share torah logo

Leviticus 14:38 - Priest isolates contaminated home.

Leviticus 14:38 - ויקרא 14:38

Hebrew Text

וְיָצָא הַכֹּהֵן מִן־הַבַּיִת אֶל־פֶּתַח הַבָּיִת וְהִסְגִּיר אֶת־הַבַּיִת שִׁבְעַת יָמִים׃

English Translation

then the priest shall go out of the house to the door of the house, and shut up the house seven days:

Transliteration

Ve'yatza ha'kohen min-ha'bayit el-petach ha'bayit ve'hisgir et-ha'bayit shiv'at yamim.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְיָצָ֧א הַכֹּהֵ֛ן מִן־הַבַּ֖יִת אֶל־פֶּ֣תַח הַבָּ֑יִת וְהִסְגִּ֥יר אֶת־הַבַּ֖יִת שִׁבְעַ֥ת יָמִֽים׃
וְיָצָ֧א הַכֹּהֵ֛ן מִן־הַבַּ֖יִת אֶל־פֶּ֣תַח הַבָּ֑יִת וְהִסְגִּ֥יר אֶת־הַבַּ֖יִת שִׁבְעַ֥ת יָמִֽים׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in Torah

This verse (Vayikra 14:38) appears in the section discussing the laws of tzara'at (often mistranslated as "leprosy") affecting houses. The Torah outlines a detailed process where a Kohen examines a house for signs of impurity and may quarantine it for seven days if certain discolored patches appear.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Vayikra 14:38) explains that the Kohen exits the house before sealing it to avoid becoming ritually impure himself. The act of shutting the house for seven days serves as a period of observation to determine whether the discoloration spreads, which would confirm the impurity. Rashi emphasizes that the Kohen must personally inspect and seal the house – this responsibility cannot be delegated.

Symbolism in Sefer HaChinuch

The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 169) discusses how this law teaches the concept of Divine supervision. The unusual phenomenon of a house being afflicted with tzara'at serves as a wake-up call for repentance, particularly for sins like lashon hara (evil speech). The seven-day quarantine period parallels other purification processes in Torah law, representing a complete cycle of time for introspection.

Halachic Details from Rambam

In Mishneh Torah (Hilchot Tumat Tzara'at 14:1-3), Rambam elaborates on the practical halachot:

  • The Kohen must be the one to declare the quarantine - not a non-Kohen expert
  • The seven-day period begins from the time of sealing, not from when the marks first appeared
  • During this period, the house is considered in a state of "suspended impurity" until the Kohen's final inspection

Midrashic Interpretation

Vayikra Rabbah (17:6) connects this law to the broader theme of Divine mercy. Even when punishing through the affliction of homes, Hashem provides warning signs and opportunities for repentance. The Midrash notes that originally, the Canaanites hid treasures in their walls, and through this process of house tzara'at, the stones would be removed, revealing these treasures to the Jewish inhabitants - showing that what appears as punishment can ultimately bring benefit.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Moed Katan 12b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the laws of quarantine and impurity, particularly in relation to houses afflicted with leprosy as described in Leviticus.
📖 Nega'im 12:5
The Mishnah cites this verse in the context of detailing the procedures a priest must follow when inspecting a house for signs of leprosy, emphasizing the seven-day quarantine period.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Leviticus 14:38 mean about the priest shutting the house for seven days?
A: This verse describes part of the Torah's laws regarding tzara'at (often mistranslated as 'leprosy') that could appear on houses. The priest would inspect a suspicious mark on the house, and if uncertain, would quarantine the house for seven days to observe if it spread (Rashi on Leviticus 14:38). This was a spiritual matter, not just physical.
Q: Why did the priest shut the house for exactly seven days?
A: The number seven is significant in Judaism, representing completion (as in the seven days of creation). The seven-day quarantine period allowed time to properly assess the situation (Rambam, Hilchot Tumat Tzara'at 14:3). It also gave the homeowner time for introspection, as our sages teach that tzara'at came as a consequence for sins like lashon hara (evil speech).
Q: How does this law about houses with tzara'at apply to us today?
A: While we don't have the Temple or functioning priesthood today to implement these laws literally, the Torah's message remains relevant. The Talmud (Arachin 16a) teaches that tzara'at came as a consequence for negative behaviors - reminding us to be mindful of our actions and speech. The seven-day quarantine also teaches the value of patience and proper judgment before making decisions.