Leviticus 14:39

KJV

And the priest shall come again the seventh day, and shall look: and, behold, [if] the plague be spread in the walls of the house;

KJV (with Strong's)

And the priest {H3548} shall come again {H7725} the seventh {H7637} day {H3117}, and shall look {H7200}: and, behold, if the plague {H5061} be spread {H6581} in the walls {H7023} of the house {H1004};

Complete Jewish Bible

The cohen will come again on the seventh day and examine the house; if he sees that the infection has spread over its walls,

Berean Standard Bible

On the seventh day the priest is to return and inspect the house. If the mildew has spread on the walls,

American Standard Version

And the priest shall come again the seventh day, and shall look; and, behold, if the plague be spread in the walls of the house;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 14:39 describes a critical stage in the purification process for a house afflicted with a severe fungal growth, often referred to as a "plague" or "leprosy" in its walls. Following an initial inspection and a mandatory seven-day quarantine, this verse details the priest's return to meticulously re-examine the dwelling. His observation of whether the contamination has visibly "spread" is the decisive factor that determines the subsequent, more drastic measures: either a deeper cleansing ritual or, if the defilement is pervasive, the complete demolition of the house. This precise protocol underscores God's profound concern for ritual purity, public health, and the sanctity of the Israelite community's living spaces.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 14:39 is an integral part of a larger legal corpus (Leviticus 14:33-53) dedicated to the purification rites for a house afflicted with *tsara'at*, a term that, in this architectural context, denotes a destructive mold or mildew. This verse immediately follows the initial report of the "plague" by the homeowner to the priest (Leviticus 14:35), the priest's first inspection, the prescribed removal of affected stones, and the scraping of the house's interior (Leviticus 14:36-37). Crucially, it also follows the mandatory seven-day quarantine period for the house (Leviticus 14:38). Thus, Leviticus 14:39 marks a pivotal diagnostic moment, where the efficacy of the initial containment measures is assessed. The outcome of this re-inspection dictates the subsequent actions, ranging from a more thorough cleansing to the ultimate necessity of demolishing the house (Leviticus 14:45). This step-by-step, methodical procedure parallels the equally detailed instructions for cleansing individuals afflicted with skin diseases found earlier in [Leviticus 14](/leviticus/14 "Leviticus 14 - Laws for Cleansing from Skin Diseases").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, ritual purity was not merely a ceremonial concept but a foundational aspect of their covenant relationship with Yahweh. The "plague" (*tsara'at*) on a house, whether mold or mildew, was understood as more than a physical blight; it was a potent symbol of ritual impurity that rendered the dwelling and its inhabitants unclean, thereby hindering their full participation in the community's worship and social life. The priest's role, as detailed throughout [the book of Leviticus](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus - The Book of Holiness"), extended beyond spiritual guidance to encompass functions akin to a public health official, responsible for diagnosing and managing conditions that threatened the community's purity and well-being. The precise regulations, including the seven-day waiting period, reflect a practical and divinely ordained approach to containing contamination, preventing its spread, and ensuring the overall health and holiness of the Israelite camp, which was to be a sacred space reflecting God's presence. These laws underscore God's holistic concern for His people's physical environment as well as their spiritual state, emphasizing that holiness was to permeate all aspects of their lives, including their homes.
* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 14:39 contributes significantly to several key themes within the book of Leviticus and the broader Old Testament. Foremost among these is the theme of **Holiness and Purity**, emphasizing God's absolute demand for a holy people living in holy spaces, free from defilement. The detailed process highlights the theme of **Discernment and Thoroughness**, demonstrating the necessity of careful, patient, and repeated examination to accurately assess the nature and extent of impurity before taking decisive action. The "spreading plague" itself serves as a powerful illustration of the **Insidious Nature of Sin and Defilement**, showing how impurity, if not decisively dealt with, can permeate and corrupt an entire structure or life. Finally, the priest's central role underscores the theme of **Divine Mediation and Provision**, as God provides a designated authority to guide His people through the complexities of maintaining ritual purity, enabling them to dwell in His presence (cf. [Leviticus 10:10](/leviticus/10-10 "Leviticus 10:10 - Distinguish Between Holy and Unholy")). These laws collectively teach Israel about the comprehensive nature of God's holiness and His desire for His people to reflect that holiness in every sphere of their existence, from their bodies to their dwellings, as seen throughout [Leviticus 11-15](/leviticus/11 "Leviticus 11-15 - Laws of Purity").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Priest (Hebrew, _kôhên'_):** The term "priest" (H3548, כֹּהֵן, _kôhên'_) denotes the divinely appointed official who mediates between God and Israel, responsible for sacrifices, teaching the law, and discerning purity. In this context, the priest acts as a diagnostician and arbiter of ritual purity, whose judgment is binding. His role is not merely ceremonial but involves practical judgment and the authoritative declaration of a state of "clean" or "unclean," which carries profound implications for the homeowner's ability to participate in the community and worship. This highlights the priest's essential function in maintaining the holiness of the camp and the individual's covenant standing.
* **Seventh Day (Hebrew, _shᵉbîyʻîy'_):** The "seventh day" (H7637, שְׁבִיעִי, _shᵉbîyʻîy'_ for "seventh," paired with H3117, יוֹם, _yôwm_ for "day") is a recurring motif in biblical literature, often symbolizing completion, divine timing, or a period of testing and observation. Here, it marks the precise end of the prescribed quarantine period, allowing sufficient time for the "plague" to either recede or demonstrably spread. This waiting period underscores the principle of patience, thoroughness, and reliance on observation in discerning the true nature and extent of a problem before definitive, often severe, action is taken.
* **Spread (Hebrew, _pâsâh'_):** The verb "spread" (H6581, פָּשָׂה, _pâsâh'_) describes the expansion or proliferation of the "plague." This word indicates a worsening condition, suggesting that the initial, less drastic measures (removing stones, scraping) were insufficient to contain the contamination. Its use here is critical, as the observation of the plague having "spread" is the trigger for the most severe judgment—the declaration of the house as utterly unclean and its subsequent demolition. This signifies a pervasive, deep-seated problem that cannot be easily remedied by superficial means.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the priest shall come again the seventh day":** This clause emphasizes the priest's diligent and prescribed return after the initial quarantine period. It underscores the methodical, step-by-step nature of the purification process, highlighting the importance of adherence to divine instructions and the priest's ongoing responsibility in matters of ritual purity. The "seventh day" signifies a divinely appointed interval for observation and discernment.
* **"and shall look":** This simple yet profound phrase signifies a crucial act of careful observation and re-evaluation. The priest is not merely making a cursory glance but conducting a thorough, discerning inspection to ascertain the true state of the house. This "looking" is a diagnostic act, central to determining the next course of action based on empirical evidence of the plague's progression.
* **"and, behold, [if] the plague be spread in the walls of the house;":** This is the pivotal conditional clause of the verse. The interjection "behold" (וְהִנֵּה, *v'hinei*) draws immediate attention to the critical discovery. The key concern is whether the *tsara'at* (mold/mildew) has expanded its presence within the house's very structure, specifically its "walls." If the "plague" has "spread," it indicates a deeply entrenched and pervasive problem, signifying that the house is fundamentally unclean and requires radical intervention, leading to its declaration as "utterly unclean" and subsequent demolition in the verses that follow.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 14:39 effectively employs several literary devices to convey its meaning and underscore its significance within the broader purity laws. The **Repetition** of the "priest" and "plague" throughout Leviticus 14 reinforces their central roles in the purification process and the gravity of the contamination. The verse's core structure relies on a **Conditional Clause** ("if the plague be spread"), which creates a moment of suspense and highlights the critical decision point based on the priest's re-inspection; the outcome of this observation dictates the severity of the subsequent actions. The "plague" itself functions as powerful **Symbolism**, representing not just a physical affliction but a broader concept of ritual impurity and defilement that separates from God's holiness. The "house," as the dwelling place, also carries significant **Symbolic** weight, representing the sanctity of the Israelite community and, by extension, the individual's life. Impurity within one's dwelling thus implies a deeper spiritual issue that impacts one's standing before God and the community. The meticulous, almost clinical, description of the diagnostic process also serves a clear **Didactic** purpose, teaching the Israelites about God's demand for thoroughness, discernment, patience, and decisive action against anything that defiles.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 14:39, while rooted in ancient Israelite purity laws concerning physical structures, illuminates profound and enduring theological principles. It underscores God's pervasive concern for holiness, demonstrating that His demand for purity extends beyond personal conduct to the very spaces His people inhabit. The meticulous process of inspection and re-evaluation teaches the importance of thoroughness and patience in discerning the true nature and extent of defilement, whether physical or spiritual. The spreading "plague" serves as a powerful metaphor for the insidious nature of sin and impurity: if not decisively dealt with, it can permeate and corrupt an entire structure or life, rendering it unfit for God's presence. This passage highlights the priestly role as a divinely appointed authority to diagnose and mediate purity, reflecting God's gracious provision for His people to live in a state of holiness before Him, thus maintaining their covenant relationship.

* [Leviticus 11:44-45](/leviticus/11-44-45 "Leviticus 11:44-45 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy")
* [1 Corinthians 5:6-7](/1_corinthians/5-6-7 "1 Corinthians 5:6-7 - A Little Leaven Leavens the Whole Lump")
* [Hebrews 12:15](/hebrews/12-15 "Hebrews 12:15 - Root of Bitterness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed procedure in Leviticus 14:39, though rooted in ancient ritual law, offers timeless principles for spiritual reflection and application in contemporary life. The priest's diligent return on the seventh day to "look" intently at the spreading "plague" serves as a powerful analogy for the need for consistent and honest self-examination in our own spiritual "houses." Just as a physical contaminant can spread unseen within walls, so too can sin, unhealthy habits, unconfessed guilt, or spiritual apathy subtly take root and expand, defiling our inner being if left unchecked. This verse calls us to adopt a posture of rigorous re-evaluation: are there areas in our lives where initial efforts at correction or repentance have been insufficient, and the "plague" of sin or compromise is demonstrably spreading, affecting our thoughts, words, or actions? It reminds us that spiritual problems, like physical ones, often require patience, careful discernment, and, if necessary, decisive, even radical, action to prevent widespread corruption. The ultimate goal is not merely outward conformity but a life that truly reflects the transformative holiness of God, free from the defilement of sin.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "plagues" (unhealthy patterns, unconfessed sins, negative attitudes, or unresolved conflicts) might be subtly spreading in the "walls" of my own life, requiring a diligent re-inspection?**
* **Am I willing to allow the "Priest" (the Holy Spirit, God's Word, or wise spiritual counsel) to "look" deeply into my life, even if it reveals uncomfortable truths about spreading impurity?**
* **What initial efforts have I made to address these issues, and has the "plague" continued to spread, indicating a need for more drastic, decisive action in my pursuit of holiness?**

### FAQ
**What is "the plague" in a house, as mentioned in Leviticus 14:39?**

Answer: In the context of Leviticus 14, "the plague" (Hebrew: *tsara'at*) when applied to a house, refers not to human leprosy but to a severe form of mold or mildew, likely a destructive fungal growth that permeated the structure. This condition was considered ritually unclean, rendering the house and its contents defiled. The presence of such a "plague" was a serious matter, requiring the intervention of a priest to diagnose and prescribe the appropriate purification or demolition procedures, as detailed in [Leviticus 14:33-53](/leviticus/14-33-53 "Leviticus 14:33-53 - Laws for Cleansing a House with Leprosy").

**Why did the priest have to return after seven days to re-inspect the house?**

Answer: The seven-day waiting period, as described in [Leviticus 14:38](/leviticus/14-38 "Leviticus 14:38 - Quarantine of the House"), served as a crucial diagnostic phase. After the initial inspection and temporary measures (removing affected stones, scraping the walls), this period allowed sufficient time to observe whether the "plague" was merely superficial and contained, or if it was a deep-seated, persistent problem. If the mold continued to spread or reappear after a week, as Leviticus 14:39 indicates, it signaled a more serious contamination that required more drastic measures, potentially leading to the house's demolition as outlined in [Leviticus 14:45](/leviticus/14-45 "Leviticus 14:45 - Demolition of the House"). This methodical approach ensured a thorough and accurate assessment, preventing premature or insufficient action.

**What was the overarching purpose of these detailed laws concerning "plagues" in houses?**

Answer: The laws concerning "plagues" in houses served multiple, interconnected purposes within ancient Israelite society. Primarily, they reinforced the paramount concept of ritual purity and holiness, ensuring that the living spaces of God's people reflected His own holiness, as commanded in [Leviticus 11:44-45](/leviticus/11-44-45 "Leviticus 11:44-45 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy"). They also had practical implications for public health, as severe mold or mildew can be hazardous to human well-being. Furthermore, these regulations provided a tangible, object lesson illustrating the insidious nature of sin and impurity: if left unchecked, it can spread and corrupt, necessitating decisive action, even radical measures, to maintain spiritual integrity. The priest's role in these matters underscored God's provision for His people to live in a state of covenant faithfulness and cleanliness, both physically and spiritually.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 14:39, with its meticulous instructions for the priest's re-inspection of a house afflicted by a spreading "plague," finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Just as the Levitical priest meticulously examined physical structures for defilement, Jesus, our great High Priest, possesses perfect discernment to "look" into the deepest recesses of the human heart, identifying the pervasive "plague" of sin that has spread throughout humanity's spiritual "house" (cf. [Hebrews 4:13](/hebrews/4-13 "Hebrews 4:13 - All Things Are Naked Before God")). The Old Testament priest could only declare a house clean or unclean, prescribing rituals or demolition; he could not truly cleanse the source of the defilement. However, Jesus, by His perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection, offers a definitive and complete cleansing from the "plague" of sin, not merely ritual impurity (cf. [Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Cleansing Our Conscience from Dead Works")). He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, making those who believe in Him truly clean, not just outwardly, but inwardly, transforming the very "walls" of our being (cf. [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") and [Titus 3:5](/titus/3-5 "Titus 3:5 - Washing of Regeneration")). Moreover, as believers, we are now the temple of the Holy Spirit (cf. [1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body is a Temple of the Holy Spirit")), and Christ's ongoing work through His Spirit is to sanctify and cleanse His church, presenting it to Himself "without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but holy and blameless" (cf. [Ephesians 5:26-27](/ephesians/5-26-27 "Ephesians 5:26-27 - Christ Sanctifies the Church")). Thus, the Levitical priest's repeated, discerning re-inspection foreshadows Christ's thorough, redemptive, and ongoing work in purging all defilement from His people and His church, bringing true and lasting holiness.

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 13:7

But if the scab spread much abroad in the skin, after that he hath been seen of the priest for his cleansing, he shall be seen of the priest again:

Leviticus 13:8

And [if] the priest see that, behold, the scab spreadeth in the skin, then the priest shall pronounce him unclean: it [is] a leprosy.

Leviticus 13:22

And if it spread much abroad in the skin, then the priest shall pronounce him unclean: it [is] a plague.

Leviticus 13:51

And he shall look on the plague on the seventh day: if the plague be spread in the garment, either in the warp, or in the woof, or in a skin, [or] in any work that is made of skin; the plague [is] a fretting leprosy; it [is] unclean.

Leviticus 13:27

And the priest shall look upon him the seventh day: [and] if it be spread much abroad in the skin, then the priest shall pronounce him unclean: it [is] the plague of leprosy.

Leviticus 13:36

Then the priest shall look on him: and, behold, if the scall be spread in the skin, the priest shall not seek for yellow hair; he [is] unclean.