← Back to Lexicon
H934 · Hebrew · Old Testament
בֹּהֶרֶת
Boheret
Noun, feminine
Bright Spot / White Patch

Definition

A bright or shining spot on the skin, referenced in the Levitical laws concerning skin diseases (tzara'at). The priest examined such spots to determine whether the condition was clean or unclean.

Usage & Theological Significance

The elaborate skin-disease laws of Leviticus 13–14 carry profound theological symbolism. The boheret — the bright spot — initiated a priestly examination process that was ultimately about discernment: distinguishing clean from unclean. The skin became a text the priest had to read. Tzara'at appears in Scripture as a visible sign of moral corruption — Miriam (Numbers 12), Gehazi (2 Kings 5), Uzziah (2 Chronicles 26). The cleansing rituals of Leviticus 14 prefigure Christ's healing touch, which made the unclean clean.

Key Bible Verses

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 13:4 If the shiny spot on the skin is white but does not appear to be more than skin deep and the hair in it has not turned white, the priest is to isolate the affected person for seven days.
Leviticus 13:19 And if in the place of the boil there is a white swelling or a reddish-white spot, they must show themselves to the priest.
Numbers 12:10 When the cloud lifted from above the tent, Miriam's skin was leprous — it became as white as snow.
2 Kings 5:27 Naaman's leprosy will cling to you and to your descendants forever. Then Gehazi's skin was leprous — it had become as white as snow.

Related Words

External Resources

🌙
☀️