Leviticus 14:42

KJV

And they shall take other stones, and put [them] in the place of those stones; and he shall take other morter, and shall plaister the house.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they shall take {H3947} other {H312} stones {H68}, and put {H935} them in the place {H8478} of those stones {H68}; and he shall take {H3947} other {H312} morter {H6083}, and shall plaister {H2902} the house {H1004}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Finally, other stones must be set in the place of the first stones and other plaster used to replaster the house.

Berean Standard Bible

So different stones must be obtained to replace the contaminated ones, as well as additional mortar to replaster the house.

American Standard Version

and they shall take other stones, and put them in the place of those stones; and he shall take other mortar, and shall plaster the house.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 14:42 details the crucial step in the purification ritual for a house afflicted with *tzara'at*, a severe, spreading defilement often manifesting as mildew or fungal growth. Following the initial removal of infected stones and scraping of walls, this verse mandates the replacement of the defiled materials with new, sound stones and fresh mortar. This act signifies a complete and thorough restoration of the dwelling, emphasizing God's demand for comprehensive cleansing and the re-establishment of a holy and habitable space within the community of Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 14:42 is situated within a lengthy and highly detailed section of the Mosaic Law (Leviticus 13-14) that addresses various forms of *tzara'at*, affecting individuals, garments, and houses. Specifically, verses 33-53 of chapter 14 outline the precise procedures for diagnosing, quarantining, and purifying a house afflicted with this condition. The preceding verses describe the priest's initial inspection, the seven-day quarantine, and if the defilement persists, the command to remove the infected stones and scrape the inner walls of the house (Leviticus 14:38-41). Verse 42 marks the critical next phase of the purification process, moving beyond removal to active restoration. This meticulous instruction underscores the pervasive nature of impurity and the thoroughness required for its eradication and the re-establishment of ritual purity within the Israelite community.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The term *tzara'at* (צָרַעַת) in ancient Israel did not correspond to modern Hansen's disease (leprosy) when applied to houses. Instead, it referred to a malignant, spreading mildew, mold, or fungal growth that could deeply penetrate the porous stone, mudbrick, and plaster common in ancient Near Eastern dwellings. Such infestations rendered a house ritually unclean and potentially uninhabitable, posing health risks and spiritual defilement. The detailed regulations reflect God's concern for the physical and spiritual well-being of His people, emphasizing that holiness was not confined to the Tabernacle or personal conduct but extended to their daily living spaces. The act of replacing stones and replastering was a significant undertaking, involving considerable labor and resources, highlighting the gravity of the defilement and the commitment required for complete restoration. These laws also served as tangible object lessons, teaching the Israelites about the pervasive and insidious nature of sin and the necessity of radical measures for its removal, as seen throughout [the book of Leviticus](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus - The Book of Holiness").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Stones (Hebrew, _'ăbānîm'_):** Refers to the building blocks of the house. The command to take "other stones" (אֲבָנִים אֲחֵרוֹת) emphasizes that the original, defiled materials were utterly unfit and had to be completely replaced. This signifies a radical break from the contaminated past and the necessity of new, untainted elements for true restoration.
* **Morter (Hebrew, _ṭîaḥ'_):** This term refers to the plaster or mortar used to bind stones and cover walls. The instruction to use "other morter" (טִיחַ אַחֵר) parallels the command for new stones, reinforcing the idea that no part of the defiled material could remain. It speaks to the thoroughness of the cleansing process, addressing even the binding agents that held the structure together.
* **Plaister (Hebrew, _ṭûaḥ'_):** This verb means "to plaster" or "to smear." It describes the act of applying the new mortar to cover and finish the walls. The use of this specific verb underscores the finality and completeness of the restoration, ensuring that the house was not only structurally sound with new materials but also visually and ritually clean, ready for habitation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they shall take other stones":** This phrase initiates the active phase of restoration. It signifies that the previous removal of infected stones (Leviticus 14:40) was not the end, but a precursor to a complete replacement. The emphasis on "other" (אֲחֵרוֹת) underscores the absolute necessity of new, untainted materials, implying that the original, defiled stones were beyond purification and had to be discarded entirely.
* **"and put [them] in the place of those stones":** This clause highlights the precise nature of the restoration. The new stones are not merely added but are specifically placed where the defiled ones once stood. This indicates a direct, one-for-one replacement, ensuring the structural integrity and completeness of the dwelling, symbolizing a thorough and systematic cleansing.
* **"and he shall take other morter":** Similar to the stones, the mortar, which binds the structure and covers the surfaces, must also be new. This demonstrates the meticulousness of God's instructions, ensuring that every element that could have harbored the *tzara'at* was removed and replaced, leaving no room for residual defilement.
* **"and shall plaister the house":** This final action signifies the completion of the physical restoration. The application of new plaster covers the new stones and mortar, creating a clean, finished surface. It represents the culmination of the purification process, making the house ritually pure and habitable once more, reflecting the re-establishment of order and holiness.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Leviticus 14:42 is **Symbolism**. The physical house, its stones, and its mortar serve as tangible symbols for the spiritual state of the Israelite community and, by extension, the individual. The *tzara'at* in the house symbolizes the insidious and pervasive nature of sin and impurity, which, if left unchecked, can corrupt and render unfit a dwelling—whether a physical structure or a human life. The meticulous process of removal and replacement of materials symbolizes the radical and thorough cleansing required to address sin. It's not enough to merely scrape away the surface; the very foundations and fabric must be renewed. The act of "taking other stones" and "other morter" and "plastering the house" symbolizes a complete, internal transformation, a putting off of the old and a putting on of the new, reflecting God's demand for true holiness and restoration.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 14:42 profoundly illustrates God's demand for absolute holiness and the thoroughness required in dealing with impurity. The physical cleansing of the house serves as a potent object lesson for spiritual purification: superficial remedies are insufficient; true cleansing necessitates radical removal of defilement and complete replacement with what is pure. This passage underscores that God desires not merely the absence of sin, but the presence of holiness, transforming what was defiled into a dwelling fit for His people. It highlights His meticulous care for every aspect of their lives, linking their physical environment to their spiritual well-being and emphasizing the pervasive nature of His covenantal requirements.

* [2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")
* [Ephesians 4:22-24](/ephesians/4-22-24 "Ephesians 4:22-24 - Putting Off the Old Self and Putting On the New")
* [Isaiah 1:16-17](/isaiah/1-16-17 "Isaiah 1:16-17 - Wash Yourselves Clean")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The meticulous instructions for purifying a house in Leviticus 14:42 offer profound spiritual lessons for our lives today. Just as the ancient Israelite house required a thorough removal of infected materials and their replacement with new, sound elements, so too does our spiritual "dwelling"—our heart, mind, and soul—require radical cleansing from the pervasive effects of sin. This verse challenges us to move beyond mere confession of sin to a genuine, transformative repentance that involves not just turning *from* evil, but actively turning *to* righteousness. It calls us to identify areas where spiritual "mildew" or "decay" has taken root, whether through habitual sin, ungodly thought patterns, or destructive attitudes. True spiritual restoration means replacing the old, defiled ways with new, godly habits, thoughts, and actions, allowing the Holy Spirit to rebuild and replaster our inner lives according to God's holy design. This process is not a superficial fix but a deep, intentional commitment to complete transformation, reflecting the holiness expected of those who are called to be God's dwelling place.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "infected stones" or "mildew" might be present in my own spiritual "house" (my life, habits, thoughts) that require radical removal?**
* **Am I truly committed to replacing old, sinful patterns with new, righteous ones, or am I content with superficial fixes?**
* **How does the thoroughness of God's command for physical cleansing challenge my approach to spiritual purity and sanctification?**
* **In what practical ways can I allow God to "replaster" areas of my life that have been defiled or broken, leading to complete restoration?**

### FAQ
**What exactly was the "leprosy" in a house, and why was it so serious?**

Answer: In Leviticus 14, the "leprosy" (Hebrew: *tzara'at*) affecting a house was not the human disease known today as Hansen's disease. Instead, it referred to a severe and spreading fungal growth, mildew, or mold that could penetrate the very fabric of the stone or mudbrick walls and plaster. This condition was considered serious for several reasons: it rendered the house ritually unclean, making it unfit for habitation by God's holy people; it could pose health risks; and it served as a tangible sign of defilement that needed to be dealt with thoroughly to maintain the overall purity of the community. The meticulous instructions, including quarantine and demolition if necessary (as described in [Leviticus 14:38-45](/leviticus/14-38-45 "Leviticus 14:38-45 - The Process of Dealing with a Defiled House")), underscore its gravity.

**Why did God give such detailed laws about houses and cleanliness?**

Answer: God's detailed laws about houses and cleanliness, as seen in [Leviticus 14](/leviticus/14 "Leviticus 14 - Laws Concerning Cleansing from Leprosy"), extended the principle of holiness beyond personal conduct and the Tabernacle to every aspect of Israelite life. These laws taught the Israelites that God's holiness permeated their entire existence, including their physical environment. A clean and pure dwelling symbolized the purity expected of God's people, who were called to be a holy nation (as stated in [Leviticus 11:44-45](/leviticus/11-44-45 "Leviticus 11:44-45 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy")). Furthermore, these physical laws served as powerful object lessons for spiritual truths, demonstrating the insidious nature of sin and the radical measures required for its removal and the restoration of fellowship with a holy God. They reinforced the idea that defilement, whether physical or spiritual, had to be dealt with comprehensively.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 14:42, with its command to replace defiled stones and mortar with new materials, finds its ultimate fulfillment in the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The physical cleansing and restoration of a house from *tzara'at* prefigures the spiritual cleansing and new creation accomplished by Christ for humanity. Just as the old, infected materials were deemed irredeemable and had to be completely removed, so too our old, sinful nature is beyond repair and must be put off. Christ, through His sacrificial death, cleanses us from all sin, not with the blood of animals but with His own precious blood, which purifies our consciences from dead works to serve the living God ([Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Cleansing by Christ's Blood")). Moreover, He doesn't merely scrape away the surface of our defilement; He replaces the very foundation of our being. In Christ, we become "new creations" ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")), receiving a new heart and a new spirit ([Ezekiel 36:26](/ezekiel/36-26 "Ezekiel 36:26 - A New Heart and a New Spirit")). He is the one who "takes away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), not just covering it, but removing it entirely and rebuilding us into a holy dwelling place for God's Spirit ([Ephesians 2:21-22](/ephesians/2-21-22 "Ephesians 2:21-22 - A Holy Temple in the Lord")). The thoroughness of the Levitical law points to the absolute completeness of Christ's work, where He makes all things new, transforming defiled structures into temples of the Holy Spirit.

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

Genesis 18:19

For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.

1 Timothy 5:21

I charge [thee] before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality.

1 Timothy 5:22

Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep thyself pure.

1 Timothy 5:9

Let not a widow be taken into the number under threescore years old, having been the wife of one man,

1 Timothy 5:10

Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints' feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work.

2 Chronicles 19:5

¶ And he set judges in the land throughout all the fenced cities of Judah, city by city,

2 Chronicles 19:7

Wherefore now let the fear of the LORD be upon you; take heed and do [it]: for [there is] no iniquity with the LORD our God, nor respect of persons, nor taking of gifts.