no yellow hair, and the scale be not in appearance deeper than the skin,

33 He shall be shaven, but the scale shall he not shave; and the kohen shall quarantine him that hath the scale another shivat yamim;