King James Version

What Does Leviticus 14:3 Mean?

Leviticus 14:3 in the King James Version says “And the priest shall go forth out of the camp; and the priest shall look, and, behold, if the plague of leprosy be heale...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the priest shall go forth out of the camp; and the priest shall look, and, behold, if the plague of leprosy be healed in the leper;”

Leviticus 14:3 · KJV

Context

1

And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

2

This shall be the law of the leper in the day of his cleansing: He shall be brought unto the priest:

3

And the priest shall go forth out of the camp; and the priest shall look, and, behold, if the plague of leprosy be healed in the leper;

4

Then shall the priest command to take for him that is to be cleansed two birds alive and clean, and cedar wood, and scarlet , and hyssop: birds: or, sparrows

5

And the priest shall command that one of the birds be killed in an earthen vessel over running water:

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the priest shall go forth out of the camp; and the priest shall look, and, behold, if the plague of leprosy be healed in the leper;

This verse falls within the section on Cleansing from Skin Diseases. Elaborate cleansing ritual for healed lepers, involving birds, blood, and multiple offerings, symbolizing restoration.

The Aaronic priesthood mediated between God and Israel, offering sacrifices and maintaining the tabernacle. This prefigured Christ's superior priesthood after the order of Melchizedek.
What Leviticus portrayed through types and shadows, Christ fulfilled in reality through His incarnation, perfect life, atoning death, and resurrection.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Elaborate cleansing ritual for healed lepers, involving birds, blood, and multiple offerings, symbolizing restoration. Chapters 11-15 address ritual purity, teaching Israel to distinguish clean from unclean. These laws served multiple purposes: promoting health, teaching spiritual lessons about sin's defilement, and separating Israel from pagan practices. Archaeological evidence shows Canaanite worship involved practices Israel's laws explicitly prohibited. Israel received these laws while encamped at Sinai, before entering Canaan. The laws prepared them for life in the promised land, distinguishing them from Canaanite practices and establishing their identity as God's holy nation. The portable tabernacle, central to Levitical worship, accompanied them through wilderness wanderings and eventually found permanent form in Solomon's temple. Ancient texts like the Code of Hammurabi show that law codes were common in the ancient Near East, but biblical law uniquely grounded ethics in God's character rather than merely social convention.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Christ's superior priesthood, prefigured in this verse, assure you of access to God and effective intercession?
  2. In what ways does this verse challenge contemporary cultural values or your personal attitudes?
  3. How can you use this verse to worship God more fully, obey Him more faithfully, or love others more sacrificially?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וְיָצָא֙1 of 13

“shall go forth”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

הַכֹּהֵ֔ן2 of 13

“And the priest”

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

אֶל3 of 13
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מִח֖וּץ4 of 13

“out”

H2351

properly, separate by a wall, i.e., outside, outdoors

לַֽמַּחֲנֶ֑ה5 of 13

“of the camp”

H4264

an encampment (of travellers or troops); hence, an army, whether literal (of soldiers) or figurative (of dancers, angels, cattle, locusts, stars; or e

וְרָאָה֙6 of 13

“shall look”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

הַכֹּהֵ֔ן7 of 13

“And the priest”

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

וְהִנֵּ֛ה8 of 13
H2009

lo!

נִרְפָּ֥א9 of 13

“be healed”

H7495

properly, to mend (by stitching), i.e., (figuratively) to cure

נֶֽגַע10 of 13

“and behold if the plague”

H5061

a blow (figuratively, infliction); also (by implication) a spot (concretely, a leprous person or dress)

הַצָּרַ֖עַת11 of 13

“of leprosy”

H6883

leprosy

מִן12 of 13
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הַצָּרֽוּעַ׃13 of 13

“in the leper”

H6879

to scourge, i.e., (intransitive and figurative) to be stricken with leprosy

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Leviticus. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Leviticus 14:3 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Leviticus 14:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 13:462 Kings 5:14Matthew 10:8Matthew 11:5Luke 4:271 Corinthians 6:9-11

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