King James Version

What Does Leviticus 14:40 Mean?

Leviticus 14:40 in the King James Version says “Then the priest shall command that they take away the stones in which the plague is, and they shall cast them into an un...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Then the priest shall command that they take away the stones in which the plague is, and they shall cast them into an unclean place without the city:”

Leviticus 14:40 · KJV

Context

38

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

39

And the priest shall come again the seventh day, and shall look: and, behold, if the plague be spread in the walls of the house;

40

Then the priest shall command that they take away the stones in which the plague is, and they shall cast them into an unclean place without the city:

41

And he shall cause the house to be scraped within round about, and they shall pour out the dust that they scrape off without the city into an unclean place:

42

And they shall take other stones, and put them in the place of those stones; and he shall take other morter, and shall plaister the house.

Read Leviticus 14 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Then the priest shall command that they take away the stones in which the plague is, and they shall cast them into an unclean place without the city:

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.
The holiness demanded in Leviticus becomes possible through Christ, who both satisfies God's righteous requirements and transforms believers by His Spirit.

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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. 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 · 16 words
וְצִוָּה֙1 of 16

“shall command”

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

הַכֹּהֵ֔ן2 of 16

“Then the priest”

H3548

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

וְחִלְּצוּ֙3 of 16

“that they take”

H2502

to pull off; hence (intensively) to strip, (reflexive) to depart; by implication, to deliver, equip (for fight); present, strengthen

אֶת4 of 16
H853

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

הָ֣אֲבָנִ֔ים5 of 16

“away the stones”

H68

a stone

אֲשֶׁ֥ר6 of 16
H834

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

בָּהֵ֖ן7 of 16
H0
הַנָּ֑גַע8 of 16

“the plague”

H5061

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

וְהִשְׁלִ֤יכוּ9 of 16

“is and they shall cast”

H7993

to throw out, down or away (literally or figuratively)

אֶתְהֶן֙10 of 16
H853

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

אֶל11 of 16
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מִח֣וּץ12 of 16

“without”

H2351

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

לָעִ֔יר13 of 16

“the city”

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

אֶל14 of 16
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מָק֖וֹם15 of 16

“place”

H4725

properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)

טָמֵֽא׃16 of 16

“them into an unclean”

H2931

foul in a religious sense

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 14:40 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 14:40 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Revelation 2:14-16Proverbs 22:102 John 1:10-11Matthew 18:17Psalms 101:5Revelation 2:20

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