Leviticus 14:35

KJV

And he that owneth the house shall come and tell the priest, saying, It seemeth to me [there is] as it were a plague in the house:

KJV (with Strong's)

And he that owneth the house {H1004} shall come {H935} and tell {H5046} the priest {H3548}, saying {H559}, It seemeth {H7200} to me there is as it were a plague {H5061} in the house {H1004}:

Complete Jewish Bible

then the owner of the house is to come and tell the cohen, 'It seems to me that there may be an infection in the house.'

Berean Standard Bible

the owner of the house shall come and tell the priest, ‘Something like mildew has appeared in my house.’

American Standard Version

then he that owneth the house shall come and tell the priest, saying, There seemeth to me to be as it were a plague in the house.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 14:35 initiates the precise protocol for addressing suspected defilement within a house in ancient Israel, mandating that the homeowner promptly report any signs of a "plague"—likely a virulent mold or mildew—to the priest. This verse underscores the Mosaic Law's meticulous concern for ritual purity, public health, and the designated role of the priesthood in maintaining the sanctity of the community and its dwellings, reflecting God's comprehensive oversight of His people's lives and their environment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 14:35 is strategically placed within the broader legislative framework of Leviticus 13-14, which comprehensively details laws concerning various forms of ritual impurity. These chapters primarily focus on "leprous diseases" affecting individuals and garments, culminating in the unique case of "leprosy in a house." The preceding verses, specifically [Leviticus 14:33-34](/leviticus/14-33-34 "Leviticus 14:33-34 - Introduction to House Plagues"), introduce the divine origin of such a "plague," stating that the Lord would "put the plague of leprosy in a house of the land of your possession." This divine agency suggests the plague could serve as a judgment, a test, or a means to prompt reliance on God's prescribed order for holiness. Following the homeowner's report in verse 35, the subsequent verses ([Leviticus 14:36-53](/leviticus/14-36-53 "Leviticus 14:36-53 - Priestly Procedures for House Plagues")) meticulously outline the elaborate priestly procedures for inspection, quarantine, re-inspection, demolition if necessary, and subsequent purification rituals. This structured sequence emphasizes the gravity of such defilement and the comprehensive nature of God's law for maintaining a holy community.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, purity was not merely a ceremonial or abstract concept but a foundational principle deeply interwoven with their covenant relationship with Yahweh. Holiness permeated every aspect of daily life, including personal conduct, diet, and the condition of one's dwelling. The "plague" in a house, commonly understood as a severe form of mold, mildew, or fungal growth, was far more than a physical nuisance; it was a potent symbol of ritual impurity that rendered a dwelling and its inhabitants unclean, thereby hindering their ability to worship God and fully participate in communal life. The land of Canaan, soon to be inherited by Israel, was considered holy, and therefore, its dwellings needed to reflect this sanctity. The priest's role was crucial, acting not only as a spiritual mediator but also effectively as a public health official, tasked with discerning between clean and unclean, preventing the spread of defilement, and administering the prescribed rituals for purification or removal. The homeowner's immediate reporting, as mandated in [Leviticus 14:35](/leviticus/14-35 "Leviticus 14:35 - Homeowner Reports Plague"), highlights a communal responsibility to uphold God's standards and maintain the sanctity of the entire community, distinguishing Israel from surrounding pagan nations who often lacked such comprehensive sanitary and spiritual codes.
* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 14:35 contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **Holiness**, emphasizing God's absolute demand for purity in all aspects of life, extending even to the physical environment of His people. This passage exemplifies **Divine Authority and Oversight**, demonstrating that God's law governs not only moral and ritual conduct but also the very physical spaces where His people dwell, indicating His meticulous concern for their well-being and sanctification. The verse also highlights **Communal Responsibility**, as the homeowner's immediate report is essential for the collective purity and health of the Israelite community, reinforcing the idea that individual actions impact corporate holiness. Finally, the role of the priest underscores the theme of **Mediation and Discernment**, as the priesthood is divinely appointed to distinguish between clean and unclean and to administer the processes necessary for restoration and purification, a role central to maintaining the covenant relationship with God, as seen throughout [Leviticus](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus - Laws of Holiness").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **House (Hebrew, _bayith'_):** The Hebrew word בַּיִת (H1004, _bayith'_) refers to a physical dwelling or structure, but its meaning extends broadly to encompass the domestic sphere, the family unit, and even the lineage. In the context of [Leviticus 14](/leviticus/14 "Leviticus 14 - Laws of Cleansing"), the "house" is not merely bricks and mortar but represents the sanctity of the Israelite home, which, if defiled, implicates the purity of the family residing within it and, by extension, the broader community. The meticulous laws concerning _bayith'_ underscore God's concern for the holiness of everyday life and the environment in which His people lived, reflecting His desire for holiness to permeate all aspects of their existence.
* **Tell (Hebrew, _nâgad'_):** The Hebrew word נָגַד (H5046, _nâgad'_) means "to front," "to stand boldly out opposite," and by implication, "to manifest" or "to announce." It consistently implies a verbal declaration, often to one present, signifying a clear, straightforward report or exposition. In [Leviticus 14:35](/leviticus/14-35 "Leviticus 14:35 - Homeowner Reports Plague"), the homeowner is commanded to "tell" or "declare" to the priest, emphasizing the mandatory, open, and direct communication required. This is not a casual mention but a formal notification, highlighting the seriousness of the situation and the necessity of immediate, transparent disclosure to the proper authority.
* **Priest (Hebrew, _kôhên'_):** The Hebrew word כָּהֵן (H3548, _kôhên'_) refers to one officiating, specifically a priest. In ancient Israel, the priest was a divinely appointed mediator between God and His people, responsible for administering the sacrificial system, teaching the Law, and discerning between clean and unclean. In [Leviticus 14](/leviticus/14 "Leviticus 14 - Laws of Cleansing"), the _kôhên'_ is the central figure in the purification process for houses, possessing the unique authority and knowledge to inspect the "plague," make a definitive diagnosis, and prescribe the necessary rituals for cleansing or demolition. The homeowner's immediate reporting to the _kôhên'_ underscores the priest's indispensable role as the arbiter of purity and the guardian of the community's holiness.
* **Plague (Hebrew, _negaʻ'_):** The Hebrew word נֶגַע (H5061, _negaʻ'_) literally means "a blow" or "infliction," but in the context of Leviticus 13-14, it specifically denotes a divinely sent or permitted "mark," "spot," or "spreading defilement" that renders a person, garment, or house ritually unclean. For houses, as in [Leviticus 14:34](/leviticus/14-34 "Leviticus 14:34 - God Puts a Plague in the House"), it refers to a pervasive, often spreading, growth like mold, mildew, or a fungal infection that signifies ritual impurity. It is not merely a physical problem but a spiritual one, requiring priestly intervention and strict adherence to God's purification laws. The use of _negaʻ'_ emphasizes the seriousness of the defilement and its potential to corrupt the holiness of the community.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he that owneth the house shall come and tell the priest,"**: This clause establishes the immediate and personal responsibility of the homeowner. Upon discovering what appears to be a "plague," the owner is not to conceal it, ignore it, or attempt to resolve it independently. Instead, the first and mandatory action is to present the issue to the designated religious authority—the priest. This highlights the priest's central role as the arbiter of purity and impurity, and the community's reliance on divine instruction mediated through the priesthood. It also emphasizes transparency and accountability within the covenant community, demonstrating the seriousness with which defilement was viewed.
* **"saying, It seemeth to me [there is] as it were a plague in the house:"**: This part of the verse conveys the homeowner's initial assessment. The phrasing "It seemeth to me [there is] as it were a plague" (literally, "like a plague it is to me in the house") indicates that the homeowner is not making a definitive diagnosis but rather reporting a suspicion or an observation that resembles the described defilement. It is a preliminary report, deferring the ultimate discernment and judgment to the priest, who possesses the divine authority and knowledge of the law to make the final determination. This nuance underscores the homeowner's humility, submission to priestly authority, and adherence to God's prescribed order for maintaining holiness.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 14:35 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. **Legal Language** is paramount, as the verse is an integral part of a detailed set of instructions within the Mosaic Law, characterized by its precise and prescriptive phrasing delineating responsibility and action. The imperative "shall come and tell" functions as a direct command, emphasizing the mandatory nature of the homeowner's duty. Furthermore, **Symbolism** is deeply embedded in the concept of the "plague in the house." While physically referring to a virulent growth like mold or mildew, it powerfully symbolizes ritual impurity and defilement that stands in stark opposition to God's holiness. The spreading nature of the "plague" can be understood as a **Metaphor** for the insidious nature of sin or spiritual defilement, which, if left unchecked, can spread and corrupt an entire dwelling or community. The meticulousness of the law itself, even down to the reporting of a suspected growth, serves as a **Didactic** tool, teaching the Israelites about God's comprehensive concern for holiness, order, and purity in all aspects of their lives, from the personal to the communal.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 14:35, though seemingly focused on mundane household issues, profoundly illustrates several core theological principles of the Old Covenant. It underscores God's absolute demand for holiness and purity, not just in the tabernacle or in personal conduct, but extending to the very dwellings of His people. The "plague" in the house was a tangible manifestation of defilement that could compromise the community's ability to dwell in God's presence and reflect His character. This passage highlights the divine oversight and guidance in every facet of Israelite life, demonstrating God's meticulous involvement in their well-being and His desire for an ordered, sanctified existence. Moreover, it emphasizes the indispensable role of the priesthood as divinely appointed mediators and discerners, authorized to distinguish between clean and unclean, and to administer the laws that maintained the covenant relationship. Finally, the homeowner's responsibility to report the defilement speaks volumes about communal accountability and transparency in upholding God's standards, recognizing that individual purity contributes to corporate holiness.

* [Hebrews 12:14](/hebrews/12-14 "Hebrews 12:14 - Pursue Peace and Holiness")
* [1 Peter 1:15-16](/1_peter/1-15 "1 Peter 1:15-16 - Be Holy as God is Holy")
* [1 Corinthians 6:19-20](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19-20 - Your Body is a Temple of the Holy Spirit")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific ceremonial laws regarding house plagues are part of the Old Covenant and are not directly binding on believers today, the underlying spiritual principles of Leviticus 14:35 remain profoundly relevant. This passage serves as a powerful reminder of God's pervasive concern for holiness in every area of our lives. Just as a physical "plague" could defile a dwelling, so too can spiritual "plagues"—such as unconfessed sin, bitterness, idolatry, or unrighteousness—insidiously corrupt our "houses," whether our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit, our homes as centers of Christian witness, or our churches as communities of faith. The homeowner's prompt and transparent reporting to the priest teaches us the vital importance of acknowledging and confessing sin without delay, seeking spiritual guidance from trusted leaders, and actively pursuing purification. God desires that our lives and environments reflect His holiness, free from anything that would hinder our fellowship with Him or compromise our witness to the world. This passage calls us to a vigilant self-examination and a proactive pursuit of purity, trusting in God's provision for cleansing and restoration, knowing that true spiritual health begins with honest self-assessment and humble submission to divine truth.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "plagues" or areas of spiritual defilement might be present in my "house" (my personal life, my home, my relationships) that I need to acknowledge and address?**
* **Am I quick to confess sin and seek spiritual counsel from godly leaders, or do I tend to hide or ignore issues that compromise my walk with God?**
* **How does the principle of communal responsibility in Leviticus 14:35 apply to the church today, and what is my role in maintaining the purity and health of the body of Christ?**
* **In what ways can I proactively cultivate a holy environment in my daily life, reflecting God's desire for purity in all things, both physically and spiritually?**

### FAQ
**What exactly was the "plague" in the house described in Leviticus 14?**

Answer: The Hebrew word used is _negaʻ'_ (נֶגַע, H5061), which refers to a spreading defilement. While often translated as "leprosy," in the context of houses, it is widely understood by scholars to refer to a virulent form of mold, mildew, or a fungal growth that would spread across the walls or structure of a dwelling. This was not merely a physical nuisance but carried significant ritual impurity, rendering the house and potentially its inhabitants unclean. The specific nature of the growth meant it was considered a "plague" because it was pervasive and required divine intervention through the priestly system for its removal or purification, as detailed in [Leviticus 14:34-47](/leviticus/14-34-47 "Leviticus 14:34-47 - Laws for House Plagues").

**Why was the homeowner required to tell the priest immediately?**

Answer: The immediate reporting by the homeowner was crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it underscored the seriousness of ritual impurity in ancient Israel; defilement could not be ignored or hidden, as it threatened the community's holiness. Secondly, it emphasized the priest's unique role as the divinely appointed authority to discern between clean and unclean, and to administer the laws of purification; the homeowner was not equipped to make this judgment independently. Thirdly, prompt reporting was a public health measure, preventing the spread of potentially harmful mold or mildew, and ensuring the sanctity of the community's living spaces. It demonstrated a commitment to God's covenant and His standards for a holy people living in a holy land, as seen throughout [Leviticus](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus - Laws of Holiness").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 14:35, with its meticulous laws concerning the "plague" in the house and the homeowner's responsibility to report it to the priest, finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament laws, including those of ritual purity, served as a "shadow of the good things to come" ([Hebrews 10:1](/hebrews/10-1 "Hebrews 10:1 - The Law is a Shadow")), pointing forward to a greater reality. Just as the physical "plague" defiled a dwelling and required priestly intervention for cleansing, so too does sin—the ultimate spiritual "plague"—defile humanity, making us unclean and separated from God. We, as spiritual "homeowners" of our lives, are called to acknowledge and confess our defilement. However, unlike the earthly priest who could only offer temporary, ritual cleansing through animal sacrifices, Jesus Christ is our Great High Priest, who offered Himself as the perfect and final sacrifice for sin ([Hebrews 4:14](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest"); [Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). Through His shed blood, He provides not merely ritual purification but complete spiritual cleansing and forgiveness, removing the "plague" of sin once and for all ([1 John 1:7](/1_john/1-7 "1 John 1:7 - The Blood of Jesus Cleanses Us")). He makes us holy and acceptable in God's sight, transforming our defiled "houses" into temples of the Holy Spirit ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body is a Temple of the Holy Spirit")). Thus, the homeowner's urgent report to the priest foreshadows our desperate need to come to Christ, confess our spiritual defilement, and receive His perfect and eternal cleansing, enabling us to live in true fellowship with a holy God.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 91:10

There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.

Zechariah 5:4

I will bring it forth, saith the LORD of hosts, and it shall enter into the house of the thief, and into the house of him that sweareth falsely by my name: and it shall remain in the midst of his house, and shall consume it with the timber thereof and the stones thereof.

Deuteronomy 7:26

Neither shalt thou bring an abomination into thine house, lest thou be a cursed thing like it: [but] thou shalt utterly detest it, and thou shalt utterly abhor it; for it [is] a cursed thing.

1 Samuel 3:12

In that day I will perform against Eli all [things] which I have spoken concerning his house: when I begin, I will also make an end.

1 Samuel 3:14

And therefore I have sworn unto the house of Eli, that the iniquity of Eli's house shall not be purged with sacrifice nor offering for ever.

Proverbs 3:33

The curse of the LORD [is] in the house of the wicked: but he blesseth the habitation of the just.

Joshua 7:21

When I saw among the spoils a goodly Babylonish garment, and two hundred shekels of silver, and a wedge of gold of fifty shekels weight, then I coveted them, and took them; and, behold, they [are] hid in the earth in the midst of my tent, and the silver under it.