share torah logo

Leviticus 14:36 - Purify before priest enters plague.

Leviticus 14:36 - ויקרא 14:36

Hebrew Text

וְצִוָּה הַכֹּהֵן וּפִנּוּ אֶת־הַבַּיִת בְּטֶרֶם יָבֹא הַכֹּהֵן לִרְאוֹת אֶת־הַנֶּגַע וְלֹא יִטְמָא כָּל־אֲשֶׁר בַּבָּיִת וְאַחַר כֵּן יָבֹא הַכֹּהֵן לִרְאוֹת אֶת־הַבָּיִת׃

English Translation

then the priest shall command that they empty the house, before the priest go into it to see the plague, so that all that is in the house be not made unclean: and afterward the priest shall go in to see the house:

Transliteration

V'tziva hakohen ufinu et-habayit b'terem yavo hakohen lir'ot et-hanega v'lo yitama kol-asher babayit v'achar ken yavo hakohen lir'ot et-habayit.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְצִוָּ֨ה הַכֹּהֵ֜ן וּפִנּ֣וּ אֶת־הַבַּ֗יִת בְּטֶ֨רֶם יָבֹ֤א הַכֹּהֵן֙ לִרְא֣וֹת אֶת־הַנֶּ֔גַע וְלֹ֥א יִטְמָ֖א כׇּל־אֲשֶׁ֣ר בַּבָּ֑יִת וְאַ֥חַר כֵּ֛ן יָבֹ֥א הַכֹּהֵ֖ן לִרְא֥וֹת אֶת־הַבָּֽיִת׃
וְצִוָּ֨ה הַכֹּהֵ֜ן וּפִנּ֣וּ אֶת־הַבַּ֗יִת בְּטֶ֨רֶם יָבֹ֤א הַכֹּהֵן֙ לִרְא֣וֹת אֶת־הַנֶּ֔גַע וְלֹ֥א יִטְמָ֖א כׇּל־אֲשֶׁ֣ר בַּבָּ֑יִת וְאַ֥חַר כֵּ֛ן יָבֹ֥א הַכֹּהֵ֖ן לִרְא֥וֹת אֶת־הַבָּֽיִת׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in Torah

The verse (Vayikra 14:36) discusses the laws of tzara'at (often mistranslated as "leprosy") affecting houses, a supernatural affliction that served as a divine warning for spiritual failings. The Torah mandates that before the Kohen (priest) enters to inspect the house for signs of impurity, all contents must be removed to prevent them from becoming ritually impure (tamei).

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Vayikra 14:36) emphasizes the practical and spiritual wisdom behind this commandment:

  • Preventing Unnecessary Loss: By removing the household items first, the Torah ensures that only the house itself becomes impure if the tzara'at is confirmed, sparing the owner's possessions.
  • Divine Mercy: Even in rebuke, Hashem shows compassion—the removal of belongings gives the homeowner an opportunity to reflect and repent before the inspection.

Halachic Implications (Rambam)

In Hilchot Tumat Tzara'at (16:1), the Rambam codifies this law, noting:

  • The obligation applies even if the homeowner is certain the house is afflicted—only the Kohen's declaration renders it impure.
  • Items left in the house become impure retroactively once the Kohen confirms the nega (affliction), underscoring the importance of heeding this precaution.

Midrashic Insight (Torat Kohanim)

The Torat Kohanim (Sifra, Metzora 3:5) expands on the ethical dimension:

  • The emptying of the house serves as a public act of humility, signaling the homeowner's willingness to accept divine judgment.
  • This process mirrors the introspection required during repentance—just as physical items are removed, one must "empty" themselves of arrogance to correct their ways.

Kabbalistic Perspective (Zohar)

The Zohar (Vayikra 51a) interprets the verse symbolically:

  • The "house" represents the human body, and the "vessels" are one's deeds. Before divine judgment, one must "remove" negative actions to avoid being spiritually contaminated.
  • The Kohen's delayed entry teaches that true inspection (self-assessment) requires preparatory cleansing of one's environment.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Nega'im 12:5
The verse is discussed in the context of the laws concerning the purification of houses afflicted with leprosy (tzara'at). The Talmud elaborates on the procedures the priest must follow, including the requirement to empty the house before inspection to prevent unnecessary impurity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Leviticus 14:36 mean?
A: Leviticus 14:36 discusses the process for inspecting a house suspected of having tzara'at (a spiritual affliction often mistranslated as 'leprosy'). The priest commands that the house be emptied before he enters to examine it. This prevents the household items from becoming ritually impure (tamei) if the house is indeed afflicted. Only after the house is emptied does the priest enter to inspect it.
Q: Why is it important to empty the house before the priest inspects it?
A: According to Rashi and Talmudic sources (Tractate Negaim), emptying the house before inspection prevents unnecessary ritual impurity (tumah) from spreading to the household items. If the house is confirmed to have tzara'at, everything inside would become impure. By removing belongings first, the Torah shows compassion, minimizing loss and impurity.
Q: What can we learn from Leviticus 14:36 today?
A: This verse teaches the importance of preventing unnecessary harm and acting with foresight. The Torah emphasizes careful judgment (like the priest's inspection) and protecting people's possessions. Today, we apply this by being cautious in decision-making and considering consequences before acting, especially in matters affecting others.
Q: How does tzara'at in a house differ from tzara'at on a person?
A: The Talmud (Arachin 16a) explains that tzara'at on houses (unlike on people) was a rare occurrence meant to prompt self-reflection. Rashi notes it often resulted from selfishness or refusing to lend possessions. The purification process for a house (described in later verses) was different, involving scraping stones and replastering, showing that spiritual corrections require active change.
Q: Why does the Torah discuss houses becoming impure?
A: The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 17:6) teaches that G-d cares about all aspects of life, including our homes. Tzara'at on houses served as a wake-up call for repentance, emphasizing that holiness extends beyond the Temple to daily living. The Rambam (Hilchot Tum'at Tzara'at) also sees it as a lesson that our environment reflects our spiritual state.