Leviticus 14 39

Leviticus 14:39

ESV: And the priest shall come again on the seventh day, and look. If the disease has spread in the walls of the house,

KJV: And the priest shall come again the seventh day, and shall look: and, behold, if the plague be spread in the walls of the house;

NIV: On the seventh day the priest shall return to inspect the house. If the mold has spread on the walls,

NKJV: And the priest shall come again on the seventh day and look; and indeed if the plague has spread on the walls of the house,

NLT: On the seventh day the priest must return for another inspection. If he finds that the mildew on the walls of the house has spread,

Meaning

Leviticus 14:39 describes the priest's re-examination of a house suspected of having a 'leprous' mildew (tsara'at). The verse specifies that if, upon this re-inspection, the priest observes that the discolored spot has grown larger and spread across the house's walls, it indicates a confirmed and more severe defilement, requiring a progression to more drastic measures of purification. This "spreading" is the critical finding, moving the situation from quarantine to active intervention due to established uncleanness.

Cross References

Context

Leviticus chapter 14 outlines the elaborate procedures for the cleansing of various types of "tsara'at," traditionally translated as leprosy but encompassing a range of skin diseases, molds, and mildews. Verses 33-53 specifically deal with "tsara'at" in a house. The preceding verses (14:34-38) describe the initial suspicion of the 'spot' in the house, followed by the priest's inspection and a seven-day quarantine period for the house. Leviticus 14:39 initiates the crucial re-inspection phase after this waiting period. If the "spot has spread" as observed in this verse, it confirms the house is genuinely defiled and leads to the severe actions prescribed in the subsequent verses, potentially even demolition. Historically and culturally, such defilement rendered a dwelling ritually impure, making it unsuitable for a holy people living in the presence of a holy God, emphasizing the pervasive nature of sin and the strictness of God's demands for holiness in all aspects of life, including one's living space.

Word analysis

• And if the priest: Hebrew: וְשָׁב הַכֹּהֵן (ve-shav ha-kohen). This signifies the return (שָׁב, shav) of the priest. It emphasizes his authoritative, ongoing role as the sole mediator and diagnostician in matters of ritual purity, appointed by God.
• shall come and look: Hebrew: וְרָאָה (ve-ra'ah). This simple verb indicates a careful, deliberate visual inspection, not just a casual glance. The priest's judgment relies on meticulous observation.
• and behold, the spot: Hebrew: וְהִנֵּה הַנֶּגַע (ve-hineh ha-nega).
  • Hineh (וְהִנֵּה): "Behold!" or "Look!" An interjection emphasizing the significance and urgency of the discovery, drawing immediate attention to what has been found.
  • Nega (הַנֶּגַע): Literally means "a stroke," "a blow," or "an affliction." It is used for all types of defiling outbreaks—on skin, garments, and houses. It often implies a divinely-sent mark or plague, not merely a common illness or mold, and always renders one ritually unclean. Its presence necessitates strict protocols to preserve the holiness of the community.
• has spread: Hebrew: פָּשָׂה (pasah). This is the pivotal verb of the verse. It means "to spread out," "to break out," or "to overflow." Its usage here denotes an active, progressive, and detrimental growth of the affliction beyond its initial confined area. It signals that the issue is not self-containing or temporary but deepening its hold, thus requiring definitive action. This term emphasizes the advanced state of defilement.
• on the walls of the house: Hebrew: בְּקִירוֹת הַבַּיִת (be-kirot ha-bayit).
  • Kirot (קִירוֹת): Walls. These are fundamental structural elements, signifying that the 'spot' has penetrated the very fabric and integrity of the dwelling.
  • Bayit (הַבַּיִת): House. Not just a temporary shelter, but a settled home, representing one's stability, family life, and physical presence within the community. The defilement of a house thus affects a central aspect of a person's life and the overall purity of the Israelite camp.

Commentary

Leviticus 14:39 highlights the crucial transition in the priestly judgment concerning a defiled house. After a seven-day quarantine following initial suspicion, the priest's return visit reveals a worsening condition: "the spot has spread." This indicates the confirmation of true, pervasive impurity. The spread (פָּשָׂה, pasah) signifies that the affliction is not superficial or fleeting, but an entrenched defilement. The law here teaches the seriousness of unchecked impurity and the meticulous process God required to maintain a holy community. It serves as a stark metaphor for the insidiousness of sin: a small "spot" of unaddressed transgression or unholiness, if ignored or merely quarantined without true remedy, tends to permeate and corrupt the entire structure, whether it be a physical dwelling, a person's life, or even a community. The divine instruction is clear: once defilement is confirmed as spreading, superficial measures are insufficient; radical steps are required to eradicate it.

Bonus section

• Symbolism of the House: Beyond a literal dwelling, the "house" can be understood symbolically as one's personal life, a family, or even a community. If defilement, spiritual or moral, is allowed to fester and "spread" within these structures, it jeopardizes their spiritual integrity.
• Divine Agency in Nega: The term nega (spot/affliction) implicitly suggests a "stroke" or "blow" from God, implying divine involvement in its appearance. This connects the mildew/disease not merely to natural decay but to a judgment upon impurity, reinforcing God's active role in maintaining holiness among His people.
• Priestly Discernment: This verse underscores the priest's ongoing role not just as a ritual performer but as a careful, discerning inspector and judge. His authority and observation skills were vital for upholding God's covenantal standards of purity and order. The process outlines the need for careful discernment before making a final judgment.

Explore leviticus 14 images, wallpapers, art, audio, video, maps, infographics and timelines