Leviticus 14:14

KJV

And the priest shall take [some] of the blood of the trespass offering, and the priest shall put [it] upon the tip of the right ear of him that is to be cleansed, and upon the thumb of his right hand, and upon the great toe of his right foot:

KJV (with Strong's)

And the priest {H3548} shall take {H3947} some of the blood {H1818} of the trespass offering {H817}, and the priest {H3548} shall put {H5414} it upon the tip {H8571} of the right {H3233} ear {H241} of him that is to be cleansed {H2891}, and upon the thumb {H931} of his right {H3233} hand {H3027}, and upon the great toe {H931} of his right {H3233} foot {H7272}:

Complete Jewish Bible

The cohen is to take some of the blood of the guilt offering and put it on the tip of the right ear of the person being purified, on the thumb of his right hand and on the big toe of his right foot.

Berean Standard Bible

The priest is to take some of the blood from the guilt offering and put it on the right earlobe of the one to be cleansed, on the thumb of his right hand, and on the big toe of his right foot.

American Standard Version

And the priest shall take of the blood of the trespass-offering, and the priest shall put it upon the tip of the right ear of him that is to be cleansed, and upon the thumb of his right hand, and upon the great toe of his right foot.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 14:14 describes a pivotal moment in the purification ritual for an individual healed of _tzara'at_, a severe skin condition that rendered one ceremonially unclean. It details the precise application of the blood from the trespass offering by the priest to the tip of the right ear, the thumb of the right hand, and the great toe of the right foot of the person being cleansed. This act was profoundly symbolic, signifying not only atonement for the defilement caused by the condition but also the complete consecration of the individual's faculties—their hearing, actions, and walk—to God as they were restored to full fellowship within the community and participation in worship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 14:14 is situated within the elaborate two-stage purification ceremony for one healed of _tzara'at_, meticulously detailed in [Leviticus 14](/leviticus/14 "Leviticus 14 - Laws for Cleansing from Leprosy"). The initial stage, described in [Leviticus 14:1-9](/leviticus/14-1-9 "Leviticus 14:1-9 - First Stage of Cleansing"), took place outside the camp and involved a ritual with two birds, cedar wood, scarlet yarn, and hyssop, culminating in the shaving of all hair and a ritual bathing. After this, the individual could enter the camp but remained outside their tent for seven days. The second stage, beginning on the eighth day in [Leviticus 14:10](/leviticus/14-10 "Leviticus 14:10 - Offerings for Cleansing"), required bringing a series of sacrifices to the tabernacle: two male lambs, one ewe lamb, and a grain offering. The trespass offering, whose blood is central to verse 14, is the first of these sacrifices, emphasizing the gravity of the defilement and the foundational need for atonement before other offerings for sin and burnt offerings could be made, thereby facilitating full reintegration into the worshiping community.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The condition of _tzara'at_ (often translated as "leprosy" but encompassing a broader range of severe skin afflictions, not solely Hansen's disease) rendered an individual ceremonially unclean and socially ostracized. As meticulously detailed in [Leviticus 13](/leviticus/13 "Leviticus 13 - Laws Concerning Skin Diseases"), those afflicted were required to live outside the camp, symbolizing their separation from God's holy presence and the covenant community. The purification ritual, therefore, was far more than a medical clearance; it was a profound spiritual and social restoration. The application of blood to specific body parts mirrors the consecration rites for priests during their ordination, as seen in [Exodus 29:20](/exodus/29-20 "Exodus 29:20 - Consecration of Priests") and [Leviticus 8:23-24](/leviticus/8-23 "Leviticus 8:23-24 - Aaron's Anointing"), underscoring that the cleansed individual was being set apart for renewed fellowship with God and full participation in the holy community. The meticulous nature of the ritual underscored God's absolute holiness and the necessity of purity for His people to dwell in His presence.
* **Key Themes:** This verse significantly contributes to several overarching themes within Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. It highlights the theme of **Holiness and Purity**, emphasizing God's demand for a clean and consecrated people to dwell in His presence. The ritual underscores the theme of **Atonement and Sacrifice**, demonstrating that defilement requires a blood offering for reconciliation and restoration. Furthermore, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **Mediated Access to God**, as the priest acts as the indispensable intermediary in facilitating the individual's return to a state of purity and fellowship. The detailed instructions for the cleansed individual's reintegration into the community also speak to the theme of **Community and Inclusion**, showing God's desire for His people to live in whole and holy fellowship. The specific application of blood to the ear, hand, and foot points to the theme of **Total Consecration**, signifying that a cleansed life is one wholly dedicated to God in hearing, doing, and walking in His ways, echoing the dedication required for priestly service as described in [Leviticus 8](/leviticus/8 "Leviticus 8 - Consecration of Aaron and His Sons").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Trespass Offering (Hebrew, אָשָׁם, _ʼâshâm'_):** This offering typically addressed specific wrongs, especially those involving sacrilege or defrauding another, often requiring restitution and an additional penalty. In the context of _tzara'at_, the _ʼâshâm_ underscores the gravity of the defilement, which was seen as a profound breach of God's holy order and a separation from His presence. It highlights the need for atonement and restoration for the spiritual and ceremonial "trespass" that the condition represented, even if not a direct moral sin. This offering’s blood provided the specific means for ritual purification and reconciliation.
* **Cleansed (Hebrew, טָהֵר, _ṭâhêr'_):** This verb signifies a transition from a state of ritual impurity to purity, making one ceremonially acceptable to approach God and re-enter the community. It is a declaration of ritual purity by the priest, not merely a physical cure. The root conveys the idea of being "bright" or "pure," implying a state of unadulterated holiness. The repeated use of this term throughout Leviticus emphasizes God's demand for holiness and the meticulous steps required for His people to maintain a pure standing before Him.
* **Right (Hebrew, יְמָנִי, _yᵉmânîy'_):** The consistent specification of the "right" ear, hand, and foot is highly significant. In ancient Israelite culture, the right side was universally associated with strength, favor, skill, and moral rectitude. Its use here emphasizes the totality and intentionality of the consecration. It's not just a part, but the most capable, active, and symbolic part of each limb, signifying a complete dedication of the individual's primary faculties to God. This choice underscores the idea that the entire person, in their most effective capacities, is being set apart for divine service.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the priest shall take [some] of the blood of the trespass offering,"**: This clause establishes the central role of the priest as the mediator in the purification process and highlights the essential element: blood. The blood of the _asham_ offering, already shed, represents the life given in atonement for the defilement. Its application signifies the transfer of cleansing and consecration from the sacrifice to the individual, underscoring that purification is divinely initiated and achieved through a substitute.
* **"and the priest shall put [it] upon the tip of the right ear of him that is to be cleansed,"**: The application of blood to the ear symbolizes the consecration of the individual's hearing and attention. It signifies that the cleansed person is now set apart to hear and obey God's commands, to listen attentively to His Word, and to be responsive to His will. This act marks a renewed commitment to spiritual attentiveness and obedience, emphasizing that true purity involves a receptiveness to divine instruction.
* **"and upon the thumb of his right hand,"**: The blood on the thumb of the right hand signifies the consecration of the individual's actions, labor, and service. The hand, particularly the thumb, is the primary instrument of work, activity, and interaction with the world. This act indicates that the cleansed person's future deeds, their physical and spiritual labor, and their service are to be dedicated to God, performed in holiness and according to His purposes. It speaks to the sanctification of one's practical life.
* **"and upon the great toe of his right foot:"**: The blood on the great toe of the right foot symbolizes the consecration of the individual's walk, path, and direction in life. The foot directs one's movement, journey, and conduct. This signifies that the cleansed person's future steps, their moral conduct, and their entire life's journey are to be directed by God, walking in His ways, pursuing righteousness, and living in accordance with His covenant. It represents the sanctification of one's entire trajectory and lifestyle.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 14:14 is rich in **Symbolism**. The blood itself is a powerful symbol of life, atonement, and purification, signifying the covering and cleansing of defilement. The specific body parts—the ear, hand, and foot—are **Metonymic** representations of the individual's entire being and their core faculties: hearing, doing, and walking. By applying the blood to these key "right" parts, the ritual symbolically consecrates the whole person, dedicating their senses, actions, and life's journey to God. The **Ritual**istic nature of the passage, with its precise instructions and sequential steps, emphasizes the order, holiness, and divine authority inherent in the purification process. It underscores the meticulousness required for approaching a holy God. The **Repetition** of "the priest shall take" and "the priest shall put" underscores the priest's essential mediating role in facilitating the individual's restoration to a state of purity and fellowship with God, highlighting the necessity of an appointed intermediary.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully illustrates several core theological truths: the gravity of sin and defilement, the absolute necessity of atonement through the shedding of blood, and the concept of total consecration that follows divine cleansing. _Tzara'at_ served as a vivid object lesson for the pervasive and defiling nature of sin, which separates humanity from a holy God and His covenant community. The elaborate ritual, centered on the blood of the trespass offering, underscores that reconciliation and cleansing are not achieved through human effort or merit but solely through divine provision and substitutionary sacrifice. The application of blood to specific, vital body parts signifies that true cleansing leads to a comprehensive dedication of one's entire life—mind, body, and spirit—to God's service and obedience, mirroring the consecration of priests for sacred service. This act speaks to the holistic transformation that God desires for His people, where every faculty is brought under His Lordship.

* [Exodus 29:20](/exodus/29-20 "Exodus 29:20 - Consecration of Priests")
* [Leviticus 8:23](/leviticus/8-23 "Leviticus 8:23 - Aaron's Anointing of Priests")
* [Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Necessity of Blood for Remission of Sins")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific rituals of Leviticus 14 are no longer practiced, having been perfectly fulfilled in Jesus Christ, the spiritual principles they embody remain profoundly relevant for believers today. This passage calls us to reflect on the pervasive nature of sin, which, like _tzara'at_, defiles and separates us from God's holy presence and from true fellowship with Him and His people. It powerfully reminds us that our cleansing and restoration come not from our own efforts, good deeds, or perceived merit, but solely through the atoning sacrifice of a perfect substitute. For those who have received Christ's cleansing, this passage serves as a vivid picture of the call to a life of consecration, where every aspect of our being—our thoughts, words, actions, and life's direction—is dedicated to God. We are called to "walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God" ([Colossians 1:10](/colossians/1-10 "Colossians 1:10 - Walking Worthy of the Lord")), using our ears to attentively hear His Word, our hands to diligently do His will, and our feet to faithfully follow His path. Our entire redeemed existence is to be a living offering of worship and obedience.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous nature of this ritual highlight God's absolute holiness and the seriousness of sin in our own lives?**
* **In what specific ways do I need to allow God to "cleanse" and "consecrate" my hearing, my actions, and my walk in my daily life?**
* **How does understanding the Old Testament emphasis on the necessity of blood for cleansing deepen my appreciation for the perfect and complete sacrifice of Jesus Christ?**

### FAQ

**What was _tzara'at_, and why was it so significant in Israelite society?**

Answer: _Tzara'at_ was a severe skin condition (and possibly other afflictions affecting clothing or houses) that rendered an individual ceremonially unclean according to the Mosaic Law. It was not necessarily what we today call Hansen's disease (leprosy) but a broader category of defiling conditions. Its significance lay in its symbolic representation of sin and its defiling effects, which separated the afflicted person from the holy community and the presence of God in the tabernacle. The laws in [Leviticus 13](/leviticus/13 "Leviticus 13 - Laws Concerning Skin Diseases") and [Leviticus 14](/leviticus/14 "Leviticus 14 - Laws for Cleansing from Leprosy") ensured the purity of the camp and underscored the gravity of anything that defiled God's people, emphasizing the need for holiness in a nation called to dwell with a holy God.

**Why were these specific body parts (right ear, right thumb, right great toe) chosen for the application of blood?**

Answer: The selection of the right ear, right thumb, and right great toe was highly symbolic, representing the entire person and their active faculties. The "right" side often denoted strength, honor, and capability in ancient Near Eastern cultures. The ear signifies hearing and obedience to God's commands; the hand (specifically the thumb, essential for grasping and action) represents work, service, and activity; and the foot (specifically the great toe, essential for balance and movement) symbolizes one's walk, path, and direction in life. Applying the blood to these points indicated a complete consecration of the individual's senses, actions, and entire life's journey to God, marking their restoration to a holy status and renewed dedication to His ways. This practice also mirrored the consecration of priests (cf. [Exodus 29:20](/exodus/29-20 "Exodus 29:20 - Consecration of Priests")), emphasizing the sacredness of the cleansed individual's renewed relationship and role within the covenant community.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 14:14, with its intricate ritual of cleansing and consecration, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The blood of the trespass offering, applied to specific body parts, powerfully foreshadows the superior and once-for-all sacrifice of the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), whose own precious blood truly cleanses from all sin. Unlike the temporary and repeated rituals of the Old Covenant, Christ's blood provides eternal redemption and perfect purification, not just from ceremonial defilement but from the spiritual leprosy of sin itself, as [Hebrews 9:12-14](/hebrews/9-12-14 "Hebrews 9:12-14 - Christ's Blood Purifies") profoundly teaches. Through His death on the cross, Christ not only atones for our sin but also consecrates us fully to God, making us holy and blameless in His sight ([Colossians 1:22](/colossians/1-22 "Colossians 1:22 - Reconciled in Christ")). This spiritual cleansing leads to a new life where our "ears" are opened to hear and obey God's Word ([Luke 8:8](/luke/8-8 "Luke 8:8 - He Who Has Ears to Hear")), our "hands" are empowered to do His will and serve others in love ([Ephesians 2:10](/ephesians/2-10 "Ephesians 2:10 - Created for Good Works")), and our "feet" are directed to walk in His paths of righteousness ([Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Romans 6:4 - Walking in Newness of Life")). Thus, the physical ritual of Leviticus points directly to the spiritual reality of total transformation and consecration achieved through our union with Christ, making us living sacrifices ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifices")), wholly dedicated to Him in every aspect of our being.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Exodus 29:20

Then shalt thou kill the ram, and take of his blood, and put [it] upon the tip of the right ear of Aaron, and upon the tip of the right ear of his sons, and upon the thumb of their right hand, and upon the great toe of their right foot, and sprinkle the blood upon the altar round about.

Leviticus 8:23

And he slew [it]; and Moses took of the blood of it, and put [it] upon the tip of Aaron's right ear, and upon the thumb of his right hand, and upon the great toe of his right foot.

Leviticus 8:24

And he brought Aaron's sons, and Moses put of the blood upon the tip of their right ear, and upon the thumbs of their right hands, and upon the great toes of their right feet: and Moses sprinkled the blood upon the altar round about.

2 Corinthians 7:1

¶ Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

Philippians 1:20

According to my earnest expectation and [my] hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but [that] with all boldness, as always, [so] now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether [it be] by life, or by death.

Isaiah 1:5

Why should ye be stricken any more? ye will revolt more and more: the whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint.

Romans 6:13

Neither yield ye your members [as] instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members [as] instruments of righteousness unto God.