Leviticus 13:31

31 And if the priest shall look on the plague of the scall, and behold, it [is] not in sight deeper than the skin, and no black hair in it; then the priest shall shut up [him that hath] 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 shall have a plague upon the head or the beard;
30 Then the priest shall see the plague: and behold, if it [is] in sight deeper than the skin, [and there is] in it a yellow thin hair; then the priest shall pronounce him unclean: it [is] a dry scall, [even] a leprosy upon the head or beard.
31 And if the priest shall look on the plague of the scall, and behold, it [is] not in sight deeper than the skin, and no black hair in it; then the priest shall shut up [him that hath] the plague of the scall seven days:
32 And in the seventh day the priest shall look on the plague: and behold, [if] the scall spreadeth not, and there is in it no yellow hair, and the scall [is] not in sight deeper than the skin;
33 He shall be shaven, but the scall shall he not shave; and the priest shall shut up [him that hath] the scall seven days more:
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