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;

LEVITICUS 14:43KJV
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Leviticus 14:43 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 14:43 mean?

Leviticus 14:43 describes what should happen if, after a house has been cleaned and repaired because of a spreading disease, the same plague appears again and breaks out in the house. This verse sets up the next steps for dealing with a recurring problem, showing that the issue is serious and not solved by the first round of cleaning.

In this part of Leviticus, God is giving instructions to Moses for the priests about how to handle houses infected with a kind of mold or mildew, often called a "plague" in the text. The verse lists the steps already taken—removing stones, scraping, and replastering the house—but says that if the problem returns, further action is needed. This shows the careful and thorough process required in dealing with ritual impurity in ancient Israel.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 14:43

  • The word for "plague" is נֶגַע (nega‘), which refers to a mark, spot, or affliction—here, it means a visible sign of disease or contamination in the house, not just any illness.
  • The verb "break out" is פָּרַח (parach), which means to spread or burst forth, emphasizing that the problem is active and growing, not just lingering.
  • The word for "scraped" is קָרַץ (qarats), meaning to scrape or shave off, showing that the cleaning was meant to be thorough, not just a surface-level fix.
  • The word for "plaistered" is טָחַ (tach), meaning to coat or plaster, which shows that after cleaning, the house was restored to look normal again before checking if the plague would return.

Why Leviticus 14:43 matters

  • This verse clarifies that simply cleaning up the visible problem is not always enough; if the underlying issue returns, it must be addressed more seriously.
  • Leviticus 14:43 highlights the priest’s role as an inspector and caretaker of community health, not just a religious figure.
  • The verse connects to the larger passage by showing the step-by-step process for dealing with impurity, emphasizing both patience and thoroughness in following God’s instructions.

Where else these words appear

“scraped” Hebrew H7096 · used in 5 verses

  • Leviticus 14:41 And he shall cause the house to be scraped within round about, and they shall pour out the dust that they scrape off without the city into an unclean place:
  • 2 Kings 10:32 In those days the LORD began to cut Israel short: and Hazael smote them in all the coasts of Israel;
  • Proverbs 26:6 He that sendeth a message by the hand of a fool cutteth off the feet, and drinketh damage.

“plaistered” Hebrew H2902 · used in 11 verses

  • Leviticus 14:42 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.
  • 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?

“break” Hebrew H6524 · used in 33 verses

  • Genesis 40:10 And in the vine were three branches: and it was as though it budded, and her blossoms shot forth; and the clusters thereof brought forth ripe grapes:
  • Numbers 17:8 And it came to pass, that on the morrow Moses went into the tabernacle of witness; and, behold, the rod of Aaron for the house of Levi was budded, and brought forth buds, and bloomed blossoms, and yielded almonds.
  • Isaiah 27:6 He shall cause them that come of Jacob to take root: Israel shall blossom and bud, and fill the face of the world with fruit.

“taken” Hebrew H2502 · used in 44 verses

  • Leviticus 14:40 Then the priest shall command that they take away the stones in which the plague is, and they shall cast them into an unclean place without the city:
  • Joshua 6:7 And he said unto the people, Pass on, and compass the city, and let him that is armed pass on before the ark of the LORD.
  • Psalms 50:15 And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.