Leviticus 14:38
Leviticus 14:38 in Multiple Translations
the priest shall go outside the doorway of the house and close it up for seven days.
Then the priest shall go out of the house to the door of the house, and shut up the house seven days:
then the priest shall go out of the house to the door of the house, and shut up the house seven days.
Then the priest will go out of the door of the house, and keep the house shut up for seven days:
the priest shall go out of the door and seal the house for seven days.
Then the Priest shall goe out of the house to the doore of the house, and shall cause to shut vp the house seuen dayes.
and the priest hath gone out of the house unto the opening of the house, and hath shut up the house seven days.
then the priest shall go out of the house to the door of the house, and shut up the house seven days.
Then the priest shall go out of the house to the door of the house, and shut up the house seven days:
He shall go out of the door of the house, and forthwith shut it up seven days,
the priest will go outside the house and lock it up for seven days.
Berean Amplified Bible — Leviticus 14:38
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Leviticus 14:38 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/יָצָ֧א
הַ/כֹּהֵ֛ן
מִן
הַ/בַּ֖יִת
אֶל
פֶּ֣תַח
הַ/בָּ֑יִת
וְ/הִסְגִּ֥יר
אֶת
הַ/בַּ֖יִת
שִׁבְעַ֥ת
יָמִֽים
וְ/יָצָ֧א
yâtsâʼ
H3318
to come out
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
הַ/כֹּהֵ֛ן
kôhên
H3548
priest
Art | N-ms
מִן
min
H4480
from
Prep
הַ/בַּ֖יִת
bayith
H1004
place
Art | N-ms
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
פֶּ֣תַח
pethach
H6607
entrance
N-ms
הַ/בָּ֑יִת
bayith
H1004
place
Art | N-ms
וְ/הִסְגִּ֥יר
çâgar
H5462
to shut
Conj | V-Hiphil-3ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הַ/בַּ֖יִת
bayith
H1004
place
Art | N-ms
שִׁבְעַ֥ת
shebaʻ
H7651
seven
Adj
יָמִֽים
yôwm
H3117
day
N-mp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Leviticus 14:38
וְ/יָצָ֧א
yâtsâʼ
H3318
"to come out"
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth
Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.
הַ/כֹּהֵ֛ן
kôhên
H3548
"priest"
Art | N-ms
In the Bible, a priest is a person who serves God and leads others in worship, like the Levitical priests in Exodus. They were responsible for making sacrifices and following God's laws. This term is also used to describe Jesus as a priest-king.
Definition: 1) priest, principal officer or chief ruler 1a) priest-king (Melchizedek, Messiah) 1b) pagan priests 1c) priests of Jehovah 1d) Levitical priests 1e) Zadokite priests 1f) Aaronic priests 1g) the high priest Aramaic equivalent: ka.hen (כָּהֵן "priest" H3549)
Usage: Occurs in 653 OT verses. KJV: chief ruler, [idiom] own, priest, prince, principal officer. See also: Genesis 14:18; Leviticus 13:33; Numbers 17:2.
מִן
min
H4480
"from"
Prep
This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.
Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)
Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.
הַ/בַּ֖יִת
bayith
H1004
"place"
Art | N-ms
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
פֶּ֣תַח
pethach
H6607
"entrance"
N-ms
A pethach is an entrance or doorway, like the gates of Jerusalem or the door to the temple, often symbolizing transition or access to a new place.
Definition: opening, doorway, entrance
Usage: Occurs in 154 OT verses. KJV: door, entering (in), entrance (-ry), gate, opening, place. See also: Genesis 4:7; Judges 9:40; Psalms 24:7.
הַ/בָּ֑יִת
bayith
H1004
"place"
Art | N-ms
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
וְ/הִסְגִּ֥יר
çâgar
H5462
"to shut"
Conj | V-Hiphil-3ms
To shut means to close something, like a door or a container. In the Bible, this word is used to describe surrendering or giving something up, like in the book of Ezra where the Israelites shut themselves in to pray.
Definition: 1) to shut, close 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to shut 1a2) to close, close up 1a3) closed up, closely joined, shut up 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be shut up 1b2) to be shut or closed 1c) (Piel) to shut up, deliver up 1d) (Pual) to be shut up 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to deliver up 1e2) to shut up, imprison 2) pure gold Aramaic equivalent: se.gar (סְגַר "to shut" H5463)
Usage: Occurs in 87 OT verses. KJV: close up, deliver (up), give over (up), inclose, [idiom] pure, repair, shut (in, self, out, up, up together), stop, [idiom] straitly. See also: Genesis 2:21; 1 Kings 11:27; Psalms 17:10.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הַ/בַּ֖יִת
bayith
H1004
"place"
Art | N-ms
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
שִׁבְעַ֥ת
shebaʻ
H7651
"seven"
Adj
This word means the number seven, which was considered a special or sacred number. It can also mean seven times or a week, and is used in the Bible to describe completeness or perfection. The KJV translates it as seven or sevenfold.
Definition: 1) seven (cardinal number) 1a) as ordinal number 1b) in combination-17, 700 etc Aramaic equivalent: shiv.ah (שִׁבְעָה "seven" H7655)
Usage: Occurs in 344 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] by) seven(-fold),-s, (-teen, -teenth), -th, times). Compare H7658 (שִׁבְעָנָה). See also: Genesis 4:24; Leviticus 23:15; 2 Samuel 21:6.
יָמִֽים
yôwm
H3117
"day"
N-mp
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
Study Notes — Leviticus 14:38
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Signs of Home Contamination
36The priest must order that the house be cleared before he enters it to examine the mildew, so that nothing in the house will become unclean. After this, the priest shall go in to inspect the house.
37He is to examine the house, and if the mildew on the walls consists of green or red depressions that appear to be beneath the surface of the wall,
38the priest shall go outside the doorway of the house and close it up for seven days.
39On the seventh day the priest is to return and inspect the house. If the mildew has spread on the walls, 40he must order that the contaminated stones be pulled out and thrown into an unclean place outside the city.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Leviticus 13:50 | And the priest is to examine the mildew and isolate the contaminated fabric for seven days. |
Leviticus 14:38 Summary
This verse is talking about a time when a priest would go to someone's house to check for mildew, which was a sign of God's judgment. If the mildew was found, the priest would close up the house for seven days to see if it would spread, as stated in Leviticus 14:38. This is similar to how God told the Israelites to quarantine themselves when they had certain diseases, as seen in Leviticus 13:46 and Numbers 5:2-4. We can learn from this verse to trust God's timing and to separate ourselves from things that are 'unclean' or unhealthy, as seen in 2 Corinthians 6:17-18, and to wait patiently for His provision and guidance, just like the Israelites did in the wilderness, as seen in Exodus 16:4 and Deuteronomy 8:2-5.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the priest have to go outside the doorway of the house before closing it up for seven days?
The priest had to go outside to avoid becoming unclean, as stated in Leviticus 14:36, and then close the house to prevent the spread of the mildew, which was a sign of God's judgment, as seen in Leviticus 14:34-35.
What was the purpose of closing the house for seven days?
Closing the house for seven days allowed the priest to determine if the mildew was a sign of a deeper issue, as stated in Leviticus 14:38, and to prevent the spread of the mildew to other parts of the community, as seen in Leviticus 13:51.
How does this verse relate to the concept of quarantine in the Bible?
This verse shows that the concept of quarantine was present in the Bible, as seen in Leviticus 14:38, and was used to prevent the spread of disease, similar to the quarantine laws in Numbers 5:2-4 and Deuteronomy 23:10-11.
What can we learn from the priest's actions in this verse?
We can learn the importance of patience and waiting on God's timing, as the priest had to wait seven days before re-inspecting the house, as stated in Leviticus 14:38, similar to the waiting period in Leviticus 12:2-5 and Exodus 19:10-15.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to 'close the door' and wait on God's timing, just like the priest in this verse?
- How can I apply the principle of quarantine to my own life, separating myself from things that are 'unclean' or unhealthy, as seen in 2 Corinthians 6:17-18?
- What are some ways that God uses times of 'isolation' or 'quarantine' to refine and purify us, as seen in Isaiah 48:10 and Malachi 3:3?
- How can I trust God's sovereignty and provision during times of uncertainty or waiting, just like the Israelites had to trust God during their wilderness journey, as seen in Exodus 16:4 and Deuteronomy 8:2-5?
Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 14:38
Then the priest shall go out of the house to the door of the house,.... Thereby signifying that it was not fit to be inhabited, and there standing to see it shut up, as follows: and shut up the house
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 14:38
When ye be come into the land of Canaan, which I give to you for a possession, and I put the plague of leprosy in a house of the land of your possession; Leprosy in a house.
Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 14:38
(38) Shut up the house seven days.—On finding these symptoms, the priest is to put the house in quarantine for seven days, in order to see what alteration will take place during this interval, adopting the same treatment as in the case of leprous garments. (See Leviticus 13:50.)
Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 14:38
Leprosy in houses (33–53) Nothing definite is known about these appearances on the walls of a house, which are here described as leprosy. It was regarded as a special visitation of God (Leviticus 14:34, ‘I put the plague’); the Jews believed that the plague was peculiar to Palestine and the chosen people, and was not found in the houses of foreigners. The owner of the house must say ‘There seemeth to me …’ (Leviticus 14:35): the decision whether the house is leprous rests with the priest. The order to empty the house before the priest comes to inspect shews that there is no fear of contagion. It has been suggested that the appearances were due to damp, or decay, or the growth of some vegetable matter. The diagnosis is similar to that for leprosy in man; the remedy is to remove the stones in which the plague is, and to scrape and plaister the house. If the plague is not stayed, the house must be pulled down. The method of purification if the house be pronounced clean is the same as that prescribed for the leper in Leviticus 14:4-7. Further regulations are found in Negâim, chs. 12, 13.
Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 14:38
SIGNS OF LEPROSY IN A HOUSE, Leviticus 14:33-45.The nature of house leprosy is a great mystery. If it proceeded from a natural cause we should expect to find the same cause productive of a like effect in modern Palestine.