Leviticus 14:46

Anyone who enters the house during any of the days that it is closed up will be unclean until evening.

Study Bible

Anyone who enters the house
This phrase emphasizes the inclusivity of the law, applying to any person who might enter the house. The Hebrew word for "enters" is "בּוֹא" (bo), which implies not just a physical entry but also an engagement with the space. In the ancient context, entering a house was more than a mere act; it was a participation in the life and environment of that household. This reflects the seriousness with which God views the purity of His people, as even unintentional contact with impurity requires attention and action.

during any of the days
The phrase "during any of the days" indicates a specific period when the house is under observation for potential impurity. The Hebrew word "יָמִים" (yamim) for "days" suggests a divinely appointed time frame, echoing the creation narrative where God’s work was structured in days. This structured time period for observation underscores the orderliness of God’s laws and His desire for His people to live in a state of readiness and awareness of His holiness.

that it is closed up
The term "closed up" comes from the Hebrew "סָגַר" (sagar), meaning to shut or enclose. This action of closing up the house signifies a period of quarantine or separation, a common practice in ancient times to prevent the spread of disease or impurity. Archaeological findings have shown that such practices were not unique to Israel but were part of broader ancient Near Eastern customs. This reflects God’s wisdom in providing practical measures for health and holiness, setting His people apart through both spiritual and physical cleanliness.

will be unclean until evening
The declaration "will be unclean until evening" uses the Hebrew "טָמֵא" (tamei) for "unclean," which denotes a state of ritual impurity. The evening marks the transition to a new day in the Hebrew calendar, symbolizing renewal and the opportunity for purification. This temporal boundary for uncleanness highlights God’s provision for restoration and the hope of returning to a state of purity. It serves as a reminder of the grace available to believers, pointing forward to the ultimate cleansing through Christ, who purifies us from all unrighteousness.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Priest
The priest plays a crucial role in diagnosing and declaring a house unclean due to mold or mildew, as outlined in Leviticus 14. The priest acts as a mediator between God and the people, ensuring that the laws of cleanliness are upheld.

2. Infected House
The house in question is one that has been closed up due to a suspected case of mold or mildew, which is considered a form of uncleanness. This reflects the importance of purity and holiness in the community.

3. Israelite Community
The broader context involves the Israelite community, who are called to live according to God's laws, maintaining both physical and spiritual cleanliness.

4. Uncleanness
This concept is central to the passage, representing a state that separates individuals from the community and from God until purification is achieved.

5. Evening
The time until which a person remains unclean, symbolizing a period of waiting and reflection before rejoining the community.

Teaching Points

Holiness and Separation
The laws of cleanliness in Leviticus remind us of the importance of holiness and being set apart for God. Just as the Israelites were called to maintain physical purity, we are called to maintain spiritual purity in our lives.

The Role of the Mediator
The priest's role in declaring a house unclean points to the need for a mediator between God and humanity. In the New Testament, Jesus fulfills this role, offering us cleansing from sin.

Awareness of Sin and Contamination
Entering an unclean house results in temporary uncleanness, symbolizing how sin can contaminate our lives. We must be vigilant about what we allow into our lives and seek God's cleansing regularly.

Restoration and Community
The process of becoming clean again emphasizes restoration and the importance of community. We are called to support one another in our spiritual journeys and help each other maintain purity.

Waiting and Reflection
The period of uncleanness until evening serves as a time for reflection and repentance. In our spiritual lives, we should take time to reflect on our actions and seek God's forgiveness and guidance.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the concept of uncleanness in Leviticus 14:46 relate to our understanding of sin and purity today?

2. In what ways can we apply the principle of separation from uncleanness to our daily lives as Christians?

3. How does the role of the priest in Leviticus 14 point to the work of Jesus as our mediator and high priest?

4. What steps can we take to ensure that we are vigilant about spiritual contamination in our lives?

5. How can the community of believers support one another in maintaining spiritual purity and holiness?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 11-15
These chapters provide a broader context for the laws of cleanliness, including dietary laws, purification after childbirth, and skin diseases, emphasizing the importance of holiness.

Numbers 19
Discusses the purification process for those who become unclean, highlighting the need for ritual cleansing to restore purity.

1 Peter 1:16
Calls believers to be holy as God is holy, connecting the Old Testament laws of cleanliness to the New Testament call for spiritual purity.