King James Version

What Does Leviticus 14:54 Mean?

Leviticus 14:54 in the King James Version says “This is the law for all manner of plague of leprosy, and scall, — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

This is the law for all manner of plague of leprosy, and scall,

Leviticus 14:54 · KJV


Context

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 :

53

But he shall let go the living bird out of the city into the open fields, and make an atonement for the house: and it shall be clean.

54

This is the law for all manner of plague of leprosy, and scall,

55

And for the leprosy of a garment, and of a house,

56

And for a rising, and for a scab, and for a bright spot:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This is the law for all manner of plague of leprosy, and scall,

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 New Testament reveals that Christ's sacrifice accomplishes what the Levitical system could only symbolize—complete forgiveness and restoration of relationship with 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. 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 understanding the purpose behind God's laws help you obey Him from the heart rather than mere duty?
  2. What does this verse teach about the seriousness of sin, the cost of redemption, or the beauty of holiness?
  3. How does this verse point to Christ, and how does that deepen your faith and gratitude?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
זֹ֖את1 of 6
H2063

this (often used adverb)

הַתּוֹרָ֑ה2 of 6

This is the law

H8451

a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch

לְכָל3 of 6
H3605

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

נֶ֥גַע4 of 6

for all manner of plague

H5061

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

הַצָּרַ֖עַת5 of 6

of leprosy

H6883

leprosy

וְלַנָּֽתֶק׃6 of 6

and scall

H5424

scurf


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 14:54 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 14:54 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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