King James Version

What Does Leviticus 14:56 Mean?

Leviticus 14:56 in the King James Version says “And for a rising, and for a scab, and for a bright spot:” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Leviticus 14:56 · KJV

Context

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

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 holiness demanded in Leviticus becomes possible through Christ, who both satisfies God's righteous requirements and transforms believers by His Spirit.

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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. In what ways does this verse deepen your appreciation for Christ's atoning sacrifice and the seriousness of sin?
  2. What does this verse teach about the seriousness of sin, the cost of redemption, or the beauty of holiness?
  3. How can you use this verse to worship God more fully, obey Him more faithfully, or love others more sacrificially?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 3 words
וְלַשְׂאֵ֥ת1 of 3

“And for a rising”

H7613

an elevation or leprous scab; figuratively, elation or cheerfulness; exaltation in rank or character

וְלַסַּפַּ֖חַת2 of 3

“and for a scab”

H5597

the mange (as making the hair fall off)

וְלַבֶּהָֽרֶת׃3 of 3

“and for a bright spot”

H934

a whitish spot on the skin

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 14:56 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 14:56 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 13:2

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