Reference

Leviticus 13:17

Pre-Law Clean/Unclean DistinctionSymbolic / Spiritual InterpretationVisible Return
“And the priest shall see him: and, behold, if the plague be turned into white; then the priest shall pronounce him clean that hath the plague: he is clean.”
15

And the priest shall see the raw flesh, and pronounce him to be unclean: for the raw flesh is unclean: it is a leprosy.

16

Or if the raw flesh turn again, and be changed unto white, he shall come unto the priest;

17

And the priest shall see him: and, behold, if the plague be turned into white; then the priest shall pronounce him clean that hath the plague: he is clean.

18

The flesh also, in which, even in the skin thereof, was a boil, and is healed,

19

And in the place of the boil there be a white rising, or a bright spot, white, and somewhat reddish, and it be shewed to the priest;

Counter-Arguments

The strongest case that this verse does not belong in this theme.

Pre-Law Clean/Unclean Distinction

This verse is found within the book of Leviticus, which details the Mosaic Law given at Sinai, and therefore describes a clean/unclean distinction *within* the context of that law, not prior to it.

Symbolic / Spiritual Interpretation

The verse describes a physical examination by a priest to determine the presence or absence of a physical "plague" (a skin condition) and a subsequent declaration of physical "cleanliness." There is no explicit or implied language within this verse that suggests a symbolic meaning related to spiritual purity, moral holiness, or an inner versus outer distinction.

Visible Return

This verse describes a priest examining a person with a skin ailment and making a judgment about their cleanliness, with no mention of a return, visibility to all, or any of the elements described in the "Visible Return" theme definition.

Pre-Law Clean/Unclean Distinction
Pre-Law Clean/Unclean Distinction

Cross-References

Leviticus 14:7Thematic

“And he shall sprinkle upon him that is to be cleansed from the leprosy seven times, and shall pronounce him clean, and shall let the living bird loose into the open field.”

Thematic Connections

Pre-Law Clean/Unclean DistinctionSymbolic / Spiritual InterpretationVisible Return

Private Study Note