Num 12:10 | NET2full | STEP | After the cloud had departed from above the tent , there was Miriam , leprous like snow . Then Aaron turned toward Miriam , and realized that she was leprous .

Numbers 12:10

10 After the cloud had departed ^{▼▼tn The syntax, vav (ו) plus noun first, indicates a circumstantial clause. The translation treats the verb as a perfect. The form could also be a participle, “while it was departing.”} from above the tent, there was ^{▼▼tn The particle הִנֵּה (hinneh, “look, behold”) calls for or directs attention. Here it shifts the audience’s focus from the Lord leaving to Miriam’s condition.} Miriam, leprous ^{▼▼sn The word “leprosy” and “leprous” covers a wide variety of skin diseases, and need not be limited to the actual disease of leprosy known today as Hansen’s disease. The description of it here has to do with snow, either the whiteness or the wetness. If that is the case then there would be open wounds and sores—like Job’s illness (see M. Noth, Numbers [OTL], 95-96).} like snow. Then Aaron turned toward Miriam, and realized ^{▼▼tn This second use of הִנֵּה (hinneh, “look, behold”) portrays the perspective of Aaron. The first הִנֵּה directed the audience’s attention to Miriam. Now we watch Aaron come to realize the same thing, leading into his plea in the next verse.} that she was leprous.