Then the priest shall command that they empty the house, before the priest go into it to see the plague, that all that is in the house be not made unclean: and afterward the priest shall go in to see the house:

LEVITICUS 14:36KJV
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Leviticus 14:36 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 14:36 mean?

Leviticus 14:36 instructs that before a priest inspects a house suspected of having a "plague" (some kind of mold or mildew), the house must first be emptied so that everything inside does not become ceremonially unclean if the priest finds the problem. Only after the house is cleared does the priest enter to examine it.

This verse is part of a larger set of instructions God gave to Moses for the Israelites about ritual cleanliness. Here, God is speaking to Moses and Aaron about what to do if someone suspects their house has a serious contamination. The focus is on preventing unnecessary spreading of ritual impurity to household items, showing careful attention to both spiritual and practical concerns.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 14:36

  • "priest" (כֹּהֵן, kohen): This word refers specifically to the Israelite priest, who had the authority and responsibility to declare things clean or unclean. The priest’s role here is official and central to the process.
  • "empty" (פָּנָה, panah): This word means to clear out or make empty. The instruction is practical—removing items before inspection prevents them from being declared unclean if a problem is found.
  • "plague" (נֶגַע, nega‘): This term is often used for various kinds of afflictions or marks, not just disease. In this context, it refers to a suspicious spot or growth on the house, possibly mold or mildew.
  • "unclean" (טָמֵא, tame’): This word means ritually impure, not physically dirty. The concern is about ceremonial status, which affected daily life and worship.

Why Leviticus 14:36 matters

  • Leviticus 14:36 highlights the care taken in the law to avoid unnecessary hardship—household items are spared from being declared unclean unless truly necessary.
  • The verse shows the priest’s role as both a spiritual and practical leader, responsible for the community’s well-being.
  • This instruction connects to the broader theme of Leviticus: maintaining holiness and order in everyday life, not just in worship spaces but even in private homes.

Where else these words appear

“plague” Hebrew H5061 · used in 62 verses

  • Genesis 12:17 And the LORD plagued Pharaoh and his house with great plagues because of Sarai Abram's wife.
  • Leviticus 13:43 Then the priest shall look upon it: and, behold, if the rising of the sore be white reddish in his bald head, or in his bald forehead, as the leprosy appeareth in the skin of the flesh;
  • 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;

“empty” Hebrew H6437 · used in 128 verses

  • Genesis 18:22 And the men turned their faces from thence, and went toward Sodom: but Abraham stood yet before the LORD.
  • Judges 18:21 So they turned and departed, and put the little ones and the cattle and the carriage before them.
  • Psalms 119:132 Look thou upon me, and be merciful unto me, as thou usest to do unto those that love thy name.

“unclean” Hebrew H2930 · used in 142 verses

  • Genesis 34:5 And Jacob heard that he had defiled Dinah his daughter: now his sons were with his cattle in the field: and Jacob held his peace until they were come.
  • Leviticus 15:20 And every thing that she lieth upon in her separation shall be unclean: every thing also that she sitteth upon shall be unclean.
  • Deuteronomy 21:23 His body shall not remain all night upon the tree, but thou shalt in any wise bury him that day;(for he that is hanged is accursed of God;) that thy land be not defiled, which the LORD thy God giveth thee for an inheritance.