Old Testament

Haggai 2:13

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In Haggai 2:13, the prophet Haggai poses a question to the priests about ritual cleanliness.

Author: Haggai the prophet
Written: Around 520 BC
Genre: Prophecy
Original Audience: Post-exilic Jews rebuilding the temple

CBTClear Bible Translation

Then Haggai asked, "What if someone who has become unclean by touching a dead body then touches any of these things — does it become unclean?" The priests answered, "Yes, it becomes unclean."

KJVKing James Version

Then said Haggai, If one that is unclean by a dead body touch any of these, shall it be unclean? And the priests answered and said, It shall be unclean.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In Haggai 2:13, the prophet Haggai poses a question to the priests about ritual cleanliness. He asks if a person who is considered unclean due to touching a dead body can make other things unclean by touching them. The priests confirm that yes, the items would also become unclean. This illustrates a principle in Jewish law that impurity can spread from one object or person to another. The underlying message is that holiness and purity are not automatically transferred; rather, impurity can contaminate what is otherwise clean. This serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining spiritual and moral cleanliness in our lives, as negative influences can affect our relationships and community.

Key themes

Related Bible verses

How to apply Haggai 2:13 to your life

This verse encourages us to be mindful of the influences we allow into our lives. Just as physical impurity can spread, so can negative behaviors or attitudes. We should strive to surround ourselves with positive influences and maintain our spiritual integrity.

Curated for this public verse page. Haggai Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Haggai 2:13 mean?

Haggai 2:13 discusses the concept of ritual impurity in Jewish law. The prophet Haggai asks if a person who is unclean from touching a dead body can make other items unclean by touching them, and the priests confirm that it does indeed become unclean.

What is the significance of touching a dead body in Haggai 2:13?

Touching a dead body renders a person ritually unclean according to Jewish law. This act symbolizes the spread of impurity, highlighting the importance of maintaining spiritual and moral cleanliness.

How does Haggai 2:13 relate to spiritual contamination?

Haggai 2:13 illustrates that just as physical impurity can spread, so can negative influences in our lives. It serves as a reminder to be cautious about what we allow to affect our spiritual integrity.

What is the main theme of Haggai 2:13?

The main theme of Haggai 2:13 is the concept of ritual purity and the idea that impurity can contaminate what is otherwise clean. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining holiness and moral integrity.

Book Summary

The Book of Haggai

Haggai 1: Command to Build the LORD's House

In the second year of Darius the king, the word of the LORD comes through Haggai the prophet to Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest. The LORD says that the people claim the time has not come to build His house, yet they live in finished houses while His house lies waste. He tells them to consider their ways. They sow much but harvest little, eat but are not satisfied, drink but are not filled, clothe themselves but are not warm, and earn wages that disappear quickly. The LORD commands them to go up to the mountain, bring wood, and build the house so that He may take pleasure in it. He explains that because His house remains in ruins, He withholds dew and calls for drought on the land, crops, livestock, and all their labor.

Zerubbabel, Joshua, and the remnant of the people obey the voice of the LORD and fear Him. The LORD speaks again through Haggai, saying, "I am with you." He stirs the spirit of Zerubbabel, Joshua, and the remnant, and they come and work on the house of the LORD of hosts their God on the twenty-fourth day of the sixth month. Haggai 2: The Latter Glory and Zerubbabel Chosen On the twenty-first day of the seventh month, the word of the LORD comes again through Haggai to Zerubbabel, Joshua, and the remnant. He asks who remembers the former glory of the house and how it appears now. He tells Zerubbabel, Joshua, and all the people to be strong and work, for He is with them. He says His Spirit remains among them. The LORD declares that He will shake the heavens, the earth, the sea, and the dry land, and the desire of all nations will come. He says the silver and gold belong to Him and that the glory of this latter house will be greater than the former, and in this place He will give peace. On the twenty-fourth day of the ninth month, the LORD speaks again. He asks the priests about holiness and uncleanness, and they answer that uncleanness spreads but holiness does not transfer. He says the people and their work have been unclean, and He has struck their crops with blight and hail. He calls them to consider from this day forward, from the day the foundation of the LORD's temple is laid, and promises that from this day He will bless them. The word of the LORD comes again to Haggai for Zerubbabel, saying He will shake the heavens and earth, overthrow kingdoms, and destroy strength. He says He will take Zerubbabel and make him like a signet, for He has chosen him.

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