◄ Leviticus 14:57 ►
to determine when something is clean or unclean. This is the law regarding skin diseases and mildew."
Study Bible
to determine
The Hebrew root for "to determine" is "להבדיל" (lehavdil), which means to separate or distinguish. This word underscores the importance of discernment in the life of the Israelites. It reflects God's desire for His people to be able to distinguish between what is holy and what is profane, what is pure and what is impure. This discernment is not just a physical act but a spiritual discipline, teaching the Israelites to live in a way that honors God’s holiness.

when something is clean
The word "clean" in Hebrew is "טהור" (tahor), which signifies purity and ritual cleanliness. In the context of Leviticus, being clean is not just about physical cleanliness but also about being in a state that allows one to participate in the community and worship. This concept points to the broader biblical theme of holiness and the need for God's people to be set apart, reflecting His purity in their lives.

or unclean
The term "unclean" is translated from the Hebrew "טמא" (tamei), indicating a state of impurity that separates individuals from the community and from God. This separation is not necessarily a moral failing but a ritual state that requires purification. The distinction between clean and unclean serves as a constant reminder of the need for spiritual vigilance and the pursuit of holiness.

This is the law
The phrase "This is the law" emphasizes the divine authority behind these instructions. The Hebrew word for law, "תורה" (torah), means instruction or teaching. It is not merely a set of rules but a guide for living in covenant relationship with God. The law reflects God's character and His desire for His people to live in a way that mirrors His holiness and justice.

regarding skin diseases
The Hebrew term for "skin diseases" is "צרעת" (tzara'at), often translated as leprosy, though it encompasses a range of skin conditions. In ancient Israel, these diseases were not only a health concern but also a spiritual and communal issue. The meticulous laws regarding skin diseases highlight the need for purity and the community's role in maintaining holiness.

and mildew
"Mildew" is translated from the Hebrew "נגע" (nega), which refers to a plague or affliction, often affecting clothing or houses. This term extends the concept of purity beyond the individual to the environment, emphasizing that holiness permeates all aspects of life. The presence of mildew required careful examination and, if necessary, cleansing or destruction, symbolizing the need to eradicate sin and impurity from one's life and surroundings.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Moses
The author of Leviticus, who received the laws from God to instruct the Israelites.

2. Israelites
The people to whom the laws were given, living in the wilderness after the Exodus from Egypt.

3. Priests
The individuals responsible for examining and declaring things clean or unclean according to God's law.

4. Infectious Skin Diseases
Conditions that required examination and purification rituals to prevent the spread of impurity.

5. Mildew
A type of mold or fungus that could affect clothing, houses, and other items, requiring inspection and cleansing.
Teaching Points
Holiness and Purity
The laws in Leviticus emphasize God's holiness and the need for His people to be pure. This reflects the broader biblical theme of being set apart for God.

Role of the Priesthood
Priests served as mediators between God and the people, highlighting the importance of spiritual leadership and discernment in the community.

Spiritual Cleansing
While Leviticus deals with physical cleanliness, it points to the deeper need for spiritual cleansing, fulfilled in Christ.

Community Responsibility
The laws underscore the communal aspect of holiness, where individual actions affect the entire community.

Discernment in Daily Life
The principles of clean and unclean can guide believers in making wise, discerning choices in their daily lives.
Bible Study Questions
1. How do the laws regarding cleanliness in Leviticus 14:57 reflect God's character and His expectations for His people?

2. In what ways can the role of the priests in determining cleanliness inform our understanding of spiritual leadership today?

3. How does the concept of cleanliness in Leviticus relate to the spiritual cleansing offered through Jesus Christ?

4. What are some practical ways we can apply the principles of discernment and holiness in our daily lives?

5. How does understanding the communal aspect of these laws challenge us to consider the impact of our actions on the body of Christ?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Leviticus 13
Provides detailed instructions on identifying and dealing with skin diseases and mildew, setting the context for Leviticus 14:57.

Numbers 19
Discusses purification laws, emphasizing the importance of cleanliness and holiness in the community.

Mark 1:40-45
Jesus heals a man with leprosy, demonstrating His authority over physical and spiritual uncleanness.

1 John 1:9
Speaks to the spiritual cleansing available through confession and forgiveness in Christ.
Sermons
The Cleansing of Sin as Illustrated in the Cleansing of the LeperR.M. Edgar Leviticus 14:1-57
Leprosy in a HouseJ.A. Macdonald Leviticus 14:33-57
House LeprosyJ. A. Seiss, D. D.Leviticus 14:34-57
Leprosy of House and GarmentsH. Macmillan, D. D.Leviticus 14:34-57
The Plague in the HouseJ. Reid Howatt.Leviticus 14:34-57
The Way to Remove the PlagueJ. Cumming, D. D.Leviticus 14:34-57
People
Aaron, Ephah, Moses
Places
Canaan, Teman
Topics
Clean, Clear, Direct, Disease, Diseases, Infectious, Law, Leper, Leprosy, Mildew, Purified, Regulations, Skin, Teach, Unclean, Uncleanness
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Leviticus 14:1-57

     7340   clean and unclean

Leviticus 14:34-57

     4839   mildew

Library
November 27. "And the Remnant of the Oil . . . Shall Pour Upon the Head" (Lev. xiv. 18).
"And the remnant of the oil ... shall pour upon the head" (Lev. xiv. 18). In the account of the healing of the Hebrew leper there is a beautiful picture of the touching of his ears, hands and feet, with the redeeming blood and the consecrating oil, as a sign that his powers of understanding, service, and conduct were set apart to God, and divinely endued for the Master's work and will. But after all this, we are significantly told that "the rest of the oil" was to be poured upon his head. The former …
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

The First Stage in the Leper's Cleansing
'And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, 2. This shall be the law of the leper in the day of his cleansing: He shall be brought unto the priest: 3. And the priest shall go forth out of the camp; and the priest shall look, and, behold, if the plague of leprosy be healed in the leper; 4. Then shall the priest command to take for him that is to be cleansed two birds alive and clean, and cedar-wood, and scarlet, and hyssop: 5. And the priest shall command that one of the birds be killed in an earthen …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Appendix xv. The Location of Sychar, and the Date of Our Lord's visit to Samaria.
1. The Location of Sychar. Although modern writers are now mostly agreed on this subject, it may be well briefly to put before our readers the facts of the case. Till comparitively lately, the Sychar of St. John iv. was generally as representing the ancient Shechem. The first difficulty here was the name, since Shechem, or even Sichem, could scarcely be identified with Sychar, which is undoubtedly the correct reading. Accordingly, the latter term was represented as one of oppobrium, and derived from …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Jesus Sets Out from Judæa for Galilee.
Subdivision B. At Jacob's Well, and at Sychar. ^D John IV. 5-42. ^d 5 So he cometh to a city of Samaria, called Sychar, near to the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. 6 and Jacob's well was there. [Commentators long made the mistake of supposing that Shechem, now called Nablous, was the town here called Sychar. Sheckem lies a mile and a half west of Jacob's well, while the real Sychar, now called 'Askar, lies scarcely half a mile north of the well. It was a small town, loosely called …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Jesus Heals a Leper and Creates Much Excitement.
^A Matt.VIII. 2-4; ^B Mark I. 40-45; ^C Luke V. 12-16. ^c 12 And it came to pass, while he was in one of the cities [it was a city of Galilee, but as it was not named, it is idle to conjecture which city it was], behold, ^b there cometh { ^a came} ^b to him a leper [There is much discussion as to what is here meant by leprosy. Two diseases now go by that name; viz., psoriasis and elephantiasis. There are also three varieties of psoriasis, namely, white, black and red. There are also three varieties …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

John's First Testimony to Jesus.
(Bethany Beyond Jordan, February, a.d. 27.) ^D John I. 19-34. ^d 19 And this is the witness of John [John had been sent to testify, "and" this is the matter of his testimony], when the Jews [The term "Jews" is used seventy times by John to describe the ruling classes of Judæa] sent unto him [In thus sending an embassy they honored John more than they ever honored Christ. They looked upon John as a priest and Judæan, but upon Jesus as a carpenter and Galilæan. It is probable that …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

John the Baptist's Person and Preaching.
(in the Wilderness of Judæa, and on the Banks of the Jordan, Occupying Several Months, Probably a.d. 25 or 26.) ^A Matt. III. 1-12; ^B Mark I. 1-8; ^C Luke III. 1-18. ^b 1 The beginning of the gospel [John begins his Gospel from eternity, where the Word is found coexistent with God. Matthew begins with Jesus, the humanly generated son of Abraham and David, born in the days of Herod the king. Luke begins with the birth of John the Baptist, the Messiah's herald; and Mark begins with the ministry …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Leviticus
The emphasis which modern criticism has very properly laid on the prophetic books and the prophetic element generally in the Old Testament, has had the effect of somewhat diverting popular attention from the priestly contributions to the literature and religion of Israel. From this neglect Leviticus has suffered most. Yet for many reasons it is worthy of close attention; it is the deliberate expression of the priestly mind of Israel at its best, and it thus forms a welcome foil to the unattractive …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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