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.

LEVITICUS 14:42KJV
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Leviticus 14:42 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 14:42 mean?

Leviticus 14:42 describes the process of repairing a house after it has been cleansed from a type of mold or mildew. New stones are to be put in the place of the ones that were removed, and fresh mortar is used to replaster the house, completing the restoration.

In this verse, God is giving instructions to Moses for the priests to follow when dealing with houses affected by a skin disease-like mold. The context is a ritual for making a house clean again after contamination. The verse emphasizes replacing what was removed with new materials, showing careful attention to thorough cleansing and restoration.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 14:42

  • "other" (אַחֵר, ’acher): This word means "another" or "different." It highlights that the replacement stones and mortar must not be the same as what was removed, but truly new materials.
  • "morter" (עָפָר, ‘aphar): This word often means "dust" or "loose earth," but here it refers to the mortar or plaster used to finish the repairs. The use of this word connects the repair process to basic, humble materials.
  • "plaister" (טָחַה, tachah): This verb means "to plaster" or "to coat." It shows that the house is not just patched but fully covered again, symbolizing a complete renewal.

Why Leviticus 14:42 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the cleansing process is not just about removing contamination but also about fully restoring what was damaged, ensuring the house is safe and whole again.
  • The careful replacement of stones and mortar shows the seriousness with which ritual purity and health were treated in ancient Israel.
  • This instruction connects to the broader passage about holiness and cleanliness, highlighting how restoration and renewal are central themes in Leviticus.

Where else these words appear

“plaister” Hebrew H2902 · used in 11 verses

  • Leviticus 14:43 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;
  • Isaiah 44:18 They have not known nor understood: for he hath shut their eyes, that they cannot see; and their hearts, that they cannot understand.
  • Ezekiel 13:12 Lo, when the wall is fallen, shall it not be said unto you, Where is the daubing wherewith ye have daubed it?

“place” Hebrew H8478 · used in 24 verses

  • Genesis 1:7 And God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament: and it was so.
  • Exodus 32:19 And it came to pass, as soon as he came nigh unto the camp, that he saw the calf, and the dancing: and Moses' anger waxed hot, and he cast the tables out of his hands, and brake them beneath the mount.
  • Job 34:26 He striketh them as wicked men in the open sight of others;

“morter” Hebrew H6083 · used in 103 verses

  • Genesis 2:7 And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.
  • Job 4:19 How much less in them that dwell in houses of clay, whose foundation is in the dust, which are crushed before the moth?
  • Psalms 103:14 For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.