King James Version

What Does Leviticus 14:57 Mean?

Leviticus 14:57 in the King James Version says “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 th...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Leviticus 14:57 · KJV

Context

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

Read Leviticus 14 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
To teach when it is unclean, and when it is clean: this is the law of leprosy.

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.

Ritual purity laws taught Israel to distinguish between clean and unclean, holy and common, training them in discernment and reverence for God's presence.
The access to God's presence that Leviticus carefully regulated is now freely available through Christ's blood, tearing the veil and opening the way to God.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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 can you develop greater spiritual discernment in distinguishing what honors God from what defiles?
  2. How does understanding the purpose behind God's laws help you obey Him from the heart rather than mere duty?
  3. In what ways does this verse challenge contemporary cultural values or your personal attitudes?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
לְהוֹרֹ֕ת1 of 8

“To teach”

H3384

properly, to flow as water (i.e., to rain); transitively, to lay or throw (especially an arrow, i.e., to shoot); figuratively, to point out (as if by

וּבְי֣וֹם2 of 8

“and when”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הַטָּמֵ֖א3 of 8

“it is unclean”

H2931

foul in a religious sense

וּבְי֣וֹם4 of 8

“and when”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הַטָּהֹ֑ר5 of 8

“it is clean”

H2889

pure (in a physical, chemical, ceremonial or moral sense)

זֹ֥את6 of 8
H2063

this (often used adverb)

תּוֹרַ֖ת7 of 8

“this is the law”

H8451

a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch

הַצָּרָֽעַת׃8 of 8

“of leprosy”

H6883

leprosy

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 14:57 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 14:57 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 10:10Ezekiel 44:23Jeremiah 15:19Deuteronomy 24:8

Test Your Knowledge

Leviticus 14 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterLeviticus Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Leviticus 14 with CommentaryAll Leviticus ChaptersComplete Leviticus QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes