King James Version

What Does Leviticus 14:55 Mean?

Leviticus 14:55 in the King James Version says “And for the leprosy of a garment, and of a house,” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Leviticus 14:55 · KJV

Context

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:

57

To teach when it is unclean, and when it is clean: this is the law of leprosy. when it is unclean: Heb. in the day of the unclean, and in the day of the clean

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And for the leprosy of a garment, and of a house,

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.


What Leviticus portrayed through types and shadows, Christ fulfilled in reality through His incarnation, perfect life, atoning death, and resurrection.

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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 Israelite dietary laws in Leviticus 11 have no exact parallel in surrounding cultures, though some ancient cultures had food taboos, suggesting unique revelation rather than borrowed customs.

Reflection Questions

  1. In what practical ways should this verse influence your church life, family relationships, or personal integrity?
  2. How does this verse reveal God's character, and how should that revelation shape your relationship with Him?
  3. What does this verse teach about the seriousness of sin, the cost of redemption, or the beauty of holiness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 3 words
וּלְצָרַ֥עַת1 of 3

“And for the leprosy”

H6883

leprosy

הַבֶּ֖גֶד2 of 3

“of a garment”

H899

a covering, i.e., clothing

וְלַבָּֽיִת׃3 of 3

“and of a house”

H1004

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

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 14:55 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 14:55 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 13:47-59

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