Old Testament
Leviticus 13:54
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
the priest will order that the contaminated item be washed and then set aside for another 7 days.
Compare translations
Then the priest shall command that they wash the thing wherein the plague is, and he shall shut it up seven days more:
What Leviticus 13:54 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Leviticus 13:54, the priest plays a crucial role in determining the cleanliness of items that may have been contaminated by a skin disease, often referred to as leprosy. When an item is suspected of being contaminated, the priest instructs that it be washed thoroughly. This washing is a significant step in the process of purification. After washing, the item is set aside for an additional seven days. This waiting period allows for further observation to ensure that the contamination has been completely removed. If the item remains clean after this time, it can be deemed acceptable for use again. This process highlights the importance of cleanliness and the careful measures taken to prevent the spread of disease within the community, reflecting the broader theme of holiness and purity in the laws given to the Israelites.
How to apply Leviticus 13:54 to your life
This verse teaches us the importance of addressing contamination in our lives, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual. Just as the priest required a thorough washing and observation period, we should take time to reflect and cleanse ourselves from negative influences or harmful habits before re-engaging with our community.
Curated for this public verse page. Leviticus Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

Illustrated scene from David's story: Samuel Anoints David (1 Samuel 16:1–13)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
David

Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724987). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Hebron, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Hebron
Where Abraham lived and buried Sarah, and where David was first made king.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Leviticus 13:54
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Leviticus 13:54
Related Bible verses
Key themes
At a Glance — the Book of Leviticus
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Leviticus 13:54 mean?
Leviticus 13:54 describes the process a priest must follow when an item is suspected of being contaminated by a skin disease. The priest orders the item to be washed and then set aside for seven days to observe if the contamination is removed.
What is the significance of washing in Leviticus 13:54?
Washing in Leviticus 13:54 is a crucial step for purification, symbolizing the need for cleanliness and the prevention of disease spread. It reflects the importance of maintaining health and purity within the community.
How does Leviticus 13:54 relate to community health?
Leviticus 13:54 relates to community health by illustrating the measures taken to prevent the spread of disease. The priest's instructions for washing and observing items demonstrate a proactive approach to maintaining a healthy environment.
What can we learn from Leviticus 13:54?
From Leviticus 13:54, we learn the importance of addressing contamination in our lives. Just as items must be washed and observed, we should take time to cleanse ourselves from negative influences before re-engaging with others.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.