Leviticus 13:12 — Word Study
WLCוְאִם־ פָּר֨וֹחַ תִּפְרַ֤ח הַצָּרַ֙עַת֙ בָּע֔וֹר וְכִסְּתָ֣ה הַצָּרַ֗עַת אֵ֚ת כָּל־ ע֣וֹר הַנֶּ֔גַע מֵרֹאשׁ֖וֹ וְעַד־ רַגְלָ֑יו לְכָל־ מַרְאֵ֖ה עֵינֵ֥י הַכֹּהֵֽן׃
BSABut ifʼim the skin diseasetsâraʻath [leprosy, a serious skin condition] ◂breaks outpârach all over his skinʻôwr [from head to toe, completely covering] so that ittsâraʻath coverskâçâh■ allkôl the skinʻôwr [every part, entirely] of the infected personnegaʻ [one who has the plague, a disease] from headrôʼsh [the top of the body] toʻad footregel [the lowest part] as far as the priestkôhên [to the extent that, wherever, one who serves God, a spiritual leader] can seemarʼeh [with his eyes, observe]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| וְאִם־ | and if | Conjunction, particle |
| פָּר֨וֹחַ | certainly | Verb, Qal, infinitive absolute |
| תִּפְרַ֤ח | it will break out | Verb, Qal, imperfect third person feminine singular |
| הַצָּרַ֙עַת֙ | the serious skin disease | Particle, noun common feminine singular absolute |
| בָּע֔וֹר | on the skin | Preposition, noun common masculine singular absolute |
| וְכִסְּתָ֣ה | and it will cover | Verb, Piel, sequential perfect third person feminine singular |
| הַצָּרַ֗עַת | the serious skin disease | Particle, noun common feminine singular absolute |
| אֵ֚ת | the object marker | Particle |
| כָּל־ | all | Noun common, masculine singular construct |
| ע֣וֹר | [the] skin of | Noun common, masculine singular construct |
| הַנֶּ֔גַע | the plagued [person] | Particle, noun common masculine singular absolute |
| מֵרֹאשׁ֖וֹ | from head his | Preposition, noun common masculine singular construct, suffix |
| וְעַד־ | and to | Conjunction, preposition |
| רַגְלָ֑יו | feet his | Noun common feminine dual construct, suffix |
| לְכָל־ | to all | Preposition, noun common masculine singular construct |
| מַרְאֵ֖ה | [the] appearance of | Noun common, masculine singular construct |
| עֵינֵ֥י | [the] eyes of | Noun common, feminine dual construct |
| הַכֹּהֵֽן׃ | the priest | Particle, noun common masculine singular absolute |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | But if the skin disease breaks out all over his skin so that it covers all the skin of the infected person from head to foot, as far as the priest can see, |
| KJV | And if a leprosy break out abroad in the skin, and the leprosy cover all the skin of him that hath the plague from his head even to his foot, wheresoever the priest looketh; |
| ASV | And if the leprosy break out abroad in the skin, and the leprosy cover all the skin of him that hath the plague from his head even to his feet, as far as appeareth to the priest; |
| YLT | 'And if the leprosy break out greatly in the skin, and the leprosy hath covered all the skin of [him who hath] the plague, from his head even unto his feet, to all that appeareth to the eyes of the priest, |
| WEB | “If the leprosy breaks out all over the skin, and the leprosy covers all the skin of the infected person from his head even to his feet, as far as it appears to the priest, |
| BBE | And if the disease comes out all over his skin, from his head to his feet, as far as the priest is able to see, |
Where they part company is הַצָּרַ֙עַת֙ — see How Translations Differ.
The sentence has a main clause followed by several phrases that elaborate on the condition of the skin disease.






7 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Trapp, Ellicott & more — read them ›
clause
verbפָּרַח
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.
Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.
Deep Study — Leviticus 13:12
Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.
Context — Regulations on Skin Diseasesgenerated
Leviticus 13:12 outlines the conditions under which a skin disease, specifically leprosy, is assessed. This chapter provides guidance for priests on diagnosing and determining the cleanliness of individuals afflicted with such diseases, emphasizing the importance of ritual purity within the community.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Kings 8:38 | then may whatever prayer or petition Your people Israel make—each knowing his own afflictions and spreading out his hands toward this temple— |
| 2 | Job 40:4 | “Behold, I am insignificant. How can I reply to You? I place my hand over my mouth. |
| 3 | Job 42:6 | Therefore I retract my words, and I repent in dust and ashes.” |
| 4 | Isaiah 64:6 | Each of us has become like something unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all wither like a leaf, and our iniquities carry us away like the wind. |
| 5 | John 16:8–9 | And when He comes, He will convict the world in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment: |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 7 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — הַצָּרַ֙עַת֙, ha.tza.Ra.'atgenerated
The term הַצָּרַ֙עַת֙ (*ha.tza'ra'at*) refers specifically to leprosy, a serious skin condition that is addressed in the laws of Leviticus. It is a noun in the feminine singular form, indicating a specific type of affliction that carries significant implications for ritual purity.
This word is derived from the root meaning 'to be stricken' and is often associated with the concept of uncleanness in biblical texts. The lexicons highlight its use in contexts related to both human afflictions and mildew in materials, showing its broader implications in purity laws.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
In this study, the verse is examined in the Berean Standard Bible, which uses skin disease to convey the meaning of הַצָּרַ֙עַת֙.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The main verb in this verse is תִּפְרַ֤ח, it will break out, which governs the entire sentence. The structure includes a conditional clause introduced by וְאִם־, but if, indicating that the following descriptions depend on this condition.
The sentence is built around the action of the disease spreading, with multiple phrases describing the extent of its coverage, emphasizing the thoroughness of the examination by the priest.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates הַצָּרַ֙עַת֙ as λέπρα, indicating a direct correspondence to the concept of leprosy. This choice reflects the understanding of the affliction as a serious condition requiring careful scrutiny.
The Greek term used here reinforces the idea of a severe skin disease and aligns with the cultural and medical perceptions of leprosy in the ancient world.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Leviticus 13:12 describes a situation where a serious skin disease spreads all over a person's skin. The priest must examine the person to determine if the disease covers their entire body, from head to foot, ensuring that they follow the laws regarding cleanliness.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
It means that the disease has spread significantly over the person's skin, indicating a more severe condition that requires examination.
The priest serves as a spiritual leader and is tasked with determining the ritual purity of individuals, ensuring the community remains clean according to the laws.
Leprosy often symbolizes sin and uncleanness, representing a separation from the community and the need for purification.
This verse is part of a larger set of regulations that govern purity and health, emphasizing the importance of maintaining cleanliness in the community.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- What are some ways that physical ailments can affect our spiritual lives, as seen in this passage?
- How can we ensure we are spiritually clean in our own lives?
- What role does community play in the context of purity and health, based on this verse?
- How can we support those who are struggling with afflictions, both physical and spiritual?
Commentators on this verse — 7 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Leviticus 13:12 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleAnd if a leprosy break out abroad in the skin,.... Or, if flowering it flowers (m); the man that has it on him looks like a plant or tree covered with white flowers, being spread all over him in
Read John Gill on Leviticus 13 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryAnd the priest shall see him: and, behold, if the rising be white in the skin, and it have turned the hair white, and there be quick raw flesh in the rising; If the rising be white.
Read Robert Jamieson on Leviticus 13 →
John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsLeviticus 13:12 And if a leprosy break out abroad in the skin, and the leprosy cover all the skin of [him that hath] the plague from his head even to his foot, wheresoever the priest looketh;Ver. 12. And if a leprosy.] So called, because so counted at first: but it proves no more than a kind of scurf or scab.
Read John Trapp on Leviticus 13 →
Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(12, 13) And if a leprosy break out abroad.—There were, however, two phases of this returned distemper which exempted the patient from uncleanness. If the leprosy suddenly covered the whole body so that the patient became perfectly white, in which case there could be no appearance of live flesh, then he was clean. This indicated the crisis, as the whole evil matter thus brought to the surface formed itself into a scale, which dried and peeled off.
Read Charles John Ellicott on Leviticus 13 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges9–17. The first part of this section is obscure; most modern commentators explain Leviticus 13:9-11 as referring to another form of leprosy in which the rising described in Leviticus 13:10 appears without any of the premonitory symptoms of Lev 13:2; if in addition to the white hair (already mentioned in Leviticus 13:3) there is ‘quick raw flesh’ (Leviticus 13:10) in the rising, this is a sure sign of leprosy, and the man must be declared unclean at once without waiting for any further examination. By ‘quick raw flesh’ (Heb. ‘the rawness of raw flesh,’ or lit. ‘the quickness of quick flesh’) is understood an appearance like that of raw meat. The Heb. words for ‘raw flesh’ [bâsâr ḥ ?ay] are…
Read Cambridge on Leviticus 13 →
Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleThe disease here indicated appears to be that now known as Lepra commonis, the common White Leprosy, or Dry Tetter.
Read Albert Barnes on Leviticus 13 →
Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible10-12. The rising — This was a decisive indication when it was white and accompanied by white hair and raw flesh in the swelling.
Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Leviticus 13 →The verse in English, compared — 17 translations, and where they part company
Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.
Modern formal
But if the skin disease breaks out all over his skin so that it covers all the skin of the infected person from head to foot, as far as the priest can see,
“If the leprosy breaks out all over the skin, and the leprosy covers all the skin of the infected person from his head even to his feet, as far as it appears to the priest,
But if the skin disease breaks out all over his skin so that it covers all the skin of the infected person from head to foot, as far as the priest can see,
If, however, the disease breaks out on the skin so that the disease covers all the skin of the person with the infection from his head to his feet, as far as the priest can see,
Tyndale line
And if a leprosy break out abroad in the skin, and the leprosy cover all the skin of him that hath the plague from his head even to his foot, wheresoever the priest looketh;
And if the leprosy break out abroad in the skin, and the leprosy cover all the skin of him that hath the plague from his head even to his feet, as far as appeareth to the priest;
And if the leprosy break out abroad in the skin, and the leprosy cover all the skin of him that hath the plague from his head even to his feet, as far as appeareth to the priest;
And if a leprosy shall break out in the skin, and the leprosy shall cover all the skin of him that hath the plague from his head even to his foot, wherever the priest looketh;
Also if the leprosie breake out in the skin, and the leprosie couer all the skin of the plague, from his head euen to his feete, wheresoeuer the Priest looketh,
Strictly literal
But if the leprosy break out much in the skin, and the leprosy cover all the skin of [him that hath] the sore, from his head even to his foot, wherever the eyes of the priest look,
'And if the leprosy break out greatly in the skin, and the leprosy hath covered all the skin of [him who hath] the plague, from his head even unto his feet, to all that appeareth to the eyes of the priest,
And if the leprosy breaks out greatly in the skin, and the leprosy has covered all the skin of [him who has] the plague, from his head even to his feet, to all that appears to the eyes of the priest,
And if the leprosy break out abroad in the skin, and the leprosy cover all the skin of [him that hath] the plague from his head even to the feet, so far as the eyes of the priest can see:
If the disease breaks out widely in the skin and covers all the skin of the person with the disease from his head to his feet, as far as it appears to the priest,
From the Latin
But if the leprosy spring out running about in the skin, and cover all the skin from the head to the feet, whatsoever falleth under the sight of the eyes,
Simplified
However, if the skin disease affects all their skin so that it covers their skin from head to toe, everywhere the priest can see,
And if the disease comes out all over his skin, from his head to his feet, as far as the priest is able to see,
Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.
The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank
This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
The Masoretic Text and the Samaritan Pentateuch agree closely, with the Samaritan version differing only in the word פָּרַח (sprout) instead of תִּפְרַח (it will break out). This indicates a minor variation in the textual tradition without altering the overall meaning.
וְאִם־ פָּר֨וֹחַ תִּפְרַ֤ח הַצָּרַ֙עַת֙ בָּע֔וֹר וְכִסְּתָ֣ה הַצָּרַ֗עַת אֵ֚ת כָּל־ ע֣וֹר הַנֶּ֔גַע מֵרֹאשׁ֖וֹ וְעַד־ רַגְלָ֑יו לְכָל־ מַרְאֵ֖ה עֵינֵ֥י הַכֹּהֵֽן׃
15 of the 18 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.
ואם פרח תפרח הצרעת בעור וכסתה הצרעת את כל עור הנגע מראשׁו עד רגליו לכל מראה עיני הכהן
1 word differs from the Masoretic Text: פרח (sprout)
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in Leviticus 13:12
One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.
Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.
אִם (im) is a Hebrew conjunction primarily meaning 'if' and is used in various contexts, including conditional clauses and interrogative situations. It can also express negation, alternatives, or exceptions, and appears frequently in the Old Testament. The lexicons note its use in oaths and its ability to connect different clauses, sometimes altering their meanings.
אִם conj.
hypoth. part. if
Interrog. part.
base
כִּי אם־
each part. retaining its independent force, and relating to a different clause:
that if
for if
(About 140 t.) the two particles being closely conjoined, and relating to the same clause—
limiting the prec. clause, except
the if being neglected, and treated as pleonastic, so that the clause is no longer a limitation of the preceding clause but a contradiction of it: but rather, but
after an oath, surely
base
H518a אִם conj. . hypoth. part. if
. Interrog. part.
H518b כִּי אם־ . each part. retaining its independent force, and relating to a different clause: . that if
. for if
. (About 140 t.) the two particles being closely conjoined, and relating to the same clause— . limiting the prec. clause, except
. the if being neglected, and treated as pleonastic, so that the clause is no longer a limitation of the preceding clause but a contradiction of it: but rather, but
. after an oath, surely
518 'im eem
a primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!;
interrog., whether?; or conditional, if, although; also Oh
that!, when; hence, as a negative, not:--(and, can-,
doubtless, if, that) (not), + but, either, + except, +
more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or,
+ save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, + surely (no more,
none, not), though, + of a truth, + unless, + verily, when,
whereas, whether, while, + yet.
אִם (im) — if.
: if/whether_or/though
1) if
1a) conditional clauses
1a1) of possible situations
1a2) of impossible situations
1b) oath contexts
1b1) no, not
1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or
1d) when, whenever
1e) since
1f) interrogative particle
1g) but rather
[כִּי] אם (ki im) — if: except.
1) except if
1a) but if
אִם (im) — if: surely no.
: surely_no
1) if
1a) conditional clauses
1a1) of possible situations
1a2) of impossible situations
1b) oath contexts
1b1) no, not
1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or
1d) when, whenever
1e) since
1f) interrogative particle
1g) but rather
אִם (im) — if: surely yes.
: surely_yes
1) if
1a) conditional clauses
1a1) of possible situations
1a2) of impossible situations
1b) oath contexts
1b1) no, not
1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or
1d) when, whenever
1e) since
1f) interrogative particle
1g) but rather
אִם (im) — if: until.
: until/except
Conj | Conj — Conjunction · particleHC/Tc
The Hebrew word פָּרַח (*pa.rach*) is a primitive root that encompasses several meanings, primarily related to growth and emergence. It can mean to bud, sprout, or shoot, as well as to break out in the context of leprosy or similar eruptions. Additionally, it has a sense of flying, particularly in an Aramaic context. The entries highlight its use in various forms, including Qal and Hiphil.
פָּרַח vb. bud, sprout, shoot
Qal bud, sprout, send out shoots, of vine
Hiph.
cause to bud or sprout
shew buds, sprouts, of tree
base
פָּרַח vb. break out, of leprosy and like eruptions
base
[פָּרַח] vb. fly, Aramaism
base
H6524a פָּרַח bud, sprout, shoot H6524b פָּרַח break out, of leprosy and like eruptions H6524c פָּרַח fly, Aramaism
6524 parach paw-rakh'
a primitive root; to break forth as a bud, i.e. bloom;
generally, to spread; specifically, to fly (as extending the
wings); figuratively, to flourish:--X abroad, X abundantly,
blossom, break forth (out), bud, flourish, make fly, grow,
spread, spring (up).
פָּרַח (pa.rach) — to sprout.
1) to bud, sprout, shoot, bloom
1a) (Qal) to bud, sprout, send out shoots, blossom
1b) (Hiphil)
1b1) to cause to bud or sprout
1b2) to show buds or sprouts
פָּרַח (pa.rach) — to break out.
(Qal) to break out (of leprosy)
פָּרַח (pa.rach) — to fly.
(Qal) to fly (Aramaism)
V-Qal-Ptc — Verb · Qal · infinitive absoluteHVqaa
The Hebrew word פָּרַח (*pa.rach*) is a primitive root that encompasses several meanings, primarily related to growth and emergence. It can mean to bud, sprout, or shoot, as well as to break out in the context of leprosy or similar eruptions. Additionally, it has a sense of flying, particularly in an Aramaic context. The entries highlight its use in various forms, including Qal and Hiphil.
פָּרַח vb. bud, sprout, shoot
Qal bud, sprout, send out shoots, of vine
Hiph.
cause to bud or sprout
shew buds, sprouts, of tree
base
פָּרַח vb. break out, of leprosy and like eruptions
base
[פָּרַח] vb. fly, Aramaism
base
H6524a פָּרַח bud, sprout, shoot H6524b פָּרַח break out, of leprosy and like eruptions H6524c פָּרַח fly, Aramaism
6524 parach paw-rakh'
a primitive root; to break forth as a bud, i.e. bloom;
generally, to spread; specifically, to fly (as extending the
wings); figuratively, to flourish:--X abroad, X abundantly,
blossom, break forth (out), bud, flourish, make fly, grow,
spread, spring (up).
פָּרַח (pa.rach) — to sprout.
1) to bud, sprout, shoot, bloom
1a) (Qal) to bud, sprout, send out shoots, blossom
1b) (Hiphil)
1b1) to cause to bud or sprout
1b2) to show buds or sprouts
פָּרַח (pa.rach) — to break out.
(Qal) to break out (of leprosy)
פָּרַח (pa.rach) — to fly.
(Qal) to fly (Aramaism)
HVqi3fs — Verb · Qal · imperfect third person feminine singularHVqi3fs
צָרַ֫עַת (tsara`ath) means leprosy, referring to a malignant skin disease in people, as well as mildew or mold in clothing and buildings. It is derived from the root word for 'to be stricken' and appears in contexts related to purity laws in Leviticus.
צָרַ֫עַת 35 n.f. leprosy
base
H6883 צָרַ֫עַת leprosy
6883 tsara`ath tsaw-rah'-ath
from 6879; leprosy:--leprosy.
see HEBREW for 06879
צָרַ֫עַת (tsa.ra.at) — leprosy.
1) leprosy
1a) in people, malignant skin disease (Le 13:1-14:57)
1b) in clothing, a mildew or mould (Le 13:47-52)
1c) in buildings, a mildew or mould (Le 14:34-53)
Art | N-fs — Particle · noun common feminine singular absoluteHTd/Ncfsa
עוֹר (owr) means skin or hide, specifically referring to the skin of humans and the hides of animals. It is derived from a root that implies nakedness. The term appears frequently in the Old Testament, with 55 occurrences related to human skin and 44 to animal hides.
עוֹר 99 n.m. skin
of men (55 t.)
hide of animals (44 t.)
base
H5785 עוֹר skin . of men (55 t.)
. hide of men (44 t.)
5785 `owr ore
from 5783; skin (as naked); by implication, hide,
leather:--hide, leather, skin.
see HEBREW for 05783
עוֹר (or) — skin.
1) skin, hide
1a) skin (of men)
1b) hide (of animals)
Prep | N-ms — Preposition · noun common masculine singular absoluteHRd/Ncmsa
(`or, geledh, "human skin" (Job 16:15), basar, "flesh," in the sense of "nakedness" (Ps 102:5 the King James Version); derma):
Literal:
The word `or designates the skin of both men and animals, the latter both raw and in tanned condition: "Yahweh God made for Adam and for his wife coats of skins (`or), and clothed them" (Ge 3:21); "She put the skins (`or) of the kids of the goats upon his hands, and upon the smooth of his neck" (Ge 27:16); "Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots?" (Jer 13:23). The Hebrew geledh is found in the sense of human skin: "I have sewed sackcloth upon my skin, and have laid…
The Hebrew word כָּסָה (*kacah*) primarily means to cover or conceal. It encompasses a range of meanings, including to clothe, hide, or overwhelm. The entries describe various forms of the verb, such as being covered or covering oneself, and its use in contexts like protection or sin. There is no significant disagreement among the lexicons.
[כָּסָה] vb. cover
Qal
conceal
pass. (cstr.) covered in respect of sin (by God, which he thus puts out of sight)
Niph. covered
Pi.
cover, clothe
cover, conceal blood
cover (with covering of protection)
cover, spread over
cover, overwhelm
cover over
Pual.
be covered
be clothed
Hithp. cover, clothe oneself
base
H3680 כָּסָה cover .. conceal
. pass. (cstr.) covered in respect of sin (by God, which he thus puts out of sight)
. covered
. . cover, clothe
. cover, conceal blood
. cover (with covering of protection)
. cover, spread over
. cover, overwhelm
. cover over
. . be covered
. be clothed
. cover, clothe oneself
3680 kacah kaw-saw'
a primitive root; properly, to plump, i.e. fill up hollows;
by implication, to cover (for clothing or secrecy):--clad
self, close, clothe, conceal, cover (self), (flee to) hide,
overwhelm. Compare 3780.
see HEBREW for 03780
כָּסָה (ka.sah) — to cover.
1) to cover, conceal, hide
1a) (Qal) conceal, covered (participle)
1b) (Niphal) to be covered
1c) (Piel)
1c1) to cover, clothe
1c2) to cover, conceal
1c3) to cover (for protection)
1c4) to cover over, spread over
1c5) to cover, overwhelm
1d) (Pual)
1d1) to be covered
1d2) to be clothed
1e) (Hithpael) to cover oneself, clothe oneself
Conj | V-Piel-Perf-3fs — Verb · Piel · sequential perfect third person feminine singularHc/Vpq3fs
צָרַ֫עַת (tsara`ath) means leprosy, referring to a malignant skin disease in people, as well as mildew or mold in clothing and buildings. It is derived from the root word for 'to be stricken' and appears in contexts related to purity laws in Leviticus.
צָרַ֫עַת 35 n.f. leprosy
base
H6883 צָרַ֫עַת leprosy
6883 tsara`ath tsaw-rah'-ath
from 6879; leprosy:--leprosy.
see HEBREW for 06879
צָרַ֫עַת (tsa.ra.at) — leprosy.
1) leprosy
1a) in people, malignant skin disease (Le 13:1-14:57)
1b) in clothing, a mildew or mould (Le 13:47-52)
1c) in buildings, a mildew or mould (Le 14:34-53)
Art | N-fs — Particle · noun common feminine singular absoluteHTd/Ncfsa
אֵת (eth) is primarily a grammatical marker in Hebrew, indicating the definite direct object of a verb. It is not translated into English and typically precedes nouns that are definite. The word is derived from a demonstrative sense of entity, related to the Hebrew word for 'self.' Its Aramaic equivalent is יָת (yat).
אֵת the mark of the accusative, prefixed as a rule only to nouns that are definite
base
H853 אֵת the mark of the accusative, prefixed as a rule only to nouns that are definite
853 'eth ayth
apparent contracted from 226 in the demonstrative sense of
entity; properly, self (but generally used to point out more
definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or
namely):--(as such unrepresented in English).
see HEBREW for 0226
אֵת (et) — [Obj.].
sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative
Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
HTo — ParticleHTo
כֹּל (kol) means 'all' or 'the whole.' It can refer to totality, including every person or thing, and is often used with a following genitive to specify what is included. The term can also denote a broader sense of everything in existence or all circumstances of life. The lexicons do not show significant disagreement on its meanings.
כֹּל once כּוֹל n.m. the whole, all
with foll. gen. (as usually) the whole of, to be rendered, however, often in our idiom, to avoid stiffness, any or every
Absolutely:
without the art., all things, all
with the art. הַכֹּל
where the sense is limited by the context to things (or persons) just mentioned
in a wider sense, all, whether of all mankind or of all living things, the universe, or of all the circumstances of life (chiefly late)
base
H3605 כֹּל once כּוֹל the whole, all . with foll. gen. (as usually) the whole of, to be rendered, however, often in our idiom, to avoid stiffness, any or every
. Absolutely: . without the art., all things, all
. with the art. הַכֹּל . where the sense is limited by the context to things (or persons) just mentioned
. in a wider sense, all, whether of all mankind or of all living things, the universe, or of all the circumstances of life (chiefly late)
3605 kol kole
or (Jer. 33:8) kowl {kole}; from 3634; properly, the whole;
hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a
plural sense):--(in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any
(manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as
many as, (no-)thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole,
whoso(-ever).
see HEBREW for 03634
כֹּל (kol) — all.
1) all, the whole
1a) all, the whole of
1b) any, each, every, anything
1c) totality, everything
Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular constructHNcmsc
ol: Used in various combinations, and with different meanings.
(1) All along, "Weeping all along as he went" (Jer 41:6), i.e. throughout the whole way he went, feigning equal concern with the men from Shiloh, etc., for the destruction of the Temple, so as to put them off their guard.
(2) All in all, "That God may be all in all" (1Co 15:28, Greek: panta en pasin, "all things in all (persons and) things"). "The universe, with all it comprises, will wholly answer to God's will and reflect His mind" (Dummelow).
עוֹר (owr) means skin or hide, specifically referring to the skin of humans and the hides of animals. It is derived from a root that implies nakedness. The term appears frequently in the Old Testament, with 55 occurrences related to human skin and 44 to animal hides.
עוֹר 99 n.m. skin
of men (55 t.)
hide of animals (44 t.)
base
H5785 עוֹר skin . of men (55 t.)
. hide of men (44 t.)
5785 `owr ore
from 5783; skin (as naked); by implication, hide,
leather:--hide, leather, skin.
see HEBREW for 05783
עוֹר (or) — skin.
1) skin, hide
1a) skin (of men)
1b) hide (of animals)
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular constructHNcmsc
ov:
(1) In Anglo-Saxon, had the meaning "from," "away from" (as the strengthened form "off" has still), and was not used for genitive or possessive relations, these being expressed by special case-forms. In the Norman period, however, "of" was taken to represent the French de (a use well developed by the time of Chaucer), and in the Elizabethan period both senses of "of" were in common use. But after about 1600 the later force of the word became predominant, and in the earlier sense (which is now practically obsolete) it was replaced by other prepositions. In consequence the King James Version (and in some cases the Revised Version (British and American)) contains many uses of "of" that are no longer familiar--most of them, to be sure, causing no difficulty, but there still being a few responsible for real obscurities.
OF, preposition ov. [Gr.]
1. From or out of; proceeding from, as the cause, source, means, author or agent bestowing.
I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered to you. 1 Corinthians 11:1.
For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts. Joshua 11:1.
It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed.
Lamentations 3:1.
The whole disposing thereof is of the Lord. Proverbs 16:1.
Go, inquire of the Lord for me. 2 Chronicles 34:2.
That holy thing that shall be born of thee. Luke 1:1.
Hence of is the sign of the genitive case, the case that denotes production; as the son of man, the son proceeding from man, produced from man. This is the primary sense, although we now say, produced by man. 'Part of these were slain; ' that is, a number separate, for part denotes a division; the sense then is, a number from or out of the whole were slain. So also, 'some of these were slain; ' that is…
נֶ֫גַע (nega`) refers to a stroke or plague, often associated with disease or a mark, particularly in the context of leprosy. It is built from the root meaning 'to strike' and encompasses various forms of affliction, including wounds and spots. The term captures both literal and metaphorical implications of injury or illness.
נֶ֫גַע 78 n.m. stroke, plague, mark, plague-spot
base
H5061 נֶ֫גַע stroke, plague, mark, plague-spot
5061 nega` neh'-gah
from 5060; a blow (figuratively, infliction); also (by
implication) a spot (concretely, a leprous person or
dress):--plague, sore, stricken, stripe, stroke, wound.
see HEBREW for 05060
נֶ֫גַע (ne.ga) — plague.
1) stroke, plague, disease, mark, plague spot
1a) stroke, wound
1b) stroke (metaphorical of disease)
1c) mark (of leprosy)
Art | N-ms — Particle · noun common masculine singular absoluteHTd/Ncmsa
רֹאשׁ (ro'sh) means 'head' and encompasses various meanings related to position and rank. It can refer to the head of a person or animal, the top of a mountain, or a chief in various contexts, such as a city or nation. The word also signifies beginnings and sums, appearing in phrases related to enumeration. Additionally, it serves as a proper noun for 'Rosh,' a title for a chief or prince.
רֹאשׁ 599 n.m.
(c. 230 t.) head, of human being
head, of animals
top (88 t.)
height, of stars
head = chief (man)
= chief (city)
chief nation
= chief (place, position)
= chief priest
= head of a family
head = front, leader's place
of time, beginning, of night watch
of things, river-heads
chief, choicest, best, of spices
head = division of army, company, band
= sum, esp. in phr. take sum of, enumerate
other phr.
base
רֹאשׁ n.pr.gent. Rôsh
base
H7218a רֹאשׁ . . (c. 230 t.) head, of human being
. head, of animals
. . top (88 t.)
. height, of stars
. . head = chief (man)
. = chief (city)
. chief nation
. = chief (place, position)
. = chief priest
. = head of a family
. . head = front, leader's place
. of time, beginning, of night watch
. of things, river-heads
. chief, choicest, best, of spices
. head = division of army, company, band
. = sum, esp. in phr. take sum of, enumerate
. other phr.
H7218b רֹאשׁ n. pr. gent. Rôsh
7218 ro'sh roshe
from an unused root apparently meaning to shake; the head (as
most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many
applications, of place, time, rank, itc.):--band, beginning,
captain, chapiter, chief(-est place, man, things), company,
end, X every (man), excellent, first, forefront, ((be-))head,
height, (on) high(-est part, (priest)), X lead, X poor,
principal, ruler, sum, top.
רֹאשׁ (rosh) — head.
: head
1) head, top, summit, upper part, chief, total, sum, height, front, beginning
1a) head (of man, animals)
1b) top, tip (of mountain)
1c) height (of stars)
1d) chief, head (of man, city, nation, place, family, priest)
1e) head, front, beginning
1f) chief, choicest, best
1g) head, division, company, band
1h) sum
רֹאשׁ (rosh) — prince.
Rosh, a tite for a chief or prince
רֹאשׁ (rosh) — head: leader.
: leader
1) head, top, summit, upper part, chief, total, sum, height, front, beginning
1a) head (of man, animals)
1b) top, tip (of mountain)
1c) height (of stars)
1d) chief, head (of man, city, nation, place, family, priest)
1e) head, front, beginning
1f) chief, choicest, best
1g) head, division, company, band
1h) sum
רֹאשׁ (rosh) — head: top.
: top/best
1) head, top, summit, upper part, chief, total, sum, height, front, beginning
1a) head (of man, animals)
Prep | N-ms | Suff — Preposition · noun common masculine singular construct · suffixHR/Ncmsc/Sp3ms
עַד (ad) primarily functions as a preposition, adverb, or conjunction meaning 'until,' 'up to,' or 'as far as.' It can denote spatial, temporal, or degree-related contexts, such as 'even to' or 'while.' The entries indicate its use in poetry and in various combinations, but there is no significant disagreement among the lexicons regarding its meanings.
עַד, in poetry עֲדֵי prep. as far as, even to, up to, until, while
prep.
of space
Of time
Of degree
conj.
until
While
Of degree, to the point that, so that even (rare)
עַד לְ, a strengthened form for עַד. Thus
of space
Of time
Of degree
base
H5704 עַד, in poetry עֲדֵי as far as, even to, up to, until, while . prep. . of space
. Of time
. Of degree
. conj. . until
. While
. Of degree, to the point that, so that even (rare)
. עַד לְ, a strengthened form for עַד. Thus . of space
. Of time
. Of degree
5704 `ad ad
properly, the same as 5703 (used as a preposition, adverb or
conjunction; especially with a preposition); as far (or long,
or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during,
while, until) or degree (equally with):--against, and, as,
at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as),
(hither-)to, + how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that,
till, toward, until, when, while, (+ as) yet.
see HEBREW for 05703
עַד (ad) — till.
prep
1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as
1a) of space
1a1) as far as, up to, even to
1b) in combination
1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from)
1c) of time
1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end
1d) of degree
1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like
conj
2) until, while, to the point that, so that even
Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Conj | Prep — Conjunction · prepositionHC/R
רֶ֫גֶל (regel) means 'foot' and can refer to a foot or leg in various contexts, including anthropomorphic references to God and other beings. It also implies steps or paces. The word is derived from a root meaning related to walking, and it appears in multiple forms, such as feet and paces.
רֶ֫גֶל 247 n.f. foot
foot
three times (feet, paces)
base
H7272 רֶ֫גֶל foot . foot
. three times (feet, paces)
7272 regel reh'-gel
from 7270; a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a
step; by euphem. the pudenda:--X be able to endure, X
according as, X after, X coming, X follow,
((broken-))foot((-ed, -stool)), X great toe, X haunt, X
journey, leg, + piss, + possession, time.
see HEBREW for 07270
רֶ֫גֶל (re.gel) — foot.
1) foot
1a) foot, leg
1b) of God (anthropomorphic)
1c) of seraphim, cherubim, idols, animals, table
1d) according to the pace of (with prep)
1e) three times (feet, paces)
Aramaic equivalent: re.gal (רְגַל "foot" H7271)
N-fd | Suff — Noun common feminine dual construct · suffixHNcfdc/Sp3ms
כֹּל (kol) means 'all' or 'the whole.' It can refer to totality, including every person or thing, and is often used with a following genitive to specify what is included. The term can also denote a broader sense of everything in existence or all circumstances of life. The lexicons do not show significant disagreement on its meanings.
כֹּל once כּוֹל n.m. the whole, all
with foll. gen. (as usually) the whole of, to be rendered, however, often in our idiom, to avoid stiffness, any or every
Absolutely:
without the art., all things, all
with the art. הַכֹּל
where the sense is limited by the context to things (or persons) just mentioned
in a wider sense, all, whether of all mankind or of all living things, the universe, or of all the circumstances of life (chiefly late)
base
H3605 כֹּל once כּוֹל the whole, all . with foll. gen. (as usually) the whole of, to be rendered, however, often in our idiom, to avoid stiffness, any or every
. Absolutely: . without the art., all things, all
. with the art. הַכֹּל . where the sense is limited by the context to things (or persons) just mentioned
. in a wider sense, all, whether of all mankind or of all living things, the universe, or of all the circumstances of life (chiefly late)
3605 kol kole
or (Jer. 33:8) kowl {kole}; from 3634; properly, the whole;
hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a
plural sense):--(in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any
(manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as
many as, (no-)thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole,
whoso(-ever).
see HEBREW for 03634
כֹּל (kol) — all.
1) all, the whole
1a) all, the whole of
1b) any, each, every, anything
1c) totality, everything
Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
HR/Ncmsc — Preposition · noun common masculine singular constructHR/Ncmsc
ol: Used in various combinations, and with different meanings.
(1) All along, "Weeping all along as he went" (Jer 41:6), i.e. throughout the whole way he went, feigning equal concern with the men from Shiloh, etc., for the destruction of the Temple, so as to put them off their guard.
(2) All in all, "That God may be all in all" (1Co 15:28, Greek: panta en pasin, "all things in all (persons and) things"). "The universe, with all it comprises, will wholly answer to God's will and reflect His mind" (Dummelow).
מַרְאֶה (mar'eh) refers to sight, appearance, or vision, encompassing both physical and supernatural aspects of what is seen. It can denote a phenomenon, spectacle, or the power of seeing. The word is derived from a root meaning to see, and it covers a range of meanings related to visual perception.
מַרְאֶה 102 n.m. sight, appearance, vision
sight, phenomenon, spectacle
appearance
appearance, sight, vision
in gen. what is seen
specif. a (supernat.) vision
sight, vision = power of seeing (and enjoying), late
base
H4758 מַרְאֶה sight, appearance, vision . . sight, phenomenon, spectacle
. appearance
. appearance, sight, vision
. in gen. what is seen
. specif. a (supernat.) vision
. sight, vision = power of seeing (and enjoying), late
4758 mar'eh mar-eh'
from 7200; a view (the act of seeing); also an appearance
(the thing seen), whether (real) a shape (especially if
handsome, comeliness; often plural the looks), or (mental) a
vision:--X apparently, appearance(-reth), X as soon as
beautiful(-ly), countenance, fair, favoured, form, goodly, to
look (up) on (to), look(-eth), pattern, to see, seem, sight,
visage, vision.
see HEBREW for 07200
מַרְאֶה (mar.eh) — appearance.
1) sight, appearance, vision
1a) sight, phenomenon, spectacle, appearance, vision
1b) what is seen
1c) a vision (supernatural)
1d) sight, vision (power of seeing)
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular constructHNcmsc
ov:
(1) In Anglo-Saxon, had the meaning "from," "away from" (as the strengthened form "off" has still), and was not used for genitive or possessive relations, these being expressed by special case-forms. In the Norman period, however, "of" was taken to represent the French de (a use well developed by the time of Chaucer), and in the Elizabethan period both senses of "of" were in common use. But after about 1600 the later force of the word became predominant, and in the earlier sense (which is now practically obsolete) it was replaced by other prepositions. In consequence the King James Version (and in some cases the Revised Version (British and American)) contains many uses of "of" that are no longer familiar--most of them, to be sure, causing no difficulty, but there still being a few responsible for real obscurities.
OF, preposition ov. [Gr.]
1. From or out of; proceeding from, as the cause, source, means, author or agent bestowing.
I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered to you. 1 Corinthians 11:1.
For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts. Joshua 11:1.
It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed.
Lamentations 3:1.
The whole disposing thereof is of the Lord. Proverbs 16:1.
Go, inquire of the Lord for me. 2 Chronicles 34:2.
That holy thing that shall be born of thee. Luke 1:1.
Hence of is the sign of the genitive case, the case that denotes production; as the son of man, the son proceeding from man, produced from man. This is the primary sense, although we now say, produced by man. 'Part of these were slain; ' that is, a number separate, for part denotes a division; the sense then is, a number from or out of the whole were slain. So also, 'some of these were slain; ' that is…
The Hebrew word עַ֫יִן (*'ayin*) means 'eye' and can refer to both the physical organ and its figurative uses, such as mental qualities and desires. It also denotes a 'spring' or 'fountain' of water. The entries highlight various phrases and contexts, including appearances and expressions of emotion, but do not indicate any significant disagreement among lexicons.
עַ֫יִן 859 n.f. eye
lit. as physical organ
eyes as showing mental qualities
desire of the eyes, abominations of the eyes
Fig. of mental and physical faculties, acts and states
Transferred mngs.:
visible surface of earth
appearance
gleam, sparkle
Other phrases are: an eye for an eye; eye to eye; in the presence of, in full view of; of business transaction; on the forehead
base
עַ֫יִן n.f. spring (of water). Particular springs are:
ע׳ חֲרֹר Ju 7:1
ע׳ הַקּוֹרֵא (partridge-spring) Ju 15:19
ע׳ רֹגֵל near Jerus.
ע׳ הַתַּנִּין (dragon-spring)
base
H5869a עַ֫יִן eye . lit. as physical organ
. . eyes as showing mental qualities
. desire of the eyes, abominations of the eyes
. Fig. of mental and physical faculties, acts and states
. Transferred mngs.: . visible surface of earth
. appearance
. gleam, sparkle
. Other phrases are: an eye for an eye; eye to eye; in the presence of, in full view of; of business transaction; on the forehead
H5869b עַ֫יִן spring (of water)
5869 `ayin ah'-yin
probably a primitive word; an eye (literally or
figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the
landscape):--affliction, outward appearance, + before, +
think best, colour, conceit, + be content, countenance, +
displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, + favour,
fountain, furrow (from the margin), X him, + humble,
knowledge, look, (+ well), X me, open(-ly), + (not) please,
presence, + regard, resemblance, sight, X thee, X them, +
think, X us, well, X you(-rselves).
עַ֫יִן (a.yin) — eye.
: eye
1) eye
1a) eye
1a1) of physical eye
1a2) as showing mental qualities
1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
עַ֫יִן (a.yin) — Fountain (Gate).
§ spring, fountain
עַ֫יִן (a.yin) — Fountain of.
§ spring, fountain
עַ֫יִן (a.yin) — eye: seeing.
: seeing
1) eye
1a) eye
1a1) of physical eye
1a2) as showing mental qualities
1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
עַ֫יִן (a.yin) — eye: appearance.
: appearance
1) eye
1a) eye
1a1) of physical eye
1a2) as showing mental qualities
1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
עַ֫יִן (a.yin) — eye: before(the eyes).
: before(the_eyes)
1) eye
1a) eye
1a1) of physical eye
1a2) as showing mental qualities
1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
עַ֫יִן (a.yin) — eye: sin.
: sin
1) eye
1a) eye
1a1) of physical eye
1a2) as showing mental qualities
HNcfdc — Noun common · feminine dual constructHNcfdc
ov:
(1) In Anglo-Saxon, had the meaning "from," "away from" (as the strengthened form "off" has still), and was not used for genitive or possessive relations, these being expressed by special case-forms. In the Norman period, however, "of" was taken to represent the French de (a use well developed by the time of Chaucer), and in the Elizabethan period both senses of "of" were in common use. But after about 1600 the later force of the word became predominant, and in the earlier sense (which is now practically obsolete) it was replaced by other prepositions. In consequence the King James Version (and in some cases the Revised Version (British and American)) contains many uses of "of" that are no longer familiar--most of them, to be sure, causing no difficulty, but there still being a few responsible for real obscurities.
OF, preposition ov. [Gr.]
1. From or out of; proceeding from, as the cause, source, means, author or agent bestowing.
I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered to you. 1 Corinthians 11:1.
For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts. Joshua 11:1.
It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed.
Lamentations 3:1.
The whole disposing thereof is of the Lord. Proverbs 16:1.
Go, inquire of the Lord for me. 2 Chronicles 34:2.
That holy thing that shall be born of thee. Luke 1:1.
Hence of is the sign of the genitive case, the case that denotes production; as the son of man, the son proceeding from man, produced from man. This is the primary sense, although we now say, produced by man. 'Part of these were slain; ' that is, a number separate, for part denotes a division; the sense then is, a number from or out of the whole were slain. So also, 'some of these were slain; ' that is…
כֹּהֵן (kohen) means 'priest' and is derived from the active participle of a related root. It encompasses various types of priests, including Levitical, Aaronic, and even pagan priests, as well as chief rulers or principal officers. The term is used in contexts referring to both Jewish and non-Jewish priestly roles.
כֹּהֵן 750 n.m. priest
base
H3548 כֹּהֵן priest
3548 kohen ko-hane'
active participle of 3547; literally, one officiating, a
priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a
layman):--chief ruler, X own, priest, prince, principal
officer.
see HEBREW for 03547
כֹּהֵן (ko.hen) — priest.
1) priest, principal officer or chief ruler
1a) priest-king (Melchizedek, Messiah)
1b) pagan priests
1c) priests of Jehovah
1d) Levitical priests
1e) Zadokite priests
1f) Aaronic priests
1g) the high priest
Aramaic equivalent: ka.hen (כָּהֵן "priest" H3549)
Art | N-ms — Particle · noun common masculine singular absoluteHTd/Ncmsa
prest (kohen, "priest," "prince," "minister"; hiereus archiereus; for hiereus megas, of Heb 10:21, see Thayer's Lexicon, under the word hiereus:
I. NATURE OF THE PRIESTLY OFFICE
1. Implies Divine Choice
2. Implies Representation
3. Implies Offering Sacrifice
4. Implies Intercession
II. THE TWO GREAT PRIESTS OF THE OLD TESTAMENT, MELCHIZEDEK AND AARON
III. PRIESTLY FUNCTIONS AND CHARACTER
1. A Strictly Religious Order
2. Priestism Denied
3. The High Priest's Qualifications
4. Symbolism of Aaron's Rod
IV. CONSECRATION OF AARON AND HIS SONS (EXODUS 29; LEVITICUS 8)
1. Symbolism of Consecration
2. Type and Archetype
LITERATURE
A priest is one who is duly authorized to minister in sacred things, particularly to offer sacrifices at the altar, and who acts as mediator between men and God. In the New Testament the term is applied to priests of the Gentiles…
Priest
The Heb. kohen, Gr. hierus, Lat. sacerdos, always denote one who offers sacrifices.
At first every man was his own priest, and presented his own sacrifices before God. Afterwards that office devolved on the head of the family, as in the cases of Noah (Gen. 8:20), Abraham (12:7; 13:4), Isaac (26:25), Jacob (31:54), and Job (Job 1:5).
The name first occurs as applied to Melchizedek (Gen. 14:18). Under the Levitical arrangements the office of the priesthood was limited to the tribe of Levi, and to only one family of that tribe, the family of Aaron. Certain laws respecting the qualifications of priests are given in Lev. 21:16-23. There are ordinances also regarding the…
The English word is derived from the Greek presbyter , signifying an "elder" (Heb. cohen). Origin. --The idea of a priesthood connects itself in all its forms, pure or corrupted, with the consciousness, more or less distinct of sin. Men feel that they have broken a law. The power above them is holier than they are, and they dare not approach it. They crave for the intervention of some one of whom they can think as likely to be more acceptable than themselves. He must offer up their prayers, thanksgivings, sacrifices. He becomes their representative in "things pertaining unto God." He may become also (though this does not always follow) the representative of God to man. The functions of the priest and prophet may exist in the same person. No trace of a hereditary or caste priesthood meets us in the worship of the patriarchal age. Once and once only does the word cohen meet us as…
One who officiated in the public worship of God, especially in making expiation for sin, being "ordained for men in things pertaining to God, to offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins." In the Old Testament, the priesthood was not annexed to a certain family till after the promulgation of the law by Moses. Before that time, the firstborn of each family, the fathers, the princes, the kings, were priests in their own cities and in their own houses. Cain and Abel, Noah, Abraham, and Job, Abimelech and Laban, Isaac and Jacob offered personally their own sacrifices. In the solemnity of the covenant made by the Lord with his people, at the foot of Mount Sinai, Moses performed the office of mediator, and young men were chosen from among Israel to perform the office of priests, Ex 24:5. But after the Lord had chosen the tribe of Levi to…
