Leviticus 14:47 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 14:47 mean?

Leviticus 14:47 instructs that anyone who lies down or eats in a house affected by a certain kind of ritual impurity must wash their clothes. This rule is part of a larger set of instructions about how to handle houses suspected of having a serious mold or mildew problem, which could make people ceremonially unclean.

In this section of Leviticus, God is giving Moses detailed laws for the Israelites about purity and cleanliness, especially regarding skin diseases and mildew (sometimes called "leprosy" in older translations). The verse is part of a process for dealing with a house that might be contaminated: even being inside such a house—whether lying down or eating—required a person to wash their clothes to avoid spreading impurity.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 14:47

• The word for "lieth" is שָׁכַב (shakhav), which means to lie down or recline. Here, it refers to anyone who spends time resting in the house, not just sleeping.
• The word for "wash" is כָּבַס (kavas), which means to wash or launder. This is about thoroughly cleaning garments, not just a quick rinse, showing the seriousness of the impurity.
• The word for "clothes" is בֶּגֶד (beged), meaning garments or clothing. The focus is on what a person wears, which could carry impurity away from the house.
• The word for "eateth" is אָכַל (akhal), meaning to eat or consume food. Even a simple meal in the house was enough to require washing, highlighting how easily impurity could be contracted.

Why Leviticus 14:47 matters

• Leviticus 14:47 shows that ritual impurity was not just about obvious contact but could be picked up through everyday activities like eating or resting in a contaminated place.
• This verse highlights the seriousness with which the Israelites were to treat potential sources of impurity, especially in their homes, which were central to daily life.
• The rule connects to the broader passage about cleansing and protecting the community from things that could harm health or ritual standing, showing the practical and spiritual care built into these ancient laws.