Scall
What Is a Scall?
The term "scall" appears in older English translations of the Bible, particularly the King James Version, to describe a type of skin condition characterized by scaly, bald, or crusty patches on the head or beard area. The underlying Hebrew word is "netheq," which refers to a breaking out or tearing away of the skin. Modern translations typically render this as "itch," "scale disease," or "scaly infection." The condition described likely corresponds to what we now understand as fungal infections of the skin and scalp.
Scall in the Levitical Laws
The discussion of scall appears extensively in Leviticus 13, which provides detailed instructions for priests to examine and diagnose various skin conditions (Leviticus 13:29-37). When a man or woman had a sore on the head or chin, the priest would examine it. If the affected area appeared deeper than the surrounding skin and had thin, yellowish hair growing in it, the priest would pronounce the person unclean. The affected individual would then be isolated for a period of seven days, after which the priest would re-examine the condition.
The Priestly Examination Process
The examination process for scall was remarkably systematic. After the initial seven-day quarantine, if the scall had not spread and showed no yellow hair, the person would shave the area around the infection (but not the scall itself) and be isolated for another seven days (Leviticus 13:33). If after this second period the scall had not spread and appeared no deeper than the skin, the priest would declare the person clean. The individual would then wash their clothes and be restored to the community. However, if the scall spread after the person had been declared clean, a fresh examination was required (Leviticus 13:35-36).
Cleansing Rituals
The broader purification process for skin diseases, including scall, is described in Leviticus 14. When a person was healed, they underwent an elaborate cleansing ceremony involving two clean birds, cedar wood, scarlet yarn, and hyssop (Leviticus 14:4-7). One bird was killed over fresh water, while the living bird was dipped in the blood and released into the open field. The healed person then washed, shaved all body hair, and waited seven more days before offering sacrifices at the tabernacle.
Purpose of the Purity Laws
These detailed regulations served multiple purposes in ancient Israel. On a practical level, they functioned as a public health system, isolating potentially contagious conditions to protect the community. On a spiritual level, they taught the Israelites about the distinction between cleanness and uncleanness, holiness and contamination. The priest's role as both spiritual leader and health inspector underscored the integrated nature of physical and spiritual well-being in Israelite thought. God's concern with even skin conditions demonstrated His comprehensive care for every aspect of His people's lives.
Biblical Context
Scall appears in Leviticus 13:29-37 as part of the extensive purity laws governing skin diseases. The purification rituals for healed conditions are found in Leviticus 14. These passages form part of the Holiness Code that defined ritual cleanness and uncleanness for the Israelite community, with priests serving as the designated examiners and judges.
Theological Significance
The scall regulations illustrate God's holiness and His concern for every aspect of His people's lives. The distinction between clean and unclean pointed forward to the need for spiritual purification, a theme fulfilled in Christ's healing ministry. Jesus touched lepers and healed skin diseases, demonstrating His authority over both physical and spiritual uncleanness (Matthew 8:3). The elaborate cleansing rituals foreshadowed the complete purification available through faith.
Historical Background
Ancient medical practices in the Near East recognized various skin conditions, though they lacked modern understanding of their causes. The scall described in Leviticus likely corresponds to conditions caused by parasitic fungi such as ringworm or favus. Archaeological evidence from ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia shows that skin diseases were common concerns, and various treatments using herbs, ointments, and ritual practices were employed across ancient cultures.