Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Then Haggai said, “If a person defiled by contact with a dead body touches one of these things, does it become defiled?” “Yes,” the priests replied, “it becomes defiled.” New Living Translation Then Haggai asked, “If someone becomes ceremonially unclean by touching a dead person and then touches any of these foods, will the food be defiled?” And the priests answered, “Yes.” English Standard Version Then Haggai said, “If someone who is unclean by contact with a dead body touches any of these, does it become unclean?” The priests answered and said, “It does become unclean.” Berean Standard Bible So Haggai asked, “If one who is defiled by contact with a corpse touches any of these, does it become defiled?” “Yes, it becomes defiled,” the priests answered. Berean Literal Bible And Haggai said, “If one unclean by a dead body touches any of these things, will it be unclean?” And the priests answered and said, “It will be unclean.” King James Bible 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. New King James Version And Haggai said, “If one who is unclean because of a dead body touches any of these, will it be unclean?” So the priests answered and said, “It shall be unclean.” New American Standard Bible Then Haggai said, “If one who is unclean from a corpse touches any of these things, will the latter become unclean?” And the priests answered, “It will become unclean.” NASB 1995 Then Haggai said, “If one who is unclean from a corpse touches any of these, will the latter become unclean?” And the priests answered, “It will become unclean.” NASB 1977 Then Haggai said, “If one who is unclean from a corpse touches any of these, will the latter become unclean?” And the priests answered and said, “It will become unclean.” Legacy Standard Bible Then Haggai said, “If one who is unclean from a corpse touches any of these, will the latter become unclean?” And the priests answered, “It will become unclean.” Amplified Bible Then Haggai said, “If one who is [ceremonially] unclean because of [contact with] a corpse touches any of these [articles of food], will it be unclean?” And the priests answered, “It will be unclean.” [Ceremonial uncleanness, like sin, is infectious.] Berean Annotated Bible So Haggai (festive) asked, “If one who is defiled by contact with a corpse touches any of these, does it become defiled? “Yes, it becomes defiled, the priests answered. Christian Standard Bible Then Haggai asked, “If someone defiled by contact with a corpse touches any of these, does it become defiled? ” The priests answered, “It becomes defiled.” Holman Christian Standard Bible Then Haggai asked, “If someone defiled by contact with a corpse touches any of these, does it become defiled?” The priests answered, “It becomes defiled.” American Standard Version Then said Haggai, If one that is unclean by reason of a dead body touch any of these, shall it be unclean? And the priests answered and said, It shall be unclean. Contemporary English Version Then Haggai said, "Suppose someone has touched a dead body and is considered unacceptable to worship God. If that person touches these foods, would they become unclean?" "Of course they would," the priests answered. English Revised 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. GOD'S WORD® Translation Haggai asked, "Suppose a person becomes unclean by touching a corpse. If he touches any of these things, does that make them unclean?" The priests answered, "That makes them unclean." Good News Translation Then Haggai asked, "Suppose someone is defiled because he has touched a dead body. If he then touches any of these foods, will that make them defiled too?" The priests answered, "Yes." International Standard Version So Haggai responded, "If someone who is unclean because of contact with a dead body were to touch any of these things, would they become unclean?" The priests responded, "They would be unclean." NET Bible Then Haggai asked, "If a person who is ritually unclean because of touching a dead body comes in contact with one of these items, will it become unclean?" The priests answered, "It will be unclean." New Heart English Bible Then Haggai said, "If one who is unclean by reason of a dead body touch any of these, will it be unclean?" The priests answered, "It will be unclean." Webster's Bible Translation Then said Haggai, If one that is unclean by a dead body shall touch any of these, shall it be unclean? And the priests answered and said, It shall be unclean. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleSo Haggai asked, “If one who is defiled by contact with a corpse touches any of these, does it become defiled?” “Yes, it becomes defiled,” the priests answered. World English Bible Then Haggai said, “If one who is unclean by reason of a dead body touch any of these, will it be unclean?” The priests answered, “It will be unclean.” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd Haggai says, “If the unclean of body comes against any of these, is it unclean?” And the priests answer and say, “It is unclean.” Berean Literal Bible And Haggai said, “If one unclean by a dead body touches any of these things, will it be unclean?” And the priests answered and said, “It will be unclean.” Young's Literal Translation And Haggai saith, 'If the unclean of body doth come against any of these, is it unclean?' And the priests answer and say, 'It is unclean.' Smith's Literal Translation And Haggai will say, If the unclean of soul shall touch upon any of these, shall it be unclean? and the priests shall answer and say, It shall be unclean. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd Aggeus said: If one that is unclean by occasion of a soul touch any of all these things, shall it be defiled? And the priests answered, and said: It shall be defiled. Catholic Public Domain Version New American Bible Then Haggai asked: “If a person defiled from contact with a corpse touches any of these, do they become defiled?” The priests answered, “They become defiled.” New Revised Standard Version Then Haggai said, “If one who is unclean by contact with a dead body touches any of these, does it become unclean?” The priests answered, “Yes, it becomes unclean.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThen said Haggai, If one who is unclean touches all these things, shall it be unclean? And the priests answered and said, It shall be unclean. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated Khaggi said: ”If he who has defiled himself touched all these things, is he not defiled? the Priests answered and they said to him: “He is defiled” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Then 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.' Brenton Septuagint Translation And Aggaeus said, If a defiled person who is unclean by reason of a dead body, touch any of these, shall it be defiled? And the priests answered and said, It shall be defiled. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Blessings for a Defiled People…12If a man carries consecrated meat in the fold of his garment, and it touches bread, stew, wine, oil, or any other food, does that item become holy?’ ” “No,” replied the priests. 13So Haggai asked, “If one who is defiled by contact with a corpse touches any of these, does it become defiled?” “Yes, it becomes defiled,” the priests answered. 14Then Haggai replied, “So it is with this people and this nation before Me, declares the LORD, and so it is with every work of their hands; whatever they offer there is defiled.… Cross References So Haggai asked, Deuteronomy 17:8-9 If a case is too difficult for you to judge, whether the controversy within your gates is regarding bloodshed, lawsuits, or assaults, you must go up to the place the LORD your God will choose. / You are to go to the Levitical priests and to the judge who presides at that time. Inquire of them, and they will give you a verdict in the case. Malachi 2:7 For the lips of a priest should preserve knowledge, and people should seek instruction from his mouth, because he is the messenger of the LORD of Hosts. Ezekiel 44:23 They are to teach My people the difference between the holy and the common and show them how to discern between the clean and the unclean. “If one who is defiled by contact with a corpse Numbers 19:11 Whoever touches any dead body will be unclean for seven days. Leviticus 21:1-4 Then the LORD said to Moses, “Speak to Aaron’s sons, the priests, and tell them that a priest is not to defile himself for a dead person among his people, / except for his immediate family—his mother, father, son, daughter, or brother, / or his unmarried sister who is near to him, since she has no husband. … Numbers 19:13 Anyone who touches a human corpse and fails to purify himself defiles the tabernacle of the LORD. That person must be cut off from Israel. He remains unclean, because the water of purification has not been sprinkled on him, and his uncleanness is still on him. touches any of these, Leviticus 7:19-21 Meat that touches anything unclean must not be eaten; it is to be burned up. As for any other meat, anyone who is ceremonially clean may eat it. / But if anyone who is unclean eats meat from the peace offering that belongs to the LORD, that person must be cut off from his people. / If one touches anything unclean, whether human uncleanness, an unclean animal, or any unclean, detestable thing, and then eats any of the meat of the peace offering that belongs to the LORD, that person must be cut off from his people.” Leviticus 5:3 Or if he touches human uncleanness—anything by which one becomes unclean—even if he is unaware of it, when he realizes it, he is guilty. Numbers 19:22 Anything the unclean person touches will become unclean, and anyone who touches it will be unclean until evening.” “does it become defiled?” Leviticus 11:24-28 These creatures will make you unclean. Whoever touches their carcasses will be unclean until evening, / and whoever picks up one of their carcasses must wash his clothes, and he will be unclean until evening. / Every animal with hooves not completely divided or that does not chew the cud is unclean for you. Whoever touches any of them will be unclean. … Leviticus 11:31-32 These animals are unclean for you among all the crawling creatures. Whoever touches them when they are dead shall be unclean until evening. / When one of them dies and falls on something, that article becomes unclean; any article of wood, clothing, leather, sackcloth, or any implement used for work must be rinsed with water and will remain unclean until evening; then it will be clean. Numbers 19:14 This is the law when a person dies in a tent: Everyone who enters the tent and everyone already in the tent will be unclean for seven days, “Yes, it becomes defiled,” the priests answered. Leviticus 22:3-6 Tell them that for the generations to come, if any of their descendants in a state of uncleanness approaches the sacred offerings that the Israelites consecrate to the LORD, that person must be cut off from My presence. I am the LORD. / If a descendant of Aaron has a skin disease or a discharge, he may not eat the sacred offerings until he is clean. Whoever touches anything defiled by a corpse or by a man who has an emission of semen, / or whoever touches a crawling creature or a person that makes him unclean, whatever the uncleanness may be— … Numbers 5:2-3 “Command the Israelites to send away from the camp anyone with a skin disease, anyone who has a bodily discharge, and anyone who is defiled by a dead body. / You must send away male and female alike; send them outside the camp so they will not defile their camp, where I dwell among them.” Leviticus 15:7 Whoever touches the body of the man with a discharge must wash his clothes and bathe with water, and he will be unclean until evening. Leviticus 10:10 You must distinguish between the holy and the common, between the clean and the unclean, Treasury of Scripture 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. Numbers 5:2,3 Command the children of Israel, that they put out of the camp every leper, and every one that hath an issue, and whosoever is defiled by the dead: … Numbers 9:6-10 And there were certain men, who were defiled by the dead body of a man, that they could not keep the passover on that day: and they came before Moses and before Aaron on that day: … Numbers 19:11-22 He that toucheth the dead body of any man shall be unclean seven days… Jump to Previous Body Contact Corpse Dead Defiled Haggai Latter Priests Reason Touch Touches Touching UncleanJump to Next Body Contact Corpse Dead Defiled Haggai Latter Priests Reason Touch Touches Touching UncleanHaggai 2 1. He encourages the people to the work, 4. by promise of greater glory to the second temple than was in the first. 10. In the type of holy things and unclean he shows their sins hindered the work. 20. God's promise to Zerubbabel. So Haggai asked, Haggai, a post-exilic prophet, is addressing the priests and people of Judah. His role is to encourage the rebuilding of the Temple after the Babylonian exile. This question is part of a series of inquiries meant to illustrate spiritual truths through the Law. “If one who is defiled by contact with a corpse touches any of these, does it become defiled?” “Yes, it becomes defiled,” the priests answered. Persons / Places / Events 1. HaggaiA prophet who ministered to the Jewish people after their return from Babylonian exile. His messages encouraged the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem. 2. Priests Religious leaders responsible for performing sacrifices and maintaining the temple's holiness. They were consulted by Haggai regarding matters of ceremonial law. 3. Jerusalem The city where the temple was located and the center of Jewish worship and religious life. 4. The Temple The holy place in Jerusalem that was being rebuilt during Haggai's time. It symbolized God's presence among His people. 5. The People of Judah The Jewish community that returned from exile and was tasked with rebuilding the temple and restoring their covenant relationship with God. Teaching Points Understanding HolinessHoliness is not transferable by mere contact. Just as touching a holy object does not make one holy, our association with religious activities or people does not make us holy. True holiness comes from a heart transformed by God. The Nature of Defilement Defilement spreads easily, unlike holiness. This illustrates the pervasive nature of sin and the need for vigilance in maintaining spiritual purity. The Role of the Heart God desires a heart that is pure and devoted to Him. External rituals are meaningless without an internal commitment to holiness. Community Responsibility Just as the people of Judah were collectively responsible for the temple, we are called to support and encourage one another in our spiritual journeys. The Importance of Obedience Obedience to God's commands is crucial for maintaining holiness. Our actions should reflect our commitment to God's standards. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Haggai 2:13?2. How does Haggai 2:13 illustrate the impact of sin on holiness? 3. What does Haggai 2:13 teach about the transferability of uncleanness? 4. How can we apply Haggai 2:13 to our daily spiritual walk? 5. What New Testament passages echo Haggai 2:13's message on purity? 6. How does understanding Haggai 2:13 influence our approach to personal holiness? 7. What does Haggai 2:13 reveal about the nature of holiness and impurity? 8. How does Haggai 2:13 challenge our understanding of ritual purity in the Old Testament? 9. Why does contact with impurity in Haggai 2:13 not transfer holiness? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Haggai 2? 11. Who was Joshua the High Priest in biblical history? 12. What is the main message of the Book of Haggai? 13. Haggai 2:19 promises a sudden blessing--why don't contemporary records show any remarkable change in Judah's fortunes? 14. In Haggai 2:1, the precise date is given--do external historical or archaeological sources verify these events or this timeline? What Does Haggai 2:13 Mean So Haggai asked,Haggai sets up a question to the priests, the guardians of Israel’s ceremonial life, anchoring his point in the Law. Numbers 12:1–2 shows priests as teachers of purity, and Malachi 2:7 later echoes that role. By going first to them, Haggai honors God’s order and invites the people to listen in. If one who is defiled by contact with a corpse touches any of these, • Numbers 19:11: “Whoever touches any dead body will be unclean for seven days.” • Leviticus 22:4 explains that touching death puts the person outside sacred service until cleansed. Death is the clearest symbol of sin’s curse (Genesis 2:17; Romans 5:12). Haggai’s example is therefore the strongest possible case of impurity. • The phrase “any of these” points back to the food items in verse 12—bread, stew, wine, oil—representing daily life and worship. Haggai’s listeners would have pictured ordinary acts like eating, giving offerings, or rebuilding the temple. Does it become defiled? The question highlights a principle embedded in God’s law: impurity spreads, but holiness does not automatically transfer. • Leviticus 15:31 warns Israel to separate from impurity “lest they die in their uncleanness.” • Isaiah 64:6 notes, “All our righteous acts are like a polluted garment,” showing righteousness can’t cleanse defilement by mere contact. Haggai wants the audience to grasp that polluted hearts will taint even good activities such as temple construction (compare Haggai 1:4–9). “Yes, it becomes defiled,” the priests answered. The priests confirm the legal ruling (Numbers 19:22: “Everything the unclean person touches will become unclean”). • Their “Yes” underscores that the people’s offerings and work are unacceptable if their lives remain impure (Isaiah 1:11–17). • Haggai immediately applies this in 2:14: “So it is with this people…whatever they offer there is defiled.” The message: outward religious effort cannot override inner uncleanness. Genuine repentance and obedience must precede God’s blessing (Psalm 51:16–17; 1 John 1:9). summary Haggai 2:13 uses Israel’s purity laws to teach that impurity spreads by contact, whereas holiness does not. As a result, unrepentant hearts can contaminate even noble projects like rebuilding the temple. God requires inward cleansing before outward service, calling His people to approach Him with genuine repentance and obedience so that their work may be acceptable and blessed. (13) Unclean.--The defilement incurred by contact with a dead body was one of the deepest. (See Numbers 19:11-16.) On the force of the term tme nephesh, compare the passages Leviticus 21:11; Leviticus 22:4; Numbers 6:6.Verse 13. - Unclean by a dead body; Septuagint, ἀκάθαρτος ἐπὶ ψυχῇ: Vulgate. pollutus in anima. These versions are closer to the Hebrew, "unclean by a soul," than the Authorized Version, but not so intelligible. "Soul" (nephesh) is used to mean a person, and, with the attribute "dead" understood, a corpse, as Leviticus 21:1. The full phrase is found in Numbers 6:6, 11. Contact with a dead body produced the gravest ceremonial uncleanness, which lasted seven days, and could be purged only by a double lustration and other rites (Numbers 19:11, etc.). This uncleanness was doubtless connected with the idea that death was the result of sin. Any of these. The things mentioned in the preceding verse. It shall be unclean. In accordance with Numbers 19:22 A polluted human being communicated his pollution to all that he touched. It was owing to the defilement that accompanied contact with the dead that the later Jews used to whiten the sepulchres every year, that they might be seen and avoided (Matthew 23:27, and Lightfoot, 'Her. Hebr.' in loc.).Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew So Haggaiחַגַּ֔י (ḥag·gay) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 2292: Haggai -- 'festal', a Hebrew prophet asked, וַיֹּ֣אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say “If אִם־ (’im-) Conjunction Strong's 518: Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not [one who is] defiled טְמֵא־ (ṭə·mê-) Adjective - masculine singular construct Strong's 2931: Unclean by contact with a corpse נֶ֛פֶשׁ (ne·p̄eš) Noun - feminine singular Strong's 5315: A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion touches יִגַּ֧ע (yig·ga‘) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 5060: To touch, lay the hand upon, to reach, violently, to strike any בְּכָל־ (bə·ḵāl) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every of these, אֵ֖לֶּה (’êl·leh) Pronoun - common plural Strong's 428: These, those does it become defiled?” הֲיִטְמָ֑א (hă·yiṭ·mā) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 2930: To be or become unclean “Yes, it becomes defiled,” יִטְמָֽא׃ (yiṭ·mā) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 2930: To be or become unclean the priests הַכֹּהֲנִ֛ים (hak·kō·hă·nîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 3548: Priest answered. וַיַּעֲנ֧וּ (way·ya·‘ă·nū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 6030: To answer, respond Links Haggai 2:13 NIVHaggai 2:13 NLT Haggai 2:13 ESV Haggai 2:13 NASB Haggai 2:13 KJV Haggai 2:13 BibleApps.com Haggai 2:13 Biblia Paralela Haggai 2:13 Chinese Bible Haggai 2:13 French Bible Haggai 2:13 Catholic Bible OT Prophets: Haggai 2:13 Then Haggai said If one who (Hagg. 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