Leviticus 14:42

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.

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}.

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

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

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

Context of Leviticus 14:42

Leviticus 14:42 is part of a detailed section (Leviticus 14:33-53) outlining the purification rituals for a house afflicted with "leprosy" (Leviticus 14:34). This term, tzara'at in Hebrew, refers not to modern Hansen's disease but to a severe, spreading mildew or fungal growth that could penetrate the very fabric of a dwelling. The preceding verses describe the initial inspection by the priest, the removal of infected stones, and the scraping of the house walls. Verse 42 details the crucial next step: the replacement of the removed materials, signifying a thorough and complete restoration after a period of quarantine and re-inspection. These Levitical laws underscore the importance of ritual purity and cleanliness within ancient Israelite society, reflecting God's holy character.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Thoroughness of Purification: The verse emphasizes the meticulous nature of the cleansing process. It wasn't enough to simply remove the defiled parts; they had to be replaced with new, clean materials. This highlights God's demand for complete removal of impurity.
  • Holiness and Restoration: The entire ritual underscores the importance of a clean dwelling place, symbolizing the purity expected of God's people. The house, once defiled and rendered uninhabitable, is restored to a state of usability and ritual cleanliness, reflecting God's desire for restoration and order.
  • Divine Authority and Guidance: The intricate instructions for handling such defilement demonstrate God's comprehensive oversight of every aspect of His people's lives, including their physical environment, linking it to their spiritual well-being.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "leprosy" here is tzara'at, which, as mentioned, applies to various forms of spreading defilement, including those affecting stones and plaster in a building. The terms "morter" (Hebrew: tiach) and "plaister" (Hebrew: tuach) refer to the plastering materials and the act of covering walls, essential for ancient construction and maintenance. This detail shows the practical, everyday context of the law, addressing common issues of dampness and mold in homes built with natural stone and earth materials.

Practical Application

While these laws are specific to ancient Israel, they carry timeless spiritual principles. The need for thoroughness in addressing defilement can be applied to our spiritual lives. Just as the physical "leprosy" in the house required the removal of affected parts and their replacement with new, sound materials, so too does sin in our lives require not just confession, but a genuine turning away and replacing sinful habits with righteous ones. This verse reminds us that true spiritual cleansing involves a complete transformation, not just a superficial fix. It calls us to examine our own "dwellings" – our bodies, minds, and spirits – recognizing that as believers, we are temples of the Holy Spirit and should strive for holiness in all aspects of our lives.

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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.
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