Old Testament
Leviticus 14:37
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
He will examine the contamination. If there are greenish or reddish streaks in the walls that appear to go deeper than the surface,
Compare translations
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;
What Leviticus 14:37 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Leviticus 14:37, the focus is on the inspection of a house for signs of contamination, specifically a type of mold or plague. The priest is instructed to look closely at the walls of the house. If he finds streaks that are greenish or reddish and seem to penetrate deeper than just the surface, this indicates a serious issue. The presence of these colors suggests that the contamination is not superficial and may require further action. This process emphasizes the importance of cleanliness and the need to address issues of contamination promptly to maintain a healthy living environment. The priest's role is crucial in determining the severity of the situation and guiding the next steps, which may include quarantining the house or performing rituals for purification. This passage highlights the significance of careful examination and the need for community health standards in ancient Israel.
How to apply Leviticus 14:37 to your life
This verse reminds us of the importance of addressing issues of contamination in our lives, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual. Just as the priest inspects the house, we should regularly evaluate our surroundings and ourselves for harmful influences and take necessary steps to cleanse and restore our well-being.
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 Esther's story: Esther Becomes Queen (Esther 2:1–18)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Esther
Photo: Deror Avi, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 4.0. Source. Location: Tel Shiloh archaeological site, West Bank. 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.
Shiloh
Where Israel set up the tabernacle, and where God called the boy Samuel.
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 14:37
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 14:37
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
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 14:37 say about house contamination?
Leviticus 14:37 instructs a priest to examine a house for signs of contamination, specifically looking for greenish or reddish streaks in the walls that appear to penetrate deeper than the surface. This indicates a serious issue that may require further action to ensure the health and safety of the living environment.
Why is the priest's role important in Leviticus 14:37?
The priest's role in Leviticus 14:37 is crucial because he is responsible for inspecting the house for contamination. His examination determines the severity of the issue and guides the next steps, which may include quarantining the house or performing rituals for purification. This highlights the importance of having a knowledgeable authority to maintain community health standards.
How can we apply the lessons of Leviticus 14:37 today?
The lessons from Leviticus 14:37 can be applied today by encouraging individuals to regularly evaluate their physical, emotional, and spiritual environments for harmful influences. Just as the priest inspects for contamination, we should take proactive steps to cleanse and restore our well-being, ensuring a healthy lifestyle and community.
What types of contamination does Leviticus 14:37 refer to?
Leviticus 14:37 refers to a specific type of contamination in homes, likely a mold or plague that manifests as greenish or reddish streaks on the walls. This indicates a deeper issue that goes beyond surface-level cleanliness, emphasizing the need for thorough inspection and appropriate action to address health concerns.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.