Core Definition
Patukh, פתוך, introduces a reddish element into one of the four principal white appearances of nega’im. Its name conveys the idea of something mixed or blended: a qualifying white appearance carrying an integrated red or pinkish hue.
White Mixed With Red
A nega does not always need to appear as an uninterrupted field of plain white. Any one of the four principal white shades may enter the patukh framework when its whiteness appears blended with a reddish or pinkish quality.
The reddish component does not necessarily replace the white. Rather, the appearance may look as though the white has been softened, tinted, or creamed with red. This integrated reddish-white appearance may remain relevant as an indication of tumah within the laws of nega’im.
The White Remains Primary
The underlying appearance remains one of the recognized white shades of nega’im. Patukh describes the reddish quality blended into that white.
The Red Is Integrated
The reddish quality may appear as a cast, tint, blending, streaking, or mottling that remains visually associated with the greater white appearance.
Getting Technical
How Many Distinct Appearances Are There?
Once the four principal white appearances can each be viewed together with reddish mixtures and variations, the possible number of recognizable shades expands considerably. The sages preserved several approaches to counting these appearances.
Classical Counts
The Number of Tzaraat Shades
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12
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Rabbi Yishmael
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16
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Rabbi Chanina, Segan HaKohanim
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32
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Rabbi Dosa ben Harkinas
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72
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Akavya ben Mahalalel
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Shades of Patukh
A Range of Blended Appearances
Patukh is not limited to one fixed shade of pink. Its visual expression depends upon the underlying white shade, the degree of reddish mixture, and the manner in which the red appears throughout the greater nega.
רמ״ל, תזריע, ס״ק נ״ו
A Different Material Framework
Patukh and Clothing Nega’im
Patukh coloring is generally not treated as the defining appearance for nega’im found in wool, linen, leather garments, or leather vessels. Those materials are examined within their own Torah framework of green and red appearances.
This does not necessarily exclude colors that look diluted or faint. The idea of patukh as a liquid-like mixture, such as blood blended into milk, may help explain how a color can remain genuinely red or green while appearing visually softened.
A faint green appearance may also result from separated or spread-out points of green that appear weaker when viewed by the Kohen from the required distance. The Kohen must therefore distinguish between a genuinely different shade and a recognized color whose distribution makes it appear less intense.
Primary and Classical Sources
• Sifra, Tazria, chapter 147 — reddish blending within the qualifying white appearances.
• The classical opinions counting twelve, sixteen, thirty-two, and seventy-two distinct appearances.
• רמ״ל, תזריע, ס״ק נ״ו — discussion of the shades of patukh.
Continue the Study
Relevant Kehuna Publications
These publications expand the textual, visual, and Kohanic framework summarized in this study note.
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Hebrew Research
Parshat Nigei Or Adam — Volume I
An illustrated Hebrew study of the opening laws of human-skin nega’im, including the white appearances, reddish mixtures, source analysis, photographs, and the Kohen’s responsibility.
Order Volume I
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English Study
The Jewish Way of Treating Vitiligo
An English-language work exploring vitiligo, biblical and rabbinic sources, the Kohen’s role, spiritual interpretation, and proposed parallels with skin tzaraat.
View Print Edition
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This study note is intended for Torah learning and Kohanic preparation. It does not establish the Torah status of any person, photograph, garment, or observed appearance.
