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Leviticus 14:47 - Impurity demands purification rituals.

Leviticus 14:47 - ויקרא 14:47

Hebrew Text

וְהַשֹּׁכֵב בַּבַּיִת יְכַבֵּס אֶת־בְּגָדָיו וְהָאֹכֵל בַּבַּיִת יְכַבֵּס אֶת־בְּגָדָיו׃

English Translation

And he that lies in the house shall wash his clothes; and he that eats in the house shall wash his clothes.

Transliteration

Vehashokhev babayit yekhabes et-begadav veha'okhel babayit yekhabes et-begadav.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְהַשֹּׁכֵ֣ב בַּבַּ֔יִת יְכַבֵּ֖ס אֶת־בְּגָדָ֑יו וְהָאֹכֵ֣ל בַּבַּ֔יִת יְכַבֵּ֖ס אֶת־בְּגָדָֽיו׃
וְהַשֹּׁכֵ֣ב בַּבַּ֔יִת יְכַבֵּ֖ס אֶת־בְּגָדָ֑יו וְהָאֹכֵ֣ל בַּבַּ֔יִת יְכַבֵּ֖ס אֶת־בְּגָדָֽיו׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse appears in Vayikra (Leviticus) 14:47, within the Torah's discussion of the laws of tzara'at (often translated as leprosy, but understood in Jewish tradition as a spiritual affliction). The verse addresses the purification process for a house afflicted with tzara'at and the obligations of those who enter or dwell in it.

Explanation of the Verse

The verse states that anyone who lies down or eats in a house afflicted with tzara'at must wash their clothes. Rashi (Vayikra 14:47) explains that this requirement applies even if the person only enters the house briefly—lying down or eating are singled out because they indicate a more prolonged or intimate presence in the house, making the person susceptible to ritual impurity (tum'ah).

Spiritual Implications

The Midrash Tanchuma (Metzora 4) connects the laws of tzara'at to the sin of lashon hara (evil speech). The requirement to wash one's clothes after entering an afflicted house serves as a reminder that impurity can spread through association with negative environments or behaviors. The Rambam (Hilchot Tumat Tzara'at 16:10) emphasizes that these laws were given to encourage introspection and repentance.

Practical Halachic Considerations

  • Washing Clothes: The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 173) notes that washing clothes symbolizes purification from spiritual contamination, as garments are the closest external layer to a person.
  • Duration of Stay: The Talmud (Nega'im 13:7) clarifies that even a short stay involving lying down or eating triggers the obligation, while merely passing through does not.
  • Modern Application: While the laws of tzara'at are not applicable today, the principle of distancing oneself from spiritually harmful environments remains relevant (Chazon Ish, Tahorot 15:6).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Niddah 71a
The verse is cited in a discussion about the laws of ritual impurity, specifically regarding the requirement to wash one's clothes after being in a house where a corpse is present.
📖 Moed Katan 27b
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing mourning practices and the impurity associated with a house where a death has occurred.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Leviticus 14:47 mean?
A: Leviticus 14:47 discusses the laws of ritual impurity (tum'ah) related to a house afflicted with tzara'at (a spiritual affliction often mistranslated as 'leprosy'). The verse states that anyone who lies or eats in such a house becomes impure and must wash their clothes. This teaches that contact with impurity requires purification, as explained in Rashi and the Talmud (Nega'im 12–13).
Q: Why is washing clothes mentioned for impurity?
A: Washing clothes is part of the purification process for certain types of ritual impurity, as taught in the Torah and expanded upon in the Mishnah (Mikvaot 9:5). It symbolizes removing spiritual contamination and returning to a state of purity, similar to other purification rituals in Jewish law (halacha).
Q: Does this law about impurity apply today?
A: While the laws of tzara'at and house impurity are not currently applicable (since we lack the Temple and the Kohen's role in diagnosing it), the underlying principles—such as maintaining spiritual purity and being mindful of our surroundings—remain important in Jewish thought, as discussed by the Rambam (Hilchot Tumat Tzara'at).
Q: What can we learn from Leviticus 14:47?
A: This verse teaches that our environment affects our spiritual state. Just as physical impurity could be transmitted through a house, we must be mindful of influences in our lives that may distance us from holiness, as emphasized in Midrash Torat Kohanim and Jewish ethical works (e.g., Chovot HaLevavot).