Leviticus 14:38

KJV

Then the priest shall go out of the house to the door of the house, and shut up the house seven days:

KJV (with Strong's)

Then the priest {H3548} shall go {H3318} out of the house {H1004} to the door {H6607} of the house {H1004}, and shut {H5462} up the house {H1004} seven {H7651} days {H3117}:

Complete Jewish Bible

he is to go out of the house to its door and seal up the house for seven days.

Berean Standard Bible

the priest shall go outside the doorway of the house and close it up for seven days.

American Standard Version

then the priest shall go out of the house to the door of the house, and shut up the house seven days.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 14:38 delineates a crucial step in the purification protocol for a house afflicted by a "plague," likely a severe manifestation of mold or mildew. Following the initial priestly examination and confirmation of the contamination, this verse mandates the immediate and stringent isolation of the dwelling for a period of seven days. This act of "shutting up" the house underscores the gravity of the defilement, initiating a vital period of observation and separation essential for determining the subsequent phases of the cleansing process and meticulously preserving the ritual purity of the Israelite community.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 14:38 is intricately woven into the elaborate legal and ritual framework of Leviticus 14, which provides detailed, unique instructions for addressing the "plague of leprosy" (Hebrew: _tzara'at_) not only on individuals and garments but, distinctively, on houses. The preceding verses, specifically [Leviticus 14:33-37](/leviticus/14-33-37 "Leviticus 14:33-37 - Initial Inspection of a House Afflicted by Plague"), describe the homeowner's responsibility to report a suspected affliction to the priest, the priest's initial inspection, and the subsequent confirmation of the plague's presence. Therefore, verse 38 serves as the direct, mandated consequence of that diagnosis, initiating the critical quarantine phase. This procedure deliberately mirrors the established protocols for individuals with suspected skin diseases, where an initial inspection frequently led to a [seven-day isolation period](/leviticus/13-4 "Leviticus 13:4 - Quarantine for Suspected Skin Disease") as meticulously detailed in [Leviticus 13](/leviticus/13 "Leviticus 13 - Laws Concerning Skin Diseases"). The overarching emphasis of the chapter lies in the meticulous and comprehensive nature of God's laws concerning purity and defilement, highlighting the absolute necessity of addressing contamination to preserve the sanctity of both the community and its dwelling places.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the concept of ritual purity held paramount importance, serving as a foundational pillar of their covenant relationship with Yahweh. Defilement, whether originating from disease, bodily discharges, or even contaminated objects and dwellings, rendered individuals or places ritually unfit for participation in the community's worship and daily life. The "plague" (_tzara'at_) on a house, while likely a severe fungal growth or mold, was not perceived merely as a physical problem but as a profound manifestation of defilement that necessitated divine intervention, mediated through the divinely instituted priestly system. Priests functioned as both spiritual and communal arbiters, uniquely responsible for diagnosing purity issues and prescribing the requisite rituals for restoration. The act of "shutting up" the house was a practical and necessary measure, akin to a modern quarantine, designed to prevent the spread of contamination. However, it also carried immense symbolic weight, formally marking the dwelling as ritually unclean and setting it apart from normal use until God's will regarding its cleansing or, if necessary, demolition could be discerned. This meticulous attention to the cleanliness of living spaces profoundly underscored the pervasive nature of God's demand for holiness, extending His divine standards even to the physical environment of His chosen people, as evidenced by broader calls for purity throughout [the book of Leviticus](/leviticus/11 "Leviticus 11 - Clean and Unclean Animals").

* **Key Themes:** This verse significantly contributes to several overarching themes within Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. The primary theme is **Holiness and Purity**, emphasizing God's absolute demand for His people to reflect His own perfect holiness in every sphere of life, including their physical environment. The "plague" on the house represents an intrusion of impurity that must be meticulously dealt with to maintain the community's consecrated status. Another key theme is **Divine Order and Authority**, as the entire process is initiated and overseen by the priest, acting under God's explicit instructions, demonstrating that only divinely appointed methods can address defilement. The detailed procedures highlight God's meticulous care and the seriousness with which He views anything that compromises the sanctity of His people. Furthermore, the passage underscores the theme of **Separation and Discernment**, as the seven-day quarantine period is a time for observation and decision-making, distinguishing between what is clean and unclean, and preventing the spread of contamination. This echoes the broader principle of Israel's separation from the nations to be a holy people, as seen in passages like [Leviticus 20:26](/leviticus/20-26 "Leviticus 20:26 - Be Holy, Set Apart").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **priest (Hebrew, _kôhên'_):** From H3548, this term refers to the consecrated religious official, specifically from the lineage of Aaron, who served as an indispensable intermediary between God and the people. In this context, the _kôhên_'s role extends beyond mere diagnosis; he is the authoritative agent who executes God's prescribed rituals. His action of going "out of the house to the door" formally signifies his official capacity and serves as a public declaration of the house's defiled state, setting it apart from common, clean spaces. The priest's presence and actions validate the severity of the situation and initiate the divinely ordained process of purification or condemnation.
* **shut up (Hebrew, _çâgar'_):** Derived from H5462, this verb literally means "to close," "to confine," or "to imprison." Here, it denotes a strict, deliberate, and comprehensive act of isolation. It implies more than simply closing a door; it suggests sealing off the house to prevent any entry or exit, thereby effectively containing the defilement and preventing its potential spread. This act of "shutting up" is not punitive but rather diagnostic and preventative, establishing a controlled environment for observation and allowing the "plague" to either recede or worsen, which would dictate the subsequent phase of the ritual.
* **seven (Hebrew, _shebaʻ'_):** From H7651, this cardinal number holds profound theological significance throughout the biblical narrative, frequently symbolizing completion, perfection, and divine action. In the context of purification rituals, a seven-day period consistently appears, such as in the cleansing of individuals from various impurities (e.g., [Leviticus 12:2](/leviticus/12-2 "Leviticus 12:2 - Purification after Childbirth"), [Leviticus 15:13](/leviticus/15-13 "Leviticus 15:13 - Purification from Discharge")). For the house, this specific duration provides a sufficient and divinely appointed period for the priest to re-examine the "plague" and definitively determine if it has spread or receded, thereby indicating whether the house can be cleansed or must be demolished. It signifies a period of divinely ordained observation and discernment, leading to a conclusive outcome.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then the priest shall go out of the house to the door of the house":** This clause highlights the priest's authoritative and formal action, marking the commencement of the official procedure. The priest's deliberate movement from the interior of the potentially contaminated house to its exterior door is a visible and public declaration of its defiled state. This act physically sets the house apart from the rest of the community, signaling that it is under observation and temporarily unfit for habitation. This movement also underscores the priest's essential role as the mediator between the sacred and the profane, ensuring the meticulous maintenance of the community's ritual purity.
* **"and shut up the house seven days":** This is the central command of the verse, mandating a strict quarantine for the afflicted dwelling. The act of "shutting up" the house serves multiple critical purposes: it prevents the inhabitants from further exposure to the "plague," thereby safeguarding their health and purity, and it prevents the "plague" itself from spreading to other dwellings or individuals within the community. The prescribed duration of "seven days" is not arbitrary but is a divinely appointed period designed for the full manifestation or recession of the "plague," allowing for a definitive re-evaluation by the priest. This period of isolation profoundly underscores both the seriousness of the defilement and the meticulousness required in its handling according to God's law.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several literary devices to convey its profound meaning and significance. **Ritual Purity** serves as the overarching thematic device, as the entire chapter is meticulously dedicated to the precise procedures for maintaining a state of ritual cleanliness, which was absolutely essential for the Israelite community's covenant relationship with God. The act of "shutting up" the house is a direct and tangible manifestation of this pervasive concern, isolating the defiled to preserve the purity of the undefiled. **Symbolism** is also prominently featured; the "plague" on the house, whether a specific type of mold or mildew, transcends a mere physical problem to symbolize a deeper spiritual defilement that impacts the living space and, by extension, the community's holiness. The priest's actions—his exit from the house and the subsequent act of shutting it up—are not merely practical steps but are highly symbolic gestures of separation, discernment, and the initiation of a divine process. The **Repetition** of the seven-day period throughout Levitical law (e.g., in various other purification rites) powerfully reinforces its significance as a divinely ordained period for observation, testing, and completion, lending a profound sense of order, divine authority, and purposeful design to the entire purification process.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 14:38 powerfully illustrates God's comprehensive and meticulous concern for the holiness of His people, a concern that extends beyond individual conduct to encompass their very living spaces. This passage profoundly reveals that defilement, whether physical or spiritual, cannot be ignored or tolerated but must be meticulously addressed through divinely appointed means. It underscores the foundational biblical principle that God desires His people to be holy in every conceivable aspect of their lives, perfectly reflecting His own transcendent holiness. The mandated isolation period serves as a tangible and potent reminder that sin and impurity, if left unchecked, possess an insidious capacity to spread and contaminate, thereby necessitating a period of separation for thorough examination and potential cleansing. This separation is not inherently punitive but profoundly redemptive, ultimately aiming for restoration to a state of purity that allows for renewed and unhindered fellowship with a holy God.

* [Leviticus 11:44-45](/leviticus/11-44-45 "Leviticus 11:44-45 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy") - "For I am the Lord your God: ye shall therefore sanctify yourselves, and ye shall be holy; for I am holy: neither shall ye defile yourselves with any manner of creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. For I am the Lord that bringeth you up out of the land of Egypt, to be your God: ye shall therefore be holy, for I am holy."
* [1 Peter 1:15-16](/1_peter/1-15-16 "1 Peter 1:15-16 - Call to Holiness") - "But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy."
* [2 Corinthians 6:17](/2_corinthians/6-17 "2 Corinthians 6:17 - Separation from Uncleanliness") - "Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The ancient command to "shut up the house" for seven days, while rooted in a specific historical and ceremonial context, offers profound and enduring principles for contemporary spiritual life. It calls us to adopt a posture of diligent discernment regarding the "plagues" in our own lives and communities—those insidious influences, habits, or attitudes that subtly defile, diminish, and ultimately hinder our spiritual vitality. Just as the priest acted decisively to isolate the contaminated dwelling, we are challenged to courageously identify and intentionally "quarantine" areas of spiritual or moral compromise. This might entail a period of intentional separation from certain environments, relationships, or forms of media that demonstrably impede our walk with God and compromise our integrity. Such periods of "shutting up" can indeed be uncomfortable, demanding self-denial and honest introspection, but they are absolutely crucial for authentic self-examination, allowing the "plague" to be fully exposed or, by God's sovereign grace, to recede. This rigorous process is not about self-righteous judgment but about a humble yet resolute pursuit of holiness, trusting implicitly that God's comprehensive and meticulous care extends to every corner of our lives, desiring our complete restoration and purity for His glory and our ultimate good.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "plagues" or defiling influences might be present in my "house" (my life, my habits, my environment) that need to be identified and addressed with discernment?**
* **Am I willing to "shut up" or separate myself from certain things for a period of intentional discernment and purification, even if it proves uncomfortable or challenging?**
* **How does God's meticulous concern for physical purity in the Old Testament profoundly inform my understanding of His unwavering desire for spiritual holiness in my life today?**
* **In what practical ways can I, like the priest, exercise spiritual discernment and take decisive action to protect the spiritual purity and sanctity of my family or community?**

### FAQ

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

Answer: While the King James Version uses the phrase "plague of leprosy," the Hebrew word _tzara'at_ (צָרַעַת) in this context, particularly when applied to houses (and garments), is not equivalent to modern medical leprosy (Hansen's disease). Scholars generally agree that it refers to a severe, spreading fungal growth, mold, or mildew that could infest the stone or plaster of a house. It was specifically characterized by "reddish or greenish spots" ([Leviticus 14:37](/leviticus/14-37 "Leviticus 14:37 - Description of the Plague")). This "plague" was considered a profound source of ritual impurity, necessitating immediate priestly intervention and specific purification rites, or even the complete demolition of the house if the affliction proved persistent and incurable.

**Why was a seven-day isolation period required for the house?**

Answer: The seven-day period served as a crucial diagnostic and observational phase, a divinely mandated quarantine. It allowed the priest to meticulously re-examine the "plague" after a set duration to determine its progression: whether it had spread, remained contained, or had receded ([Leviticus 14:39-42](/leviticus/14-39-42 "Leviticus 14:39-42 - Re-inspection and Further Action")). This specific period was not arbitrary but aligns with the profound biblical significance of the number seven, which frequently denotes completion, divine order, and a period of testing or waiting before a definitive outcome. Furthermore, it served a practical purpose by preventing further contamination of the inhabitants or the broader community while the precise nature and extent of the defilement were being thoroughly assessed by the priest.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 14:38, with its meticulous instructions for cleansing a defiled house, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate cleansing and profound purification offered exclusively through Jesus Christ. The temporary, external isolation and ritual cleansing of a physical house, performed by an earthly priest, pointed prophetically to a deeper, spiritual reality. Just as the physical "plague" rendered a dwelling uninhabitable and ritually unclean, so too does sin profoundly defile the "house" of our lives, rendering us spiritually unfit for genuine fellowship with a holy God. However, unlike the Levitical priest who could only quarantine and prescribe external rites, Jesus, our great High Priest, entered the defiled "house" of humanity, not to merely quarantine but to cleanse from within. His perfect and singular sacrifice on the cross, as the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), provides a permanent, complete, and internal purification that the Old Testament rituals could only anticipate. Through His precious blood, we are not merely quarantined from sin but truly cleansed, our "house" made new and fit for the indwelling of the Holy Spirit ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Our Bodies as Temples of the Holy Spirit")). He has made us holy and blameless before God, perfectly fulfilling the law's demand for absolute purity ([Colossians 1:21-22](/colossians/1-21-22 "Colossians 1:21-22 - Reconciliation through Christ")). The temporary "shutting up" of the house in Leviticus finds its ultimate and glorious resolution in Christ's finished work, which opens the way for us to dwell eternally in the very presence of a perfectly holy God, in a [new heavens and new earth where righteousness dwells](/2_peter/3-13 "2 Peter 3:13 - New Heavens and New Earth").

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 13:50

And the priest shall look upon the plague, and shut up [it that hath] the plague seven days: