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 plastered;
Leviticus 14:43 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse, the term "plague" refers to a skin disease known as leprosy in ancient times. If the plague reappears in a house even after it has been thoroughly cleaned and disinfected, it indicates a serious issue with the dwelling itself. The process of taking away the stones, scraping the house, and plastering it again was a method used to stop the spread of the disease and ensure the house was safe for habitation. This verse highlights the importance of thorough cleaning and maintenance to prevent the recurrence of diseases in living spaces. It also serves as a reminder of the significance of maintaining cleanliness and hygiene in our surroundings to promote health and well-being. The detailed instructions provided in this verse demonstrate the importance of taking proactive steps to address and prevent the spread of infectious diseases, even in the context of ancient practices.
Theological Overview
In this verse from Leviticus 14:43, the theological interpretation revolves around the concept of purification and cleansing. The context of the verse relates to the cleansing process for a house that has been affected by a plague. The repetition of steps such as removing stones, scraping, and plastering symbolizes the thoroughness required in purifying the house. This verse underscores the importance of addressing the root cause of the plague to prevent its recurrence. The repetitive nature of the actions suggests a meticulous and deliberate approach to cleansing, emphasizing the need for a complete transformation rather than just surface-level cleaning. This process serves as a metaphor for spiritual purification, highlighting the need to eradicate sin entirely and make a genuine effort towards holiness. From a theological perspective, this verse underscores the idea of restoration and renewal, showing that even in the face of contamination, there is a path to purification and healing.
Leviticus 14:43 in other translations
American Standard Version
And if the plague come again, and break out in the house, after that he hath taken out the stones, and after he hath scraped the house, and after it is plastered;
World English Bible
“If the plague comes again, and breaks out in the house, after he has taken out the stones, and after he has scraped the house, and after it was plastered;
Douay-Rheims
But if after the stones be taken out, and the dust scraped off, and it be plastered with other earth.
Geneva Bible (1599)
But if the plague come againe and breake out in the house, after that he hath taken away ye stones, and after that hee hath scraped and playstered the house,