בֹּ֫הַק (bo.haq)
bo.haq
spot
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun bohaq refers specifically to a harmless skin spot or eruption. In the biblical text, it appears only once, in Leviticus 13:39, where it is used as part of the detailed regulations for diagnosing skin conditions.
This term distinguishes a benign mark from more serious afflictions like tzaraath (often translated as leprosy). The sources identify it as a harmless eruption, indicating that not every skin discoloration was considered ritually unclean. By naming this specific condition, the law provided clarity for priests and community members regarding which physical signs required isolation and which did not.
The word highlights the precision of ancient Israelite hygiene laws. It shows that the biblical text recognized different types of skin issues, separating minor, harmless spots from those that carried ritual significance. This distinction helped maintain social order and religious purity without causing unnecessary alarm over common skin variations.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word bohaq appears only once in Scripture, marking a specific type of harmless skin spot. In Leviticus, it helps priests distinguish between ordinary skin variations and conditions requiring ritual attention. This distinction shows that God’s laws were precise, not arbitrary, caring about both physical health and community well-being.
For your faith life, this detail reminds us that not every change or mark in our lives carries deep spiritual weight. Some things are simply part of being human. Trusting God means learning to discern what truly matters, rather than worrying over every minor sign. His care includes both the serious and the simple.
This clarity brings peace. You do not need to fear every shadow or spot. God sees the whole person, inside and out. His laws were given to protect, not to confuse. Rest in the knowledge that He values truth and order, and He invites you to find rest in His clear guidance.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [is] a skin rash1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- בֹּ֥הַק1×
Key Verses
-
Leviticus 13:39
then the priest shall examine them. Behold, if the bright spots on the skin of their body are a dull white, it is a harmless rash. It has broken out in the skin. He is clean.
This verse uses bohaq to identify a dull white rash as harmless, allowing the priest to declare the person clean without isolation.