Definition: And the priest shall look on him again the seventh day: and, behold, [if] the plague [be] somewhat dark, [and] the plague spread not in the skin, the priest shall pronounce him clean: it [is but] a scab: and he shall wash his clothes, and be clean.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Leviticus 13:6. It’s a pretty strange and detailed instruction about how to deal with someone who has been touched by a demon or spirit – essentially, a person who is afflicted with illness or misfortune. Here's a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a process of cleansing and purification after someone has been touched by something considered unclean or cursed. It’s about dealing with a visible manifestation of spiritual harm. Let’s unpack it word-by-word: “And the priest shall look on him again the seventh day…” – This means the priest will examine the person further after seven days have passed since they were touched. “…and, behold, [if] the plague [be] somewhat dark…” - "The plague" is a specific type of illness that was considered to be caused by spiritual forces or demonic influence. It's described as "somewhat dark" – meaning it’s not perfectly healthy, but there’s something unsettling about it. “…and the plague spread not in the skin…” - This is key. The plague isn't just a runny nose or fever; it’s affecting the skin , and this is a crucial part of the process. It’s a visible manifestation of the spiritual problem. “the priest shall pronounce him clean:” – The priest has been given the authority to determine if the person is fit to be released. “…it [is] but a scab: and he shall wash his clothes, and be clean.” - This is the core of the instruction. A scab (a raised, itchy skin area) is what the priest must do. The priest will wash the person’s clothes to remove the “darkness” – essentially cleansing them of the spiritual influence. In simpler terms: If a person has been touched by a spirit or demon, the priest needs to examine them and if there's a visible sign of something unsettling (like a scab), he must clean them thoroughly. It’s a way of identifying and dealing with a problem caused by spiritual forces. Important Note: This passage was written in a time when people believed that illness could be caused by demonic influence – it was a very significant part of religious understanding at the time. --- Disclaimer: I am an AI Chatbot and not a biblical scholar. This explanation is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as definitive biblical interpretation. Do you have any specific questions about this passage that you’d like me to answer? For example, are you curious about its historical context or its significance within the Old Testament?