Leviticus 13:17

Old Testament Law (Torah) ASV (1901)

What does Leviticus 13:17 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “and the priest shall look on him; and, behold, if the plague be turned into white, then the priest shall pronounce [him] clean [that hath] the plague: he is clean.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

and the priest shall look on him; and, behold, if the plague be turned into white, then the priest shall pronounce [him] clean [that hath] the plague: he is clean.
Leviticus 13:17 — American Standard Version

Context — Leviticus 13

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
17and the priest shall look on him; and, behold, if the plague be turned into white, then the priest shall pronounce [him] clean [that hath] the plague: he is clean.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And the priest shall see him, etc.] Review him, and examine him thoroughly: and, behold, [if] the plague be turned into white; the raw flesh in the swelling, which looked red, is become white: then the priest shall pronounce [him] clean [that hath] the plague; that was supposed to have the plague of leprosy; but upon a review, and on this change of things, has not, he shall declare him free from it, he [is] clean; and under no obligation to the laws and rites concerning it.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“The disease here indicated appears to be that now known as Lepra commonis, the common White Leprosy, or Dry Tetter. It first shows itself in reddish pimples, the surface of which becomes white and scaly, spreading in a circular form until they meet each other and cover large patches of the body. It scarcely affects the general health, and for the most part disappears of itself, though it often lasts for years. From his head even to his foot, wheresoever. the priest looketh - The first appearance of the Lepra Commonis may take place in any part of the body, especially, however, at the larger joints of the limbs; but the spots of elephantiasis are almost always first seen, on those parts which…”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification