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H933 · Hebrew · Old Testament
בֹּהַק
bohaq
Noun, masculine
harmless blemish, white pustule, freckle

Definition

Bohaq (בֹּהַק) appears only once in Scripture (Leviticus 13:39) in the context of priestly inspection of skin conditions. It refers to a harmless white spot or freckle on the skin — a condition that resembles leprosy (tzara'at) in color but is distinguished by being 'dull white,' causing no defilement. The priest's diagnosis of bohaq rather than tzara'at would clear the person, allowing them to remain in the community.

Usage & Theological Significance

The detailed skin-inspection laws of Leviticus 13-14 served multiple purposes: medical (preventing contagion), social (protecting community), and theological (illustrating the principle of holiness). The careful distinction between bohaq (harmless) and tzara'at (defiling) teaches discernment — not everything that looks like impurity is impurity, and not everything that looks clean is clean. The priest's role as diagnostician prefigures the discernment ministry: distinguishing between what truly separates from God and what merely resembles it.

Key Bible Verses

Leviticus 13:39 The priest is to examine them, and if the spots on their skin are dull white, it is a harmless rash [bohaq] that has broken out on their skin.
Leviticus 13:2 When anyone has a swelling or a rash or a shiny spot on their skin that may be a defiling skin disease, they must be brought to Aaron the priest.
Leviticus 14:57 These are the regulations for any defiling skin disease, for a sore, for mold in fabric or in a house.
Numbers 12:10 When the cloud lifted from above the tent, Miriam's skin was leprous — it became as white as snow.
Matthew 8:3 Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. 'I am willing,' he said. 'Be clean!'

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