King James Version

What Does Leviticus 14:48 Mean?

Leviticus 14:48 in the King James Version says “And if the priest shall come in , and look upon it, and, behold, the plague hath not spread in the house, after the hous... — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Leviticus 14:48 · KJV


Context

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

49

And he shall take to cleanse the house two birds, and cedar wood, and scarlet , and hyssop:

50

And he shall kill the one of the birds in an earthen vessel over running water:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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. 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. 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. What does this verse teach about the seriousness of sin, the cost of redemption, or the beauty of holiness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
וְאִם1 of 21
H518

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

יָבֹ֜א2 of 21

shall come in

H935

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

יָבֹ֜א3 of 21

shall come in

H935

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

הַכֹּהֵן֙4 of 21

And if the priest

H3548

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

וְרָאָה֙5 of 21

and look

H7200

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

וְ֠הִנֵּה6 of 21
H2009

lo!

לֹֽא7 of 21
H3808

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

פָשָׂ֤ה8 of 21

hath not spread

H6581

to spread

הַנָּֽגַע׃9 of 21

because the plague

H5061

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

הַבַּ֔יִת10 of 21

in the house

H1004

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

אַֽחֲרֵ֖י11 of 21

after

H310

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

הִטֹּ֣חַ12 of 21

was plaistered

H2902

to smear, especially with lime

אֶת13 of 21
H853

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

הַבַּ֔יִת14 of 21

in the house

H1004

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

וְטִהַ֤ר15 of 21

clean

H2891

to be pure (physical sound, clear, unadulterated; levitically, uncontaminated; morally, innocent or holy)

הַכֹּהֵן֙16 of 21

And if the priest

H3548

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

אֶת17 of 21
H853

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

הַבַּ֔יִת18 of 21

in the house

H1004

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

כִּ֥י19 of 21
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

נִרְפָּ֖א20 of 21

is healed

H7495

properly, to mend (by stitching), i.e., (figuratively) to cure

הַנָּֽגַע׃21 of 21

because the plague

H5061

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


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 14:48 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 14:48 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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