ויקרא, פרק י״ד, פסוק מ״ח

The purification process of an afflicted house reaches a critical turning point when the physical repairs are put to the test. After the infected stones are extracted and the walls are thoroughly scraped and replastered, the priest returns to evaluate whether the affliction has been completely eradicated or remains embedded in the structure. This inspection takes place at the end of the second week, following an additional seven-day quarantine imposed after the repairs [רש״י, ביאור יש״ר, רד צ הופמן]. Although the instruction for this inspection only explicitly mentions the replastering of the house [ביאור שטיינזלץ], commentators agree this is a concise shorthand. It inherently includes all the necessary preceding steps, namely the removal of the stones and the scraping of the walls [רש״י, רד צ הופמן].

During this visit, the priest carefully examines the house to see if the affliction has spread. At this stage, a lack of spreading means the mark has neither bloomed anew nor returned to its original spot after the treatment. Legally, any reappearance of the affliction after the stones have been removed is classified as spreading [רלב״ג, בכור שור, ביאור יש״ר, רד צ הופמן]. A fundamental rule is established regarding an affliction that remains entirely unchanged. Because purity is conditional on the house being completely healed by the extraction and replastering, a stagnant mark is problematic. If the affliction does not spread but also fails to disappear, remaining exactly as it was during the first or second week of quarantine, the house is not pure. A lack of spreading only serves as a sign of purity after the stones are replaced and the walls are replastered. If the affliction stands unchanged before these corrective actions are taken, the house must still undergo the full process of stone removal, scraping, replastering, and a third week of quarantine [רש״י, רד צ הופמן].

When the inspection confirms that no new affliction has emerged, it serves as absolute proof that the deep-seated rot was entirely removed from the stones and did not compromise the rest of the building [רלב״ג]. With the house finally healed, the priest initiates the purification. This begins as a verbal act, with the priest officially declaring the home to be pure [חזקוני]. Once this spoken confirmation is made, the practical and physical steps of the purification ritual can proceed [ביאור יש״ר].