King James Version

What Does Leviticus 14:34 Mean?

Leviticus 14:34 in the King James Version says “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 hous...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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;”

Leviticus 14:34 · KJV

Context

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:

36

Then the priest shall command that they empty the house, before the priest go into it to see the plague, that all that is in the house be not made unclean: and afterward the priest shall go in to see the house: empty: or, prepare

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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;

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.


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. 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. What does this verse teach about the seriousness of sin, the cost of redemption, or the beauty of holiness?
  2. In what practical ways should this verse influence your church life, family relationships, or personal integrity?
  3. How does this verse help you understand both God's justice and His mercy in salvation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
כִּ֤י1 of 16
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

תָבֹ֙אוּ֙2 of 16

“When ye be come”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֶל3 of 16
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אֶ֥רֶץ4 of 16

“into the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

כְּנַ֔עַן5 of 16

“of Canaan”

H3667

kenaan, a son a ham; also the country inhabited by him

אֲשֶׁ֥ר6 of 16
H834

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

אֲנִ֛י7 of 16
H589

i

וְנָֽתַתִּי֙8 of 16

“and I put”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

לָכֶ֖ם9 of 16
H0
אֲחֻזַּתְכֶֽם׃10 of 16

“of your possession”

H272

something seized, i.e., a possession (especially of land)

וְנָֽתַתִּי֙11 of 16

“and I put”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

נֶ֣גַע12 of 16

“the plague”

H5061

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

צָרַ֔עַת13 of 16

“of leprosy”

H6883

leprosy

בְּבֵ֖ית14 of 16

“in a house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

אֶ֥רֶץ15 of 16

“into the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

אֲחֻזַּתְכֶֽם׃16 of 16

“of your possession”

H272

something seized, i.e., a possession (especially of land)

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 14:34 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 14:34 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 17:8Deuteronomy 32:49Numbers 32:22Deuteronomy 7:15Genesis 13:17Isaiah 45:7

Places in This Verse

CanaanRegion · Modern: Canaan · 32.77°N, 35.33°E101 verses across 16 books
View all places in Leviticus 14 →

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