Old Testament
Leviticus 14:40
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In Leviticus 14:40, the priest plays a crucial role in addressing issues of contamination, specifically concerning a plague affecting stones in a house.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
the priest will order the infected stones removed and thrown into an unclean area outside the city.
Then the priest shall command that they take away the stones in which the plague is, and they shall cast them into an unclean place without the city:
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In Leviticus 14:40, the priest plays a crucial role in addressing issues of contamination, specifically concerning a plague affecting stones in a house. If the stones are found to be infected, the priest instructs that they be removed and disposed of in an unclean area outside the city. This process highlights the importance of maintaining purity and cleanliness within the community. The act of removing the infected stones symbolizes the need to eliminate sources of contamination to protect the health and well-being of the people. It also reflects the broader theme of holiness in the community, as the presence of unclean things can lead to spiritual and physical consequences. The priest's authority in this matter underscores the significance of proper leadership and guidance in maintaining communal health and purity. Overall, this verse illustrates the seriousness with which the Israelites were to treat issues of cleanliness and the role of the priest in ensuring that God's standards were upheld.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Leviticus 14:40 to your life
This verse reminds us of the importance of addressing issues that can harm our community or personal lives. Just as the priest removed contaminated stones, we should identify and eliminate negative influences or behaviors that disrupt our spiritual and emotional well-being. Taking proactive steps can lead to a healthier environment.
Curated for this public verse page. Leviticus Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Leviticus 14:40 mean?
Leviticus 14:40 describes the priest's role in identifying and removing infected stones from a house to maintain community purity. The verse emphasizes the importance of eliminating sources of contamination to protect the health and well-being of the people.
What is the significance of the priest in Leviticus 14:40?
In Leviticus 14:40, the priest acts as a leader who ensures that the community remains clean and pure. His authority in ordering the removal of contaminated stones highlights the importance of proper guidance in maintaining spiritual and physical health.
What does the phrase 'unclean area' refer to in Leviticus 14:40?
The 'unclean area' mentioned in Leviticus 14:40 refers to a designated place outside the city where contaminated materials are disposed of. This practice helps to prevent the spread of contamination and maintain the overall purity of the community.
How does Leviticus 14:40 apply to modern life?
Leviticus 14:40 teaches us to identify and remove negative influences or harmful behaviors in our lives. Just as the priest removed contaminated stones, we should take proactive steps to create a healthier environment for ourselves and our communities.

The Book of Leviticus
Leviticus 1: The Burnt Offering
The LORD calls to Moses from the tabernacle and gives instructions for the burnt offering. A man who brings a burnt offering from the herd presents a male without blemish at the door of the tabernacle. He lays his hand on the head of the offering, kills it, and Aaron's sons the priests sprinkle the blood around the altar. The animal is flayed and cut into pieces, and the whole is burned on the altar as a sweet savor to the LORD.
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