King James Version

What Does Leviticus 14:46 Mean?

Leviticus 14:46 in the King James Version says “Moreover he that goeth into the house all the while that it is shut up shall be unclean until the even.” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Moreover he that goeth into the house all the while that it is shut up shall be unclean until the even.”

Leviticus 14:46 · KJV

Context

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.

46

Moreover he that goeth into the house all the while that it is shut up shall be unclean until the even.

47

And he that lieth in the house shall wash his clothes; and he that eateth in the house shall wash his clothes.

48

And if the priest shall come in , and look upon it, and, behold, the plague hath not spread in the house, after the house was plaistered: then the priest shall pronounce the house clean, because the plague is healed. shall come: Heb. in coming in shall come in, etc

Read Leviticus 14 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Moreover he that goeth into the house all the while that it is shut up shall be unclean until the even.

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.

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 access to God's presence that Leviticus carefully regulated is now freely available through Christ's blood, tearing the veil and opening the way to God.

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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 can you develop greater spiritual discernment in distinguishing what honors God from what defiles?
  2. How does this verse help you understand both God's justice and His mercy in salvation?
  3. What practical steps can you take this week to apply the principles taught in this verse?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
וְהַבָּא֙1 of 10

“Moreover he that goeth”

H935

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

אֶל2 of 10
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַבַּ֔יִת3 of 10

“into the house”

H1004

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

כָּל4 of 10
H3605

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

יְמֵ֖י5 of 10

“all the while”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הִסְגִּ֣יר6 of 10

“that it is shut”

H5462

to shut up; figuratively, to surrender

אֹת֑וֹ7 of 10
H853

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

יִטְמָ֖א8 of 10

“up shall be unclean”

H2930

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

עַד9 of 10
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

הָעָֽרֶב׃10 of 10

“until the even”

H6153

dusk

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 14:46 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 14:46 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 19:21-22Leviticus 11:24-25Leviticus 15:5-8Leviticus 15:10Numbers 19:7-10Leviticus 11:28

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