King James Version

What Does Leviticus 14:36 Mean?

Leviticus 14:36 in the King James Version says “Then the priest shall command that they empty the house, before the priest go into it to see the plague, that all that i...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Leviticus 14:36 · KJV

Context

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

37

And he shall look on the plague, and, behold, if the plague be in the walls of the house with hollow strakes, greenish or reddish, which in sight are lower than the wall;

38

Then the priest shall go out of the house to the door of the house, and shut up the house seven days:

Read Leviticus 14 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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:

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. 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. The Israelite dietary laws in Leviticus 11 have no exact parallel in surrounding cultures, though some ancient cultures had food taboos, suggesting unique revelation rather than borrowed customs.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Christ's superior priesthood, prefigured in this verse, assure you of access to God and effective intercession?
  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 · 23 words
וְצִוָּ֨ה1 of 23

“shall command”

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

הַכֹּהֵ֖ן2 of 23

“Then the priest”

H3548

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

וּפִנּ֣וּ3 of 23

“that they empty”

H6437

to turn; by implication, to face, i.e., appear, look, etc

אֶת4 of 23
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַבָּֽיִת׃5 of 23

“that all that is in the house”

H1004

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

בְּטֶ֨רֶם6 of 23
H2962

properly, non-occurrence; used adverbially, not yet or before

יָבֹ֥א7 of 23

“go”

H935

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

הַכֹּהֵ֖ן8 of 23

“Then the priest”

H3548

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

לִרְא֥וֹת9 of 23

“in to see”

H7200

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

אֶת10 of 23
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַנֶּ֔גַע11 of 23

“the plague”

H5061

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

וְלֹ֥א12 of 23
H3808

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

יִטְמָ֖א13 of 23

“be not made unclean”

H2930

to be foul, especially in a ceremial or moral sense (contaminated)

כָּל14 of 23
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

אֲשֶׁ֣ר15 of 23
H834

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

הַבָּֽיִת׃16 of 23

“that all that is in the house”

H1004

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

וְאַ֥חַר17 of 23

“and afterward”

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

כֵּ֛ן18 of 23
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

יָבֹ֥א19 of 23

“go”

H935

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

הַכֹּהֵ֖ן20 of 23

“Then the priest”

H3548

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

לִרְא֥וֹת21 of 23

“in to see”

H7200

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

אֶת22 of 23
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַבָּֽיִת׃23 of 23

“that all that is in the house”

H1004

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

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 14:36 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 14:36 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Corinthians 15:33Hebrews 12:152 Timothy 2:17-18Revelation 18:4

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