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מִכְוָה (mikh.vah)

mikh.vah

burn

H4348 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 3 verses

H:N-F

Quick Reference

Language
Biblical Hebrew
Testament
Old Testament
Occurrences
3 verses
Root
—
Part of speech
H:N-F

Word Overview

The Hebrew noun mikhvah refers specifically to a burnt spot or the scar left by a burn. It appears only three times in the Old Testament, with two instances located in Leviticus 13, where it describes a physical mark on the skin that priests must examine to determine ritual cleanliness.

This word denotes a permanent change in the tissue, distinct from a fresh wound or an active infection. In the context of Levitical law, such scars were significant because they could mimic other skin conditions, requiring careful inspection to distinguish between a healed injury and a contagious disease like tzaraath.

The term highlights the ancient concern with visible signs of bodily integrity. By focusing on the residual mark rather than the act of burning itself, the text emphasizes the lasting physical evidence that needed to be assessed for communal health and religious standing.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The word mikhvah points to a permanent mark left on the skin after a burn has healed. In Leviticus, priests examined these scars to distinguish between a simple injury and a contagious condition. This careful inspection ensured that the community remained healthy and ritually clean. It shows how God cared about both physical well-being and spiritual purity.

For your faith, this reminds us that God sees the lasting effects of our experiences. Just as the scar was assessed for its true nature, God looks at the heart behind every mark we carry. He knows when a wound is healing and when it needs attention. His guidance helps us navigate these visible and invisible signs with wisdom.

Even though this word appears only a few times, it highlights God’s concern for detail. He does not overlook the small things that affect our lives. We can trust that He understands every mark we bear and offers grace for each one.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • the/ burn3×
  • in the/ burn1×
  • a burn of1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

  • הַ/מִּכְוָ֖ה2×
  • מִכְוַת\־1×
  • הַ/מִּכְוָ֗ה1×
  • בַּ/מִּכְוָ֖ה1×

Key Verses

  • Leviticus 13:24
    “Or when the body has a burn from fire on its skin, and the raw flesh of the burn becomes a bright spot, reddish-white, or white,

    This verse introduces the context of a burn from fire, setting the stage for the examination of the resulting bright spot.

  • Leviticus 13:25
    then the priest shall examine it; and behold, if the hair in the bright spot has turned white, and its appearance is deeper than the skin, it is leprosy. It has broken out in the burning, and the priest shall pronounce him unclean. It is the plague of leprosy.

    Here the priest determines if the mark indicates a deeper issue by checking if the hair has turned white and the appearance is deeper than the skin.

  • Leviticus 13:28
    If the bright spot stays in its place, and hasn’t spread in the skin, but is faded, it is the swelling from the burn, and the priest shall pronounce him clean, for it is the scar from the burn.

    This verse confirms that if the spot stays in place and fades, it is simply a scar from the burn, leading to a declaration of cleanliness.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does mikhvah mean in the Bible?

Mikhvah refers specifically to a burnt spot or the scar left after a burn heals. It is not used for fresh wounds but for the permanent mark that remains on the skin.

Why did priests examine scars like mikhvah?

Priests examined these marks to distinguish between a healed injury and contagious diseases like tzaraath. This ensured the community’s health and ritual purity were maintained.

How is mikhvah different from other skin conditions?

Unlike active infections, mikhvah is a residual mark. It represents a past injury that has healed but left a visible sign requiring assessment for communal safety.

Every Occurrence (3 verses across 1 books)

Leviticus 3 verses
Leviticus 13:24

“Or when the body has a burn from fire on its skin, and the raw flesh of the burn becomes a bright spot, reddish-white,…

Leviticus 13:25

then the priest shall examine it; and behold, if the hair in the bright spot has turned white, and its appearance is…

Leviticus 13:28

If the bright spot stays in its place, and hasn’t spread in the skin, but is faded, it is the swelling from the burn,…