Bible Strands
Leviticus 14:37
He 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,
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The priest inspects a dwelling after its contents have been removed, following the clearing procedure in Leviticus 14:36 and preceding the seven-day sealing in 14:38. This directive addresses the Aaronic priesthood regarding ritual diagnostic protocols for domestic structures.
The words — נֶגַע (nega') literally means "plague" or "infection," and שְׁקַעֲרוּרוֹת (sheka'arurot) denotes "depressions" or sunken spots. These terms establish the exact visual markers the priest must locate on the wall surfaces.
The thread — The inspection framework mirrors the priestly examination of skin conditions in Leviticus 13:3, 13:19, and 13:42. Both contexts require the priest to assess color, depth, and progression to determine ritual status.
Why it lands — It requires precise, objective observation of physical signs before any ritual response is authorized. The reader must acknowledge that contamination demands exact identification and prescribed boundaries rather than subjective assessment.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
And he shall look on the plague, and, behold, if the plague be in the walls of the house with hollow strakes, greenish or reddish, which in sight are lower than the wall;
Cross-references
- Leviticus 13:3 The priest is to examine the infection on his skin, and if the hair in the infection has turned white and the sore appears to be deeper than the skin, it is a skin disease. After the priest examines him, he must pronounce him unclean.
- Leviticus 13:19 and a white swelling or a reddish-white spot develops where the boil was, he must present himself to the priest.
- Leviticus 13:42 But if there is a reddish-white sore on the bald head or forehead, it is an infectious disease breaking out on it.
- Leviticus 13:49 and if the mark in the fabric, leather, weave, knit, or leather article is green or red, then it is contaminated with mildew and must be shown to the priest.