Font Size
Unfortunately a great deal of confusion regarding these verses results from the translation in standard English versions of the Hebrew word ṣāra'at̠ as leprosy. The Hebrew term is a general term denoting various skin diseases like psoriasis and fungal infections. The word leprosy is used today to refer to a specific illness know technically as Hansen’s disease.
Seven cases of skin disease are presented: (1) lesions of the skin (vv.2-8), (2) lacerated tissue (vv.9-17), (3) change in a healed boil (vv.18-23), (4) an infected burn (vv.24-28), (5) a lesion in the beard or hair (vv.29-37), (6) white spots covering the body (vv.38-39), and (7) a sore on a bald head (vv.40-44). In each case symptoms are described and procedures given the priests for determining whether a condition is indeed a skin disease. If symptoms are clear, the priest immediately pronounces the person clean or unclean. But if the symptoms do not provide for a clear prognosis, the priest is to order a quarantine of seven days followed by reexamination. If the second examination is still inconclusive, another period of quarantine is required. As soon as clear evidence is available to the priest, he is to make a definitive pronouncement.
It is important to note that the role of the priest in these regulations is not that of a physician. Rather his assignment is the protection of the sanctuary from any and all types of uncleanness.
Following the seven cases is instruction for excluding unclean persons from the community (vv.45-46). Those pronounced unclean because of skin disease are to dress in mourning. Also they are to cry “unclean, unclean” (cf. La 4:15) on the approach of other persons to warn them of the danger of becoming unclean through contact with the diseased. Afflicted persons are to live outside the city for the rest of their lives or until such time as they are healed.