Leviticus 14:14

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:

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}:

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.

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.

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

Leviticus 14:14 is a detailed instruction within the ceremonial law of ancient Israel, specifically addressing the purification rites for someone healed of tzara'at, a severe skin condition often translated as leprosy.

Context

This verse is part of an elaborate two-part ritual described in Leviticus chapter 14 for the cleansing and reintegration of an individual healed from tzara'at. This condition rendered a person ceremonially unclean and socially isolated. The ritual was not merely for physical recovery but for spiritual and social restoration, allowing the person to return to the community and the tabernacle worship. The priest played a crucial role in declaring the person clean and overseeing the intricate sequence of sacrifices and purifications.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Atonement and Cleansing: The blood of the trespass offering (Hebrew: asham) was vital. While a trespass offering typically dealt with specific wrongs, here it emphasizes the need for atonement for the defilement caused by the *tzara'at* and the gravity of sin that separates one from God's holy presence.
  • Consecration and Dedication: The application of blood to the tip of the right ear, the thumb of the right hand, and the great toe of the right foot is highly symbolic. This practice is also seen in the ordination of priests (Leviticus 8:23), signifying that the entire person—their hearing (ear), their actions (hand), and their walk (foot)—is consecrated to God. For the cleansed individual, it represents a renewed dedication to obey, serve, and walk in God's ways.
  • Holiness and Purity: The meticulous nature of the ritual underscores God's absolute holiness and His demand for purity from His people. Every detail emphasizes the transition from defilement to a state of ceremonial cleanliness, essential for fellowship with God.

Linguistic Insights

The term "trespass offering" comes from the Hebrew word asham, which denotes guilt and the need for restitution or compensation for a wrong committed, often against God's holy things or another person. In this context, it highlights the spiritual defilement that tzara'at represented and the necessity of divine provision for restoration.

Practical Application

While these Old Testament rituals are no longer practiced today, having been fulfilled in Christ, their principles offer profound spiritual truths:

  • The Need for Cleansing: Just as *tzara'at* separated individuals from the community and God, sin separates us. This ritual points to the universal human need for spiritual cleansing and atonement.
  • Foreshadowing Christ: The elaborate blood rituals of the Old Testament, including the trespass offering, powerfully foreshadow the ultimate and perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ. His blood provides the complete and final cleansing from sin, making true reconciliation with God possible, for without shedding of blood is no remission.
  • Total Consecration: For believers, our cleansing through Christ leads to a consecration of our entire being—our ears to hear God's Word, our hands to do His will, and our feet to walk in His paths. This reflects a life transformed by grace, dedicated to obedience and service.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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.
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