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Leviticus 14:37 - Plague reveals hidden flaws?

Leviticus 14:37 - ויקרא 14:37

Hebrew Text

וְרָאָה אֶת־הַנֶּגַע וְהִנֵּה הַנֶּגַע בְּקִירֹת הַבַּיִת שְׁקַעֲרוּרֹת יְרַקְרַקֹּת אוֹ אֲדַמְדַּמֹּת וּמַרְאֵיהֶן שָׁפָל מִן־הַקִּיר׃

English Translation

and he shall look at the plague, and, behold, if the plague be in the walls of the house in greenish or reddish depressions, which in sight are lower than the wall;

Transliteration

Ve'ra'a et-hanega ve'hine hanega bekirot habayit shkearurot yerakrakot o adamdamot umareihen shafal min-hakir.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְרָאָ֣ה אֶת־הַנֶּ֗גַע וְהִנֵּ֤ה הַנֶּ֙גַע֙ בְּקִירֹ֣ת הַבַּ֔יִת שְׁקַֽעֲרוּרֹת֙ יְרַקְרַקֹּ֔ת א֖וֹ אֲדַמְדַּמֹּ֑ת וּמַרְאֵיהֶ֥ן שָׁפָ֖ל מִן־הַקִּֽיר׃
וְרָאָ֣ה אֶת־הַנֶּ֗גַע וְהִנֵּ֤ה הַנֶּ֙גַע֙ בְּקִירֹ֣ת הַבַּ֔יִת שְׁקַֽעֲרוּרֹת֙ יְרַקְרַקֹּ֔ת א֖וֹ אֲדַמְדַּמֹּ֑ת וּמַרְאֵיהֶ֥ן שָׁפָ֖ל מִן־הַקִּֽיר׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Understanding the Plague in the Walls

The verse describes a specific type of plague (nega) that appears in the walls of a house, characterized by greenish (yerakrakot) or reddish (adamdamot) depressions that appear lower than the surrounding wall. This phenomenon is part of the laws of tzara'at (often mistranslated as "leprosy"), which the Torah associates with spiritual impurity (tum'ah).

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Vayikra 14:37) explains that the discoloration must be deeper than the surface of the wall, forming a depression (sheka'arurot). This physical manifestation is a sign that the house may be afflicted with tzara'at, requiring further examination by a Kohen. Rashi also notes that the colors—greenish and reddish—are indicative of the severity of the impurity.

Symbolism of the Colors

The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 17:5) connects these colors to moral and spiritual failings:

  • Greenish (yerakrakot): Symbolizes envy (kinah), as jealousy can "green" a person's complexion (similar to the phrase "green with envy").
  • Reddish (adamdamot): Represents arrogance and bloodshed (damim), as excessive pride or violent behavior can lead to spiritual decay.

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Hilchot Tum'at Tzara'at 14:9) emphasizes that these plagues were not natural occurrences but supernatural signs from Hashem to prompt introspection and repentance. The depression in the wall (sheka'arurot) serves as a metaphor for moral decline—just as the plague sinks below the surface, so too does sin erode a person's spiritual foundation.

Halachic Implications

The Talmud (Sanhedrin 71a) discusses the rarity of such plagues, noting that they were a divine warning rather than a common event. The Kohen's role was crucial—only he could declare the house impure or pure, reinforcing the idea that spiritual matters require authoritative guidance.

Practical Lessons

This verse teaches that physical manifestations in one's surroundings can reflect deeper spiritual issues. The Torah's detailed laws remind us to:

  • Examine our actions and surroundings for signs of moral decay.
  • Seek guidance from Torah authorities (like the Kohen) when confronting spiritual challenges.
  • Recognize that repentance (teshuvah) is the ultimate remedy for impurity.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Nega'im 12:5
The verse is discussed in the context of the laws concerning leprosy in houses, specifically the appearance of the plague and its characteristics.
📖 Sanhedrin 71a
The verse is referenced in a broader discussion about the interpretation of biblical laws and their applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does the 'plague in the walls of the house' refer to in Leviticus 14:37?
A: The 'plague' (nega) refers to a supernatural discoloration or mold-like affliction that could appear on the walls of a house in biblical times. According to Rashi and the Talmud (Tractate Negaim), this was a divine sign, not merely natural mold, and required examination by a kohen (priest) to determine if it was ritually impure (tamei).
Q: Why are the colors greenish (yerakrakot) and reddish (adamdamot) significant in this verse?
A: The Torah specifies these colors because they indicate the severity of the plague. The Talmud (Negaim 1:1) explains that these shades were clear signs of impurity. Greenish or reddish hues deeper than the wall's surface (shallow depressions) showed the plague was active, requiring further inspection and possibly purification rituals.
Q: What is the spiritual lesson behind the house plague in Leviticus 14:37?
A: The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 17:6) teaches that this plague often resulted from selfishness or stinginess (e.g., refusing to lend items to neighbors). Hashem would afflict the house to prompt introspection and teshuvah (repentance). It reminds us that our homes should be places of generosity and holiness.
Q: How does this law about house plagues apply today?
A: While we no longer have the Temple or kohanim to inspect plagues, the Rambam (Hilchot Tum’at Tzara’at 16:10) explains that the deeper message remains relevant: we must purify our homes from spiritual 'blemishes' like greed or discord. Many have the custom to place a mezuzah—a sign of holiness—on doorposts as spiritual protection.
Q: Why does the verse mention that the plague appears 'lower than the wall'?
A: Rashi explains that the depression (shaka’arurot) being lower than the wall proved it was not superficial dirt but a genuine affliction. The Talmud (Negaim 4:4) adds that this physical sign helped the kohen distinguish between ordinary stains and a true nega requiring purification.