King James Version

What Does Leviticus 14:43 Mean?

Leviticus 14:43 in the King James Version says “And if the plague come again, and break out in the house, after that he hath taken away the stones, and after he hath sc...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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;”

Leviticus 14:43 · KJV

Context

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.

45

And he shall break down the house, the stones of it, and the timber thereof, and all the morter of the house; and he shall carry them forth out of the city into an unclean place.

Read Leviticus 14 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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;

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. 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. In what ways does this verse challenge contemporary cultural values or your personal attitudes?
  2. What does this verse teach about the seriousness of sin, the cost of redemption, or the beauty of holiness?
  3. What practical steps can you take this week to apply the principles taught in this verse?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וְאִם1 of 15
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

יָשׁ֤וּב2 of 15

“come again”

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

הַנֶּ֙גַע֙3 of 15

“And if the plague”

H5061

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

וּפָרַ֣ח4 of 15

“and break”

H6524

to break forth as a bud, i.e., bloom; generally, to spread; specifically, to fly (as extending the wings); figuratively, to flourish

הַבַּ֖יִת5 of 15

“out in the house”

H1004

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

וְאַֽחֲרֵ֥י6 of 15

“after”

H310

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

חִלֵּ֣ץ7 of 15

“that he hath taken”

H2502

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

אֶת8 of 15
H853

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

הָֽאֲבָנִ֑ים9 of 15

“away the stones”

H68

a stone

וְאַֽחֲרֵ֥י10 of 15

“after”

H310

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

הִקְצ֥וֹת11 of 15

“he hath scraped”

H7096

to cut off; (figuratively) to destroy; (partially) to scrape off

אֶת12 of 15
H853

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

הַבַּ֖יִת13 of 15

“out in the house”

H1004

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

וְאַֽחֲרֵ֥י14 of 15

“after”

H310

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

הִטּֽוֹחַ׃15 of 15

“it is plaistered”

H2902

to smear, especially with lime

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 14:43 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 14:43 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 6:28-302 Peter 2:22Hebrews 6:4-8Ezekiel 24:132 Peter 2:20Jude 1:12

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