King James Version
What Does Leviticus 14:50 Mean?
“And he shall kill the one of the birds in an earthen vessel over running water:”
Context
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:
51
And he shall take the cedar wood, and the hyssop, and the scarlet , and the living bird, and dip them in the blood of the slain bird, and in the running water, and sprinkle the house seven times:
52
And he shall cleanse the house with the blood of the bird, and with the running water, and with the living bird, and with the cedar wood, and with the hyssop, and with the scarlet :
Commentary
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary**Verses 33-53**
The leprosy in a house is unaccountable to us, as well as the leprosy in a garment; but now sin, where that reigns in a house, is a plague there, as it is in a heart. Masters of families should be aware, and afraid of the first appearance of sin in their families, and put it away, whatever it is. If the leprosy is got into the house, the infected part must be taken out. If it remain in the house, the whole must be pulled down. The owner had better be without a dwelling, than live in one that was infected. The leprosy of sin ruins families and churches. Thus sin is so interwoven with the human body, that it must be taken down by death.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714). Public Domain.
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 14:50 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.