King James Version

What Does Leviticus 14:42 Mean?

Leviticus 14:42 in the King James Version says “And they shall take other stones, and put them in the place of those stones; and he shall take other morter, and shall p...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Leviticus 14:42 · KJV

Context

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.

43

And if the plague come again, and break out in the house, after that he hath taken away the stones, and after he hath scraped the house, and after it is plaistered;

44

Then the priest shall come and look, and, behold, if the plague be spread in the house, it is a fretting leprosy in the house: it is unclean.

Read Leviticus 14 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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.


Hebrews 9-10 explains how Christ's once-for-all sacrifice supersedes the repeated Levitical offerings, providing permanent cleansing from sin.

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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 tabernacle's design parallels ancient Near Eastern temple architecture, yet its portable nature and absence of divine images distinguished it from pagan temples.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse point to Christ, and how does that deepen your faith and gratitude?
  2. What practical steps can you take this week to apply the principles taught in this verse?
  3. How does this verse help you understand both God's justice and His mercy in salvation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
יִקַּ֖ח1 of 13

“And they shall take”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

הָֽאֲבָנִ֑ים2 of 13

“of those stones”

H68

a stone

אַחֵ֛ר3 of 13

“other”

H312

properly, hinder; generally, next, other, etc

וְהֵבִ֖יאוּ4 of 13

“and put”

H935

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

אֶל5 of 13
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

תַּ֣חַת6 of 13

“them in the place”

H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

הָֽאֲבָנִ֑ים7 of 13

“of those stones”

H68

a stone

וְעָפָ֥ר8 of 13

“morter”

H6083

dust (as powdered or gray); hence, clay, earth, mud

אַחֵ֛ר9 of 13

“other”

H312

properly, hinder; generally, next, other, etc

יִקַּ֖ח10 of 13

“And they shall take”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

וְטָ֥ח11 of 13

“and shall plaister”

H2902

to smear, especially with lime

אֶת12 of 13
H853

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

הַבָּֽיִת׃13 of 13

“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 14:42 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 14:42 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Titus 1:5-92 Chronicles 19:5-71 Timothy 5:9-102 Timothy 2:22 Chronicles 17:7-9Acts 1:20-26

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