Leviticus 14:37

And he shall look on the plague, and, behold, [if] the plague [be] in the walls of the house with hollow strakes, greenish or reddish, which in sight [are] lower than the wall;

And he shall look {H7200} on the plague {H5061}, and, behold, if the plague {H5061} be in the walls {H7023} of the house {H1004} with hollow strakes {H8258}, greenish {H3422} or reddish {H125}, which in sight {H4758} are lower {H8217} than {H4480} the wall {H7023};

He will examine the infection; and if he sees that the infection is in the walls of the house, with greenish or reddish depressions that seem to go in deeper than the surface of the wall,

He is to examine the house, and if the mildew on the walls consists of green or red depressions that appear to be beneath the surface of the wall,

and he shall look on the plague; and, behold, if the plague be in the walls of the house with hollow streaks, greenish or reddish, and the appearance thereof be lower than the wall;

Commentary

Leviticus 14:37 is a specific detail within the extensive Old Testament laws concerning ritual purity and health in ancient Israel. This verse describes a crucial step in the priestly examination of a house suspected of having a "plague" or defiling affliction, often understood as a severe mold or mildew infestation.

Context

This verse is found in Leviticus chapter 14, which primarily details the purification rituals for individuals healed of leprosy and then extends these laws to garments and houses. The preceding verses (e.g., Leviticus 14:34-36) describe the initial declaration of a potential "plague" in a house by its owner, the priest's subsequent inspection, and a mandatory seven-day quarantine period. Verse 37 details the specific visual criteria the priest is looking for upon his second inspection after this quarantine.

Key Themes

  • Divine Concern for Purity: These detailed laws highlight God's meticulous concern for the physical and spiritual well-being of His people. The cleanliness of their homes was directly linked to their covenant relationship with God and their overall holiness as a nation set apart.
  • Priestly Role as Inspector: The priest served as God's designated authority not only in spiritual matters but also in public health and ritual purity. His role was to discern between clean and unclean, guiding the community in maintaining their consecrated status.
  • Diagnostic Criteria: The verse provides specific visual cues for the priest: "hollow strakes," "greenish or reddish" discoloration, and areas that appear "lower than the wall." These were clear, observable signs indicating a deep-seated and potentially incurable affliction, distinguishing it from superficial dirt or minor blemishes.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "plague" here is nega` (Χ ΦΆΧ’Φ·Χ’), which broadly means a "stroke," "mark," or "affliction." While often translated as "leprosy" when referring to human skin diseases (as in Leviticus 13), in the context of houses and garments, it refers to a spreading, defiling mildew, mold, or fungal growth. The descriptive terms "hollow strakes" (likely referring to depressions or erosions in the wall) and "greenish or reddish" (colors commonly associated with mold and decay) indicate a destructive and pervasive condition. The phrase "lower than the wall" suggests that the affected area was sunken or eaten away, a sign of its severity.

Practical Application

While we no longer live under the ceremonial laws of the Old Testament, the principles behind them remain relevant. This passage underscores:

  • The Importance of Thorough Examination: Just as the priest meticulously examined the house, we are called to carefully examine our own lives and spiritual environments for signs of spiritual decay or defilement. Superficial issues can often hide deeper problems.
  • Addressing Sin Systemically: The "plague" in the house symbolizes how sin or defilement can spread and deeply embed itself, not just in individuals but in communities or even structures. It teaches the need to address root causes and systemic issues, not just outward symptoms.
  • God's Standard of Holiness: God's desire for holiness extends to all aspects of our lives, including our homes and daily environments. This encourages us to pursue purity and order in all things, reflecting God's own character. As 1 Peter 1:16 reminds us, "Be ye holy; for I am holy."
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Cross-References

  • Leviticus 13:19 (2 votes)

    And in the place of the boil there be a white rising, or a bright spot, white, and somewhat reddish, and it be shewed to the priest;

  • Leviticus 13:20 (2 votes)

    And if, when the priest seeth it, behold, it [be] in sight lower than the skin, and the hair thereof be turned white; the priest shall pronounce him unclean: it [is] a plague of leprosy broken out of the boil.

  • Leviticus 13:42 (2 votes)

    And if there be in the bald head, or bald forehead, a white reddish sore; it [is] a leprosy sprung up in his bald head, or his bald forehead.

  • Leviticus 13:3 (2 votes)

    And the priest shall look on the plague in the skin of the flesh: and [when] the hair in the plague is turned white, and the plague in sight [be] deeper than the skin of his flesh, it [is] a plague of leprosy: and the priest shall look on him, and pronounce him unclean.

  • Leviticus 13:49 (2 votes)

    And if the plague be greenish or reddish in the garment, or in the skin, either in the warp, or in the woof, or in any thing of skin; it [is] a plague of leprosy, and shall be shewed unto the priest: