Leviticus 14:37

KJV

And he shall look on the plague, and, behold, [if] the plague [be] in the walls of the house with hollow strakes, greenish or reddish, which in sight [are] lower than the wall;

KJV (with Strong's)

And he shall look {H7200} on the plague {H5061}, and, behold, if the plague {H5061} be in the walls {H7023} of the house {H1004} with hollow strakes {H8258}, greenish {H3422} or reddish {H125}, which in sight {H4758} are lower {H8217} than {H4480} the wall {H7023};

Complete Jewish Bible

He will examine the infection; and if he sees that the infection is in the walls of the house, with greenish or reddish depressions that seem to go in deeper than the surface of the wall,

Berean Standard Bible

He is to examine the house, and if the mildew on the walls consists of green or red depressions that appear to be beneath the surface of the wall,

American Standard Version

and he shall look on the plague; and, behold, if the plague be in the walls of the house with hollow streaks, greenish or reddish, and the appearance thereof be lower than the wall;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 14:37 meticulously outlines the specific diagnostic criteria for the priest's crucial second inspection of a house suspected of being afflicted by a severe, defiling "plague," typically understood as a pervasive and destructive mold or mildew. This verse details the visual signs indicating a deep-seated infestation: "hollow strakes" (depressions), distinct greenish or reddish discoloration, and areas that appear visibly sunken or eroded below the wall's surface. These precise instructions underscore God's profound concern for the physical and ritual purity of His people and their dwellings, highlighting the priest's vital role as both a spiritual arbiter and a public health authority in ancient Israel, ensuring the community remained undefiled and fit for divine presence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 14 forms a critical segment within the broader purification laws detailed in the book of Leviticus, specifically following the extensive regulations concerning skin diseases, known as *tzara'at*, in [Leviticus 13](/leviticus/13 "Leviticus 13 - Laws Concerning Skin Diseases"). While [Leviticus 14](/leviticus/14 "Leviticus 14 - Purification Laws for Leprosy and Houses") primarily delineates the elaborate cleansing rituals for individuals healed of *tzara'at*, it seamlessly transitions to analogous purification procedures for garments and, finally, for houses. Our specific verse, [Leviticus 14:37](/leviticus/14-37 "Leviticus 14:37 - Priestly Examination of a House Plague"), is situated after the initial report of a suspected "plague" by the homeowner to the priest, the priest's first visit, and the mandatory seven-day quarantine of the house, as described in [Leviticus 14:33-36](/leviticus/14-33-36 "Leviticus 14:33-36 - Initial Declaration of a House Plague"). Therefore, [Leviticus 14:37](/leviticus/14-37 "Leviticus 14:37 - Priestly Examination of a House Plague") describes the precise diagnostic signs the priest must observe upon his return, which will determine whether the affliction is superficial, requiring only minor intervention, or so deeply embedded as to necessitate more drastic measures, such as the complete demolition of the house, as prescribed in subsequent verses like [Leviticus 14:45](/leviticus/14-45 "Leviticus 14:45 - Demolition of an Unclean House").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the concept of ritual purity was not merely an abstract theological idea but a tangible reality deeply embedded in daily life and intrinsically linked to the nation's covenant relationship with Yahweh. As a perfectly holy God, Yahweh desired to dwell among a holy people, and this holiness was to permeate every facet of their existence, extending even to their physical dwellings. The "plague" in the house (Hebrew: *negaʻ*) was therefore far more than a simple hygienic concern; it carried profound ritual defilement. Pervasive mold or mildew, especially in the often damp, poorly ventilated stone or mud-brick homes common in the ancient Near East, could indeed pose serious health risks and compromise structural integrity. The priest's multifaceted role, as vividly portrayed in this passage, transcended purely religious duties; he functioned as a divinely appointed arbiter of both public health and ritual purity, ensuring the community remained undefiled and fit for God's sacred presence. This meticulous examination of houses reflects a divine concern for the holistic well-being of the community and the sanctity of their living spaces, which were considered extensions of the holy nation and its covenant relationship with God.
* **Key Themes:** The laws concerning the house plague in [Leviticus 14](/leviticus/14 "Leviticus 14 - Purification Laws for Leprosy and Houses"), including [Leviticus 14:37](/leviticus/14-37 "Leviticus 14:37 - Priestly Examination of a House Plague"), contribute significantly to several overarching themes within Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **Holiness and Purity**, emphasizing God's absolute holiness and His demand for His people to reflect that holiness in all aspects of their lives, including their physical environment. The "plague" represents **Defilement and Contamination**, illustrating how sin and impurity can permeate and corrupt, necessitating divine intervention and thorough cleansing. The priest's role highlights the theme of **Mediation and Discernment**, as he stands between God and the people, discerning the nature of defilement and prescribing the path to restoration. Furthermore, the passage underscores **God's Presence and Dwelling**, as the purity of the camp and its dwellings was essential for Yahweh to continue dwelling among His people. Finally, there's a subtle theme of **Divine Sovereignty over Affliction**, as the "plague" is often seen as a divinely sent judgment or test, requiring a divinely ordained response. These themes collectively reinforce the covenant relationship between God and Israel, where purity was a prerequisite for sustained fellowship and blessing.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Plague (Hebrew, _negaʻ'_):** (H5061) This term, derived from a root meaning "to touch" or "to strike," signifies "a blow" or "infliction." In the context of Leviticus, it refers to a divinely sent affliction or mark, whether on a person (as *tzara'at*), garment, or house. For houses, it specifically denotes a spreading, defiling mold, mildew, or fungal growth that renders the dwelling ritually impure. It is not merely a physical blemish but a sign of defilement requiring priestly diagnosis and intervention.
* **Hollow Strakes (Hebrew, _shᵉqaʻrûwrâh'_):** (H8258) This word, stemming from a root meaning "to sink" or "to subside," describes a "depression" or "sunken place." In [Leviticus 14:37](/leviticus/14-37 "Leviticus 14:37 - Priestly Examination of a House Plague"), it refers to visible indentations, erosions, or concavities in the walls, indicating that the "plague" has penetrated beyond the surface, eating into the very material of the building. This signifies a severe, deep-seated, and destructive affliction, rather than a superficial stain.
* **Lower (Hebrew, _shâphâl'_):** (H8217) Derived from a root meaning "to be low" or "to be depressed," this adjective describes something "depressed," "humble," or "low." When applied to the "hollow strakes" that are "lower than the wall," it emphasizes the visible recession or sinking of the affected areas. This confirms the destructive nature of the "plague," indicating that the material of the wall has been consumed or eroded, creating a noticeable depression rather than just a discoloration on the surface.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he shall look on the plague,"**: This opening phrase underscores the priest's active, intentional, and diagnostic role. Following the initial quarantine period, the priest returns to the house with a specific purpose: to conduct a thorough visual re-examination of the suspected affliction. His "looking" is not casual but a careful, discerning observation, seeking to ascertain the nature and progression of the "plague" based on precise criteria.
* **"and, behold, [if] the plague [be] in the walls of the house"**: The interjection "behold" (Hebrew: *hinneh*) serves to draw immediate attention to a significant discovery. The focus is specifically on the *walls* of the house, indicating that the affliction is internal to the structure itself, rather than merely affecting its contents or furnishings. This specifies the primary location where the defilement is to be sought and confirmed.
* **"with hollow strakes, greenish or reddish,"**: This clause provides the critical visual characteristics that define a severe and defiling "plague." The "hollow strakes" (depressions or erosions) signify a destructive, penetrating affliction, while the "greenish or reddish" colors are the specific tell-tale signs of the type of mold, mildew, or fungal growth that renders the house ritually unclean. These are precise, observable criteria for the priest's judgment.
* **"which in sight [are] lower than the wall;"**: This final descriptive element further clarifies the nature of the "hollow strakes." It means that the affected areas appear visibly sunken, recessed, or eaten away, presenting as depressions that are discernibly "lower" than the surrounding, unaffected wall surface. This confirms the deep-seated and destructive nature of the "plague," distinguishing it from superficial marks and indicating a severe, perhaps incurable, infestation that has consumed the material of the wall itself.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 14:37 is characterized by its meticulous **Precision** and **Specificity**. The detailed visual descriptors—"hollow strakes," "greenish or reddish," and areas "lower than the wall"—leave no ambiguity, ensuring the priest's judgment is based on clear, observable phenomena. This linguistic exactitude reflects the divine origin of the law and its demand for absolute adherence. The **Repetition** of the word "plague" (*negaʻ*) throughout the chapter and twice within this verse itself, serves to reinforce its central importance and the pervasive nature of the defilement. Furthermore, the "plague" in the house functions as a powerful **Symbolism**. While literally referring to mold or mildew, it metaphorically represents spiritual defilement, sin, or any pervasive corruption that can infiltrate and compromise the integrity of an individual, family, or community, necessitating radical measures for cleansing. The priest's act of "looking" (**Observation** and **Discernment**) is also highlighted, emphasizing the importance of careful examination and the diligent application of divine law.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 14:37, situated within the broader context of the house plague laws, profoundly illustrates God's meticulous concern for the holiness of His people and the sanctity of their environment. The detailed regulations underscore that defilement, whether physical or spiritual, is not to be taken lightly, as it directly compromises the community's ability to dwell in the presence of a holy God. The pervasiveness of the "plague" in the walls, eating into the very fabric of the dwelling, serves as a powerful metaphor for how sin and spiritual decay can deeply embed themselves within individuals, families, or even societal structures, requiring thorough and sometimes radical intervention. God's demand for purity extends beyond mere ritual; it reflects His desire for a people who are set apart for Him in every aspect of their lives, demonstrating His own character of absolute holiness and His desire for unhindered fellowship.

* [1 Peter 1:15-16](/1_peter/1-15-16 "1 Peter 1:15-16 - Be Holy as I Am Holy")
* [Hebrews 12:14](/hebrews/12-14 "Hebrews 12:14 - Pursue Peace and Holiness")
* [Haggai 2:13-14](/haggai/2-13-14 "Haggai 2:13-14 - Defilement Spreads")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the ceremonial laws of Leviticus are not directly binding on New Covenant believers, the underlying principles of holiness, discernment, and the pervasive nature of sin remain profoundly relevant for our spiritual lives today. Just as the priest meticulously examined the house for signs of deep-seated decay, we are called to engage in rigorous self-examination and spiritual discernment, allowing the Holy Spirit to reveal areas of our lives, our families, or our communities where spiritual "plagues" of sin, bitterness, ungodly patterns, or unconfessed rebellion may have taken root. Superficial fixes or cosmetic changes are insufficient when the defilement has eaten into the very structure of our being or relationships. This passage challenges us to confront systemic issues, pursue genuine repentance, and seek God's transformative power to cleanse and renew us from the inside out, ensuring that our lives are fit dwelling places for His Spirit and reflect His glorious holiness. It reminds us that true purity is not merely external but penetrates to the deepest parts of our being.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "hollow strakes" or "greenish/reddish" areas might indicate deep-seated spiritual decay or unaddressed sin in my own life or in my community?**
* **Am I willing to allow God's Spirit to conduct a thorough "inspection" of my inner life, even if it reveals uncomfortable truths that require radical "demolition" or cleansing?**
* **How does the meticulousness of God's concern for physical purity in Leviticus encourage me to pursue holiness in all aspects of my daily life, including my home, relationships, and thoughts?**

### FAQ
**What exactly was the "plague" in the house described in Leviticus 14:37?**

Answer: The "plague" (*negaʻ*, H5061) in Leviticus 14:37, in the context of houses, is generally understood by scholars to refer to a severe and pervasive mold, mildew, or fungal growth. It was not merely a cosmetic issue or a simple stain, but a deep-seated affliction that caused ritual defilement, rendering the house unclean and unfit for habitation by God's holy people. The specific descriptions provided in the verse—"hollow strakes" (H8258), "greenish (H3422) or reddish (H125)" discoloration, and areas that were "lower (H8217) than the wall (H7023)"—point to a destructive infestation that had eaten into the building materials, indicating its severity and the urgent need for priestly intervention. This condition went beyond simple dirt or superficial marks, signifying a condition that made the dwelling ritually impure and potentially structurally unsound.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The "plague" in the house in Leviticus 14:37, requiring either elaborate cleansing rituals or complete demolition, serves as a powerful Old Testament shadow pointing to the pervasive nature of sin and the ultimate, perfect cleansing work of Jesus Christ. Just as the physical "plague" rendered a dwelling unfit for the holy people of God, so too does sin defile humanity, making us inherently unfit for communion with a holy God. The meticulous priestly inspection and the prescribed rituals, though necessary for their time, were ultimately unable to permanently remove the root of defilement; they merely covered or contained it, foreshadowing a greater reality. Jesus Christ is the true and ultimate priest, who, unlike the Levitical priests, did not merely diagnose sin but became the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Through His perfect, once-for-all sacrifice on the cross, Christ cleanses us from all unrighteousness, not with the blood of animals, but with [His own precious blood](/hebrews/9-13-14 "Hebrews 9:13-14 - The Blood of Christ Cleanses Conscience"), effectively removing the "plague" of sin that had eaten into the very fabric of our being. By His redemptive work, our bodies become [temples of the Holy Spirit](/1_corinthians/6-19-20 "1 Corinthians 6:19-20 - Your Body is a Temple of the Holy Spirit"), cleansed, sanctified, and made holy, fit for God's dwelling. This ultimately fulfills the longing for a pure and undefiled habitation for God among His people, as beautifully described in [Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25-27 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ Cleanses the Church"), where Christ presents the church to Himself "without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless."

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

Leviticus 13:19

And in the place of the boil there be a white rising, or a bright spot, white, and somewhat reddish, and it be shewed to the priest;

Leviticus 13:20

And if, when the priest seeth it, behold, it [be] in sight lower than the skin, and the hair thereof be turned white; the priest shall pronounce him unclean: it [is] a plague of leprosy broken out of the boil.

Leviticus 13:42

And if there be in the bald head, or bald forehead, a white reddish sore; it [is] a leprosy sprung up in his bald head, or his bald forehead.

Leviticus 13:3

And the priest shall look on the plague in the skin of the flesh: and [when] the hair in the plague is turned white, and the plague in sight [be] deeper than the skin of his flesh, it [is] a plague of leprosy: and the priest shall look on him, and pronounce him unclean.

Leviticus 13:49

And if the plague be greenish or reddish in the garment, or in the skin, either in the warp, or in the woof, or in any thing of skin; it [is] a plague of leprosy, and shall be shewed unto the priest: