King James Version

What Does Leviticus 14:33 Mean?

Leviticus 14:33 in the King James Version says “And the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying, — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Leviticus 14:33 · KJV


Context

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;

35

And he that owneth the house shall come and tell the priest, saying, It seemeth to me there is as it were a plague in the house:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying,

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.
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. Ancient sacrificial texts from cultures surrounding Israel demonstrate the widespread practice of animal sacrifice, but Israel's system uniquely emphasized moral atonement over magical efficacy.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Christ's superior priesthood, prefigured in this verse, assure you of access to God and effective intercession?
  2. What practical steps can you take this week to apply the principles taught in this verse?
  3. How does this verse reveal God's character, and how should that revelation shape your relationship with Him?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
וַיְדַבֵּ֣ר1 of 7

spake

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

יְהוָ֔ה2 of 7

And the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֶל3 of 7
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מֹשֶׁ֥ה4 of 7

unto Moses

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

וְאֶֽל5 of 7
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אַהֲרֹ֖ן6 of 7

and unto Aaron

H175

aharon, the brother of moses

לֵאמֹֽר׃7 of 7

saying

H559

to say (used with great latitude)


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 14:33 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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