סַפַּ֫חַת (sap.pa.chat)

sap.pa.chat

scab

H5597 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 2 verses

H:N-F

Language: Biblical Hebrew
Testament: Old Testament
Occurrences: 2 verses
Root: —
Part of speech: H:N-F

Word Overview

The Hebrew noun sappaḥat refers to a skin eruption, scab, or lesion that could be either harmful or harmless. It appears only twice in the Bible, both times within Leviticus 13, where it describes a specific type of discoloration on the skin.

In these verses, the priest examines sappaḥat to determine if it is a sign of ritual impurity. The text distinguishes between a simple scab from a burn or irritation and a deeper skin disease, highlighting the ancient concern with visible signs of health and cleanliness in the community.

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

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The Hebrew word sappaḥat describes a visible mark on the skin, such as a scab or lesion. In Leviticus, this term helps priests distinguish between harmless injuries and conditions requiring ritual attention. This distinction highlights God’s care for both physical health and communal holiness.

For believers today, this word reminds us that God notices even small details of our lives. Just as the ancient Israelites sought clarity about their bodies, we can trust God to bring peace and understanding in times of uncertainty. His guidance remains steady, offering comfort through every season.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.

flaking skin1×
and/ to <the>/ flaking skin1×

Forms in the text

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

סַפַּ֙חַת֙1×
וְ/לַ/סַּפַּ֖חַת1×

Key Verses

Leviticus 13:2
“When a man shall have a swelling in his body’s skin, or a scab, or a bright spot, and it becomes in the skin of his body the plague of leprosy, then he shall be brought to Aaron the priest or to one of his sons, the priests.

This verse introduces sappaḥat as one of several skin conditions that require priestly examination to determine ritual status.
Leviticus 14:56
and for a swelling, and for a scab, and for a bright spot;

Here the word appears in a list of ailments addressed by purification rituals, showing its role in restoring community inclusion.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does sappaḥat mean in the Bible?

Sappaḥat refers to a scab, swelling, or bright spot on the skin. It appears only twice in Leviticus, where priests examined such marks to determine if they indicated ritual impurity.

Why is this word important for understanding Leviticus?

It shows how ancient Israelites distinguished between minor injuries and serious conditions. This distinction helped maintain both physical health and communal holiness under God’s law.

How does sappaḥat relate to modern faith?

While we no longer follow Levitical purity laws, the word reminds us that God cares about our well-being. It encourages trust in His guidance during times of uncertainty or illness.

Every Occurrence (2 verses across 1 books)

Leviticus 2 verses

Leviticus 13:2

“When a man shall have a swelling in his body’s skin, or a scab, or a bright spot, and it becomes in the skin of his…

Leviticus 14:56

and for a swelling, and for a scab, and for a bright spot;