Leviticus 14:43

KJV

And if the plague come again, and break out in the house, after that he hath taken away the stones, and after he hath scraped the house, and after it is plaistered;

KJV (with Strong's)

And if the plague {H5061} come again {H7725}, and break {H6524} out in the house {H1004}, after {H310} that he hath taken {H2502} away the stones {H68}, and after {H310} he hath scraped {H7096} the house {H1004}, and after {H310} it is plaistered {H2902};

Complete Jewish Bible

If the infection returns and breaks out in the house after the stones have been removed and the house scraped and plastered;

Berean Standard Bible

If the mildew reappears in the house after the stones have been torn out and the house has been scraped and replastered,

American Standard Version

And if the plague come again, and break out in the house, after that he hath taken out the stones, and after he hath scraped the house, and after it is plastered;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 14:43 describes a critical juncture in the ancient Israelite law concerning the "plague of leprosy" (likely a severe, spreading mold or mildew) within a house. This verse highlights the stubborn recurrence of the contamination, even after the initial, less drastic measures—removal of infected stones, scraping, and replastering—have been meticulously carried out. Its presence signals that the infestation is deeply embedded and pervasive, necessitating a more severe and definitive intervention than previously attempted.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 14:43 is nestled within a comprehensive legal code (Leviticus 14:33-53 "The Law Concerning a Leprous House") that details the priestly procedures for diagnosing and addressing a "plague" in a dwelling. The preceding verses, specifically [Leviticus 14:40-42](/leviticus/14-40 "Leviticus 14:40-42 - Initial Remediation of a House Plague"), outline the first phase of remediation: the priest's inspection, the removal of visibly infected stones, the scraping of the house's interior, and its subsequent replastering. This verse, [Leviticus 14:43](/leviticus/14-43 "Leviticus 14:43 - Recurrence of the House Plague"), then addresses the dire scenario where, despite these thorough initial efforts, the "plague" reappears and spreads. This recurrence is presented as a pivotal moment, demanding an escalation of action, which culminates in the house's complete demolition as prescribed in [Leviticus 14:45](/leviticus/14-45 "Leviticus 14:45 - Demolition of the Infected House").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the concept of ritual purity was paramount, deeply interwoven with their covenant relationship with Yahweh. A "plague" (Hebrew: _nega'_) in a house, whether a severe mold, mildew, or fungal growth, was not merely a public health concern but a matter of ritual defilement. It was often perceived as a divine affliction or a sign of impurity that could compromise the holiness of the community. The elaborate, escalating rituals for cleansing a house, as detailed in [Leviticus 14](/leviticus/14 "Leviticus 14 - Laws for Cleansing Leprosy and Houses"), underscored the importance of maintaining ritual purity in all aspects of life, from personal bodies to living spaces and even clothing (cf. [Leviticus 13](/leviticus/13 "Leviticus 13 - Laws for Cleansing Leprosy")). The priest's role was crucial, acting as both a diagnostician and a mediator, ensuring the community adhered to God's standards of holiness and order, thereby preventing the spread of defilement.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Plague (Hebrew, _nega'_):** This term (נֶגַע) denotes a "stroke," "affliction," or "spot." While often associated with human skin diseases (misleadingly translated as "leprosy" in older versions), in the context of a house, it refers to a severe, spreading discoloration or infestation, most likely a virulent mold or mildew. Its presence rendered the house ritually unclean, requiring specific priestly intervention to restore purity.
* **Break out (Hebrew, _pāṣaʿ'_):** The verb (פָּצַע) implies a "bursting forth" or "breaking out," often with a sense of violence or suddenness. In this context, it emphasizes the aggressive and undeniable reappearance and spread of the contamination, indicating that the initial measures were insufficient to contain its deep-seated nature.
* **Scraped (Hebrew, _qāṣaṣ'_):** This verb (קָצַץ) means "to cut off," "to scrape off," or "to pare." It highlights the thoroughness of the initial attempt at remediation, implying that the affected plaster and even some of the underlying material were vigorously removed. The fact that the plague returns even after such drastic scraping underscores its stubborn persistence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And if the plague come again":** This phrase immediately signals a critical escalation. The "plague" (nega') has not been eradicated by the initial measures; instead, it has reappeared, indicating its deep-seated nature and resistance to superficial treatment.
* **"and break out in the house":** This emphasizes the active, visible manifestation of the contamination. It's not merely a hidden presence but has visibly "burst forth," making its return undeniable and requiring further, more drastic action.
* **"after that he hath taken away the stones":** This refers to the first step of the initial remediation, where visibly infected stones were removed and replaced, demonstrating a significant effort to contain the problem.
* **"and after he hath scraped the house":** This highlights the second, more invasive step, where the interior surfaces were thoroughly scraped to remove any lingering contamination, signifying a deep cleansing attempt.
* **"and after it is plaistered":** This concludes the description of the initial, failed remediation, emphasizing that even after the house was repaired and seemingly made new, the underlying problem persisted and resurfaced, necessitating a final, decisive judgment.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Leviticus 14:43 is **Repetition**, specifically the anaphoric use of "and after that he hath..." or "and after he hath..." (Hebrew: וְאַחַר). This repetition of the phrase detailing the previous, failed attempts at remediation ("taken away the stones," "scraped the house," "plaistered") serves to emphasize the thoroughness of the initial efforts and, consequently, the stubborn, pervasive nature of the "plague." It underscores the futility of partial solutions against a deeply entrenched problem, building dramatic tension and setting the stage for the more severe judgment that follows. Furthermore, the entire scenario functions as **Symbolism**. The physical "plague" in the house symbolizes a deeper spiritual impurity or defilement, which cannot be merely covered over or superficially treated but demands a radical, often painful, removal to restore true holiness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 14:43 powerfully illustrates the theological principle that some forms of defilement or impurity are so deeply ingrained that superficial remedies are insufficient. The recurrence of the "plague" after extensive efforts underscores God's absolute demand for holiness and purity, not just in outward appearance but at the very core. It teaches that true cleansing often requires radical, uncompromising action, reflecting the pervasive nature of sin and its resistance to partial solutions. This passage highlights the divine order and the seriousness with which God views anything that compromises the holiness of His people and their dwelling places.

* [Hebrews 12:1](/hebrews/12-1 "Hebrews 12:1 - Laying Aside Every Weight")
* [2 Corinthians 10:4-5](/2_corinthians/10-4 "2 Corinthians 10:4-5 - Spiritual Warfare")
* [Jeremiah 17:9](/jeremiah/17-9 "Jeremiah 17:9 - The Deceitfulness of the Heart")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The persistent "plague" in the house serves as a profound metaphor for the stubborn, deep-seated issues we face in our own lives, particularly in the realm of sin and unhealthy patterns. Just as the house's defilement could not be eradicated by mere scraping and replastering, so too are many of our spiritual struggles rooted in deeper issues that superficial fixes cannot address. This verse challenges us to move beyond cosmetic changes and to courageously confront the underlying causes of our spiritual "plagues." If a destructive habit or sinful pattern continues to "break out" despite our best efforts at self-improvement or partial repentance, it may indicate a need for more radical intervention—a "tearing down" of old strongholds, a complete reorientation of our priorities, or a willingness to allow God to expose and remove deeply entrenched roots of sin. True spiritual health often demands a willingness to let go of what is comfortable but contaminated, trusting God for a complete and thorough cleansing.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "plagues" or persistent issues in my life have I tried to address with superficial solutions, only to see them recur?**
* **Am I willing to allow God to perform a more radical "tearing down" or "scraping" in my life to achieve true spiritual purity?**
* **How does the persistence of the house plague inform my understanding of the pervasive nature of sin and the need for God's complete work of sanctification?**

### FAQ
**What kind of "plague" was this in the house?**

Answer: While older translations often use "leprosy," the Hebrew word _nega'_ (נֶגַע) in the context of a house refers to a severe, spreading discoloration or infestation, most likely a virulent mold, mildew, or fungal growth. It was not human leprosy (Hansen's disease) but a ritually defiling condition that rendered the dwelling unclean. The detailed instructions in [Leviticus 14:33-53](/leviticus/14-33 "Leviticus 14:33-53 - Law for a Leprous House") describe its appearance as greenish or reddish spots, deeply embedded in the walls.

**Why was this "plague" in a house considered so serious in ancient Israel?**

Answer: The "plague" was serious for several interconnected reasons. Firstly, it was a matter of **ritual purity**. Anything considered unclean could defile individuals and the community, hindering their ability to worship God, who is perfectly holy (cf. [Leviticus 11:44-45](/leviticus/11-44 "Leviticus 11:44-45 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy")). Secondly, it was often seen as a **divine affliction** or judgment, a sign that something was amiss in the community's relationship with God. Thirdly, there was a **public health** dimension; while not fully understood in ancient times, the spread of mold could indeed pose health risks. The meticulous laws ensured that such defilement was either contained or completely removed to maintain the holiness and well-being of the covenant people.

**What happened if the plague persisted even after these initial measures, as described in Leviticus 14:43?**

Answer: If the plague reappeared after the initial steps of removing stones, scraping, and replastering, the situation escalated dramatically. According to [Leviticus 14:44-45](/leviticus/14-44 "Leviticus 14:44-45 - Demolition of the House"), the priest would declare the house "unclean" and order its complete demolition. All its stones, timber, and mortar were to be carried outside the city to an unclean place. This radical measure underscored the severity of the persistent defilement and the uncompromising nature of God's demand for purity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The persistent "plague" in the house, defying superficial remedies and ultimately demanding complete demolition, powerfully foreshadows the radical nature of humanity's sin problem and the definitive solution found in Jesus Christ. Humanity's spiritual defilement is not a surface-level issue that can be "scraped away" by good works, religious rituals, or human effort; it is a deep-seated, pervasive "plague" that infects the very core of our being (cf. [Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned")). Just as the house had to be utterly destroyed to remove the defilement, so too our old, sin-laden nature must be "torn down" and replaced. Christ's atoning sacrifice on the cross is the ultimate "demolition" of the power of sin and death (cf. [Colossians 2:13-14](/colossians/2-13 "Colossians 2:13-14 - Forgiveness and Triumph Over Sin")). He did not merely "scrape" our sin away; He bore its full penalty, offering a complete and radical cleansing that transforms us from the inside out. Through His death and resurrection, believers are given a "new creation" (cf. [2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")), a spiritual "house" built on the foundation of His righteousness, where the "plague" of sin no longer holds dominion. He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, not partially, but completely (cf. [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")).

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

Jeremiah 6:28

They [are] all grievous revolters, walking with slanders: [they are] brass and iron; they [are] all corrupters.

Jeremiah 6:30

Reprobate silver shall [men] call them, because the LORD hath rejected them.

Hebrews 6:4

For [it is] impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,

Hebrews 6:8

But that which beareth thorns and briers [is] rejected, and [is] nigh unto cursing; whose end [is] to be burned.

Jude 1:12

These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds [they are] without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots;

2 Peter 2:22

But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog [is] turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.

2 Peter 2:20

For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.