Leviticus 14:48

And if the priest shall come in, and look [upon it], and, behold, the plague hath not spread in the house, after the house was plaistered: then the priest shall pronounce the house clean, because the plague is healed.

And if the priest {H3548} shall come in {H935}{H935}, and look {H7200} upon it, and, behold, the plague {H5061} hath not spread {H6581} in the house {H1004}, after {H310} the house {H1004} was plaistered {H2902}: then the priest {H3548} shall pronounce the house {H1004} clean {H2891}, because the plague {H5061} is healed {H7495}.

If the cohen enters, examines and sees that the infection has not spread in the house since it was plastered; then he is to declare the house clean; because the infection is cured.

If, however, the priest comes and inspects it, and the mildew has not spread after the house has been replastered, he shall pronounce the house clean, because the mildew is gone.

And if the priest shall come in, and look, and, behold, the plague hath not spread in the house, after the house was plastered; then the priest shall pronounce the house clean, because the plague is healed.

Commentary

Leviticus 14:48 provides a moment of relief and resolution within the ancient Israelite laws concerning ritual purity. It describes the positive outcome when a "plague" (likely a severe mold or mildew) in a house has been successfully contained and is no longer spreading, allowing the dwelling to be declared clean by the priest.

Context

This verse is found within the detailed instructions of Leviticus 14 (verses 33-53), which outlines the comprehensive procedure for identifying, quarantining, and cleansing a house afflicted with a specific kind of defiling growth, referred to as tzara'at. After the initial inspection, affected stones were to be removed, and the house scraped and replastered. Verse 48 details the crucial re-inspection: if the priest observes that the affliction has not reappeared or spread after these measures, the house is spared from demolition (a fate detailed in Leviticus 14:45) and can be pronounced ritually pure once again.

Key Themes

  • Divine Concern for Purity and Order: The meticulous nature of these laws demonstrates God's desire for the physical and spiritual well-being of His people. The cleanliness of their homes was integral to the overall purity of the Israelite community, reflecting their covenant relationship with a holy God.
  • Restoration and Healing: The declaration "the plague is healed" underscores the possibility of restoration. Not every defiling condition led to irreversible destruction; God provided pathways for cleansing and renewal, allowing what was contaminated to become usable and acceptable again.
  • Priestly Authority and Mediation: The priest's role was central. He was the designated authority to inspect, diagnose, and ultimately "pronounce the house clean." This highlights the vital function of the Levitical priesthood in mediating matters of ritual purity and defilement for the people of Israel, a theme prevalent throughout the book of Leviticus.

Linguistic Insights

The term "plague" in this context comes from the Hebrew word nega' (ื ึถื’ึทืข), which broadly means "stroke," "affliction," or "blemish." It's the same word used for skin afflictions and refers to a divinely sent condition that causes ritual impurity. When the priest pronounces the house "clean," the Hebrew word used is tahor (ื˜ึธื”ื•ึนืจ), signifying a state of ritual purity, making the house fit for habitation and worship within the holy community of Israel.

Practical Application

While the specific context is ancient Israelite ritual law, the principles found in Leviticus 14:48 resonate with timeless truths:

  • God's Value of Health and Wholeness: God cares about the physical and spiritual well-being of His people, desiring a state of order and health in all aspects of life.
  • Hope for Cleansing and Restoration: Just as the house could be cleansed and restored, there is always hope for spiritual cleansing from sin. The New Testament speaks of God's willingness to forgive and purify believers who confess their sins, offering a profound spiritual parallel to this physical cleansing (see 1 John 1:9).
  • Importance of Addressing Issues: The process emphasizes the need to diligently address problems, whether physical or spiritual, before they spread and cause irreversible damage.
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Cross-References

  • 1 Corinthians 6:11 (3 votes)

    And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.

  • Mark 5:29 (2 votes)

    And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in [her] body that she was healed of that plague.

  • Luke 7:21 (2 votes)

    And in that same hour he cured many of [their] infirmities and plagues, and of evil spirits; and unto many [that were] blind he gave sight.

  • Hosea 6:1 (2 votes)

    ยถ Come, and let us return unto the LORD: for he hath torn, and he will heal us; he hath smitten, and he will bind us up.

  • Job 5:18 (2 votes)

    For he maketh sore, and bindeth up: he woundeth, and his hands make whole.

  • Mark 5:34 (2 votes)

    And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague.

  • Leviticus 14:3 (2 votes)

    And the priest shall go forth out of the camp; and the priest shall look, and, behold, [if] the plague of leprosy be healed in the leper;