King James Version

What Does Leviticus 14:32 Mean?

Leviticus 14:32 in the King James Version says “This is the law of him in whom is the plague of leprosy, whose hand is not able to get that which pertaineth to his clea... — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

This is the law of him in whom is the plague of leprosy, whose hand is not able to get that which pertaineth to his cleansing.

Leviticus 14:32 · KJV


Context

30

And he shall offer the one of the turtledoves, or of the young pigeons, such as he can get ;

31

Even such as he is able to get, the one for a sin offering, and the other for a burnt offering, with the meat offering: and the priest shall make an atonement for him that is to be cleansed before the LORD.

32

This is the law of him in whom is the plague of leprosy, whose hand is not able to get that which pertaineth to his cleansing.

33

And the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying,

34

When ye be come into the land of Canaan, which I give to you for a possession, and I put the plague of leprosy in a house of the land of your possession;


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This is the law of him in whom is the plague of leprosy, whose hand is not able to get that which pertaineth to his cleansing.

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.

Ritual purity laws taught Israel to distinguish between clean and unclean, holy and common, training them in discernment and reverence for God's presence.
Every sacrifice and ritual in Leviticus points forward to Jesus Christ, who fulfills the entire sacrificial system as both perfect sacrifice and eternal high priest.

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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. Archaeological discoveries at sites like Ugarit reveal Canaanite religious practices Israel's laws explicitly rejected, confirming the Bible's historical reliability and the distinctiveness of Israelite worship.

Reflection Questions

  1. In what ways does this verse deepen your appreciation for Christ's atoning sacrifice and the seriousness of sin?
  2. How can you develop greater spiritual discernment in distinguishing what honors God from what defiles?
  3. How does understanding the purpose behind God's laws help you obey Him from the heart rather than mere duty?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
זֹ֣את1 of 11
H2063

this (often used adverb)

תּוֹרַ֔ת2 of 11

This is the law

H8451

a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch

אֲשֶׁר3 of 11
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

בּ֖וֹ4 of 11
H0
נֶ֣גַע5 of 11

of him in whom is the plague

H5061

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

צָרָ֑עַת6 of 11

of leprosy

H6883

leprosy

אֲשֶׁ֛ר7 of 11
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

לֹֽא8 of 11
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תַשִּׂ֥יג9 of 11

is not able to get

H5381

to reach (literally or figuratively)

יָד֖וֹ10 of 11

whose hand

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

בְּטָֽהֳרָתֽוֹ׃11 of 11

that which pertaineth to his cleansing

H2893

ceremonial purification; moral purity


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 14:32 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 14:32 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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