Leviticus 14 36

Leviticus 14:36 kjv

Then the priest shall command that they empty the house, before the priest go into it to see the plague, that all that is in the house be not made unclean: and afterward the priest shall go in to see the house:

Leviticus 14:36 nkjv

then the priest shall command that they empty the house, before the priest goes into it to examine the plague, that all that is in the house may not be made unclean; and afterward the priest shall go in to examine the house.

Leviticus 14:36 niv

The priest is to order the house to be emptied before he goes in to examine the mold, so that nothing in the house will be pronounced unclean. After this the priest is to go in and inspect the house.

Leviticus 14:36 esv

Then the priest shall command that they empty the house before the priest goes to examine the disease, lest all that is in the house be declared unclean. And afterward the priest shall go in to see the house.

Leviticus 14:36 nlt

Before the priest goes in to inspect the house, he must have the house emptied so nothing inside will be pronounced ceremonially unclean.

Leviticus 14 verses

Leviticus 14 36 Meaning

Leviticus 14:36 mandates that the priest, when called to inspect a house suspected of having a serious defiling "plague" (mildew or fungicidal growth), must first command its occupants to remove all their belongings from the house. This immediate evacuation is a preventative measure to ensure that their possessions do not become ceremonially unclean by merely being present in a contaminated dwelling. It underscores the pervasive nature of ceremonial uncleanness and God's detailed provisions for maintaining the purity of His people.

Leviticus 14 36 Context

Leviticus Chapter 14 outlines the detailed rituals for the purification of individuals afflicted with "leprosy" (a term often encompassing various skin diseases, not just Hansen's disease) and, importantly, the specific protocols for houses affected by a similar spreading "plague" or "mildew" (likely fungal growths). This chapter, following the stringent instructions on diagnosing such conditions in Chapter 13, focuses on the meticulous process of restoration to ceremonial purity.

Historically, in ancient Israel, maintaining ceremonial cleanness was paramount, directly reflecting their relationship with a holy God. Uncleanness, though not always inherently sinful, created a barrier to full participation in community worship and proximity to the sacred. The rules concerning houses likely served multiple purposes: to highlight God's sovereignty over all aspects of life, to provide practical (though divinely framed) responses to unhealthy living conditions, and to underscore the pervasive nature of defilement which could affect even inanimate objects. The fear of spreading uncleanness, both literally and ceremonially, informed these intricate purification rites. This comprehensive system set Israel apart from surrounding cultures, whose own purity laws often focused on avoiding external deities or were less extensive and less rooted in a monotheistic theology emphasizing God's intrinsic holiness.

Leviticus 14 36 Word Analysis

• Then the priest (וְצִוָּה הַכֹּהֵן - vetsivvah hakkohen):
  • וְצִוָּה (vetsivvah): From the root צוה (tsavah), "to command," "to instruct with authority." This indicates a divine mandate carried out by the priest, who acts as God's designated authority in matters of ceremonial purity. It's not a suggestion but an imperative.
  • הַכֹּהֵן (hakkohen): "The priest," specifically referring to the Aaronic priesthood, who were responsible for mediating God's laws, diagnosing spiritual and physical defilements, and officiating purification rites. Their role underscores the spiritual gravity of the "plague."
• shall command that they empty (פִּנּוּ - pinnu):
  • From the root פנה (panah), meaning "to turn," "to clear out," "to empty." The verb is imperative, stressing immediate and complete evacuation. It highlights an act of pre-emptive action.
• the house (הַבַּיִת - habbayit):
  • הַבַּיִת (habbayit): "The house," referring to the dwelling itself. In a broader sense, it represents the domestic sphere, the personal space of an Israelite family. The "plague" affects one's immediate environment, thus impacting their daily life and their ability to function within the holy community.
• before (טֶרֶם - ṭerem):
  • "Before," signifying a crucial timing. This pre-inspection clearing is non-negotiable and highlights the priority of preventing widespread uncleanness over mere inspection. It underscores the urgency of preventing further contamination.
• the priest goes in (יָבֹא הַכֹּהֵן - yavo hakkohen):
  • יָבֹא (yavo): "He enters." This emphasizes the priest's active role and the solemnity of his entry into the potentially defiled space. His entry for inspection carries spiritual weight.
• to examine the plague (לִרְאוֹת אֶת־הַנֶּגַע - liri'ot et-hannaga’):
  • לִרְאוֹת (liri'ot): "To see," "to examine," "to observe." The priest's inspection is primary for diagnosis.
  • הַנֶּגַע (hannaga’): "The plague," "the stroke," "the mark." This term is used for skin diseases and also for the house mildew/fungus. It suggests a divine infliction or visitation rather than a purely natural phenomenon, making it a matter of theological significance and not just a physical problem.
• lest all that is in the house (פֶּן יִטְמָא כָּל־אֲשֶׁר בַּבָּיִת - pen yitma kol-asher babayit):
  • פֶּן (pen): "Lest," "for fear that." This introduces the critical consequence of not following the command: universal defilement. It’s a strong deterrent.
  • יִטְמָא (yitma’): "Become unclean," from the root טמא (ṭameh), meaning "to be unclean," "defiled," "impure." This uncleanness is ceremonial, preventing items from being used in any sacred capacity and often requiring costly purification or destruction. The verb is reflexive/passive, showing the defilement is acquired from exposure.
  • כָּל־אֲשֶׁר בַּבָּיִת (kol-asher babayit): "All that is in the house." This phrase emphasizes the comprehensiveness of the potential defilement. Everything, from furniture to utensils, would become unclean, rendering it useless without specific, and sometimes extensive, purification rituals or requiring destruction.

Words-Group Analysis:

• "Then the priest shall command that they empty the house": This phrase highlights divine authority, priestly agency, and immediate, decisive action. The evacuation is a mandatory preparatory step for containing defilement.
• "before the priest goes in to examine the plague": This timing clause is crucial. It underscores that prevention is superior to attempting to purify after widespread contamination has occurred. It's a logistical detail rooted in spiritual principle.
• "lest all that is in the house become unclean": This outlines the dire consequence the command seeks to avert. It reveals the contagious nature of ceremonial uncleanness, which can be acquired even by passive presence, and God's protective provision for His people against unnecessary burden and loss.

Leviticus 14 36 Bonus section

The nature of the naga' or "plague" in a house is debated among scholars. While often translated as "leprosy" in older versions due to the shared Hebrew term with skin diseases, modern understanding leans towards fungal or mold growths due to the description of spreading greenish or reddish spots on the walls (Lev 14:37). However, the divine intervention aspect, and the severe ritual uncleanness it incurred, suggest it was not simply a mundane mold. It might have been considered a divinely sent sign or a supernatural affliction intended to prompt reflection, repentance, or serve as a unique marker within the holy land. This ties into the broader concept that many physical conditions and occurrences in the Israelite law were viewed through a theological lens, indicative of a disrupted spiritual state or a need for purification. The immediate pre-inspection removal of belongings emphasizes that ceremonial purity was paramount, outweighing personal possessions. This high cost underscores the seriousness of maintaining holiness in the presence of a holy God.

Leviticus 14 36 Commentary

Leviticus 14:36 serves as a powerful testament to God's profound concern for holiness and the meticulously defined boundaries of ceremonial purity within the Israelite community. The instruction to clear out the house before the priest even enters to examine the "plague" (which signifies a serious defilement, often a divine mark of unholiness on a structure) reveals several key principles.

Firstly, it demonstrates the extremely contagious and pervasive nature of uncleanness. Mere presence within a defiled space was enough to render possessions unclean, requiring either lengthy purification rites or total destruction, incurring significant economic loss and ritual burden on the household. God, in His compassion, provides a means to prevent this wider contamination and hardship. This protective measure highlights divine foresight and mercy embedded within the strict legal framework.

Secondly, the verse emphasizes immediate and authoritative action. The priest's command is binding, requiring swift compliance from the occupants. This models how seriously spiritual impurities (like sin) should be treated; they demand prompt and decisive action to prevent their spread and deeper entrenchment. Just as a physical infection requires swift containment, spiritual contamination demands immediate removal or separation.

Thirdly, this ordinance, though tied to a specific ancient context of ceremonial law, carries profound spiritual lessons applicable to believers today. The "house" can be seen figuratively as an individual believer's life, a family, or even the church. Just as a physical structure needed purging, our lives need regular examination for anything that contaminates or dishonors God. When "mildew" (i.e., sin, worldly influences, or anything that hinders spiritual growth and purity) is identified, there must be a readiness to "empty out" that which could cause wider defilement within ourselves or our communities. This could involve removing harmful habits, relationships, or cultural elements that conflict with God's holiness.

Examples:

• Personal Purity: If a believer identifies a habit or influence that draws them towards sin, just as the house was emptied, they must actively remove themselves or items connected to that impurity, protecting their "spiritual house."
• Family/Household Purity: A family might discern certain media or activities introducing ungodliness into their home, prompting them to "empty out" these elements to protect their children and the family's spiritual atmosphere.
• Church Purity: A church confronting significant moral or doctrinal issues might need to take firm action, akin to "emptying the house," to preserve the spiritual integrity of the body and prevent compromise from spreading throughout the congregation.