Leviticus 14:15

KJV

And the priest shall take [some] of the log of oil, and pour [it] into the palm of his own left hand:

KJV (with Strong's)

And the priest {H3548} shall take {H3947} some of the log {H3849} of oil {H8081}, and pour {H3332} it into the palm {H3709} of his own {H3548} left hand {H8042}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Next, the cohen is to take some of the two-thirds-pint of olive oil and pour it into the palm of his own left hand,

Berean Standard Bible

Then the priest shall take some of the log of olive oil, pour it into his left palm,

American Standard Version

And the priest shall take of the log of oil, and pour it into the palm of his own left hand;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 14:15 meticulously details a specific action within the purification ritual for an individual healed of *tzara'at*, a severe skin affliction. This verse precisely instructs the priest to take a measured quantity of oil—a "log"—and pour it into the palm of his own left hand. This preparatory step is crucial for the subsequent anointings and offerings on the seventh day of the purification process, underscoring the divine demand for precision, reverence, and thoroughness in sacred rites, symbolizing the complete and divinely orchestrated restoration of the individual to ceremonial cleanness and full reintegration into the covenant community.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 14 presents the comprehensive two-stage ritual for the purification of a person healed from *tzara'at*, a condition often translated as "leprosy" but encompassing various severe skin ailments. The first stage, outlined in [Leviticus 14:1-9](/leviticus/14-1-9 "Leviticus 14:1-9 - Initial Cleansing Ritual for Tzara'at"), involves a preliminary cleansing outside the camp, utilizing two birds, cedar wood, scarlet yarn, and hyssop, followed by shaving and washing. The healed person then remains outside their tent for seven days. [Leviticus 14:10-32](/leviticus/14-10-32 "Leviticus 14:10-32 - Offerings for Purification") details the second stage, occurring on the eighth day, which involves bringing specific offerings—two male lambs, one ewe lamb, fine flour, and a log of oil—to the entrance of the Tent of Meeting. Our verse, [Leviticus 14:15](/leviticus/14-15 "Leviticus 14:15 - Priest Prepares Oil for Anointing"), is an integral part of this second stage, immediately preceding the application of blood and oil to the healed person's earlobe, thumb, and big toe, signifying complete consecration and restoration to fellowship.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, *tzara'at* was more than a physical disease; it carried profound social, ceremonial, and theological implications. Individuals afflicted were considered ritually unclean, leading to their ostracization from the community and exclusion from worship, as vividly described in [Leviticus 13](/leviticus/13 "Leviticus 13 - Laws Concerning Skin Diseases"). This isolation was not punitive but a necessary measure to maintain the holiness of the camp, reflecting God's absolute purity and separation from impurity. The elaborate purification ritual, therefore, served as a dramatic act of divine grace and mercy, enabling the restoration of a marginalized individual back into the covenant community. The priest functioned as the divinely appointed mediator, meticulously executing these rites to ensure the individual's proper cleansing and re-entry, emphasizing the necessity of an intermediary for approaching a holy God and the communal nature of Israelite worship and identity.

* **Key Themes:** This verse, within the broader context of [Leviticus 14](/leviticus/14 "Leviticus 14 - Laws for Cleansing from Tzara'at"), contributes to several key themes. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Holiness and Purity**, demonstrating God's unwavering demand for ceremonial cleanness within His covenant people, essential for maintaining His presence among them. Secondly, it highlights **Divine Order and Precision**, as evidenced by the meticulous instructions for every step of the ritual, including the exact measure of oil and the specific actions of the priest. This precision emphasizes that God's ways are not arbitrary but purposeful and perfect. Thirdly, the passage speaks to **Restoration and Reintegration**, illustrating God's compassionate provision for those who were outcast due to impurity, offering a pathway back into full fellowship. Finally, the role of the priest and the sacrificial elements point to the theme of **Mediation and Atonement**, foreshadowing the ultimate need for a perfect mediator and a complete atoning sacrifice to address the deeper spiritual uncleanness of sin, a theme echoed in [Hebrews 9](/hebrews/9 "Hebrews 9 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Priest (Hebrew, _kôhên_):** This term refers to the divinely appointed individual responsible for mediating between God and the people through sacrifices and rituals. In the context of [Leviticus 14:15](/leviticus/14-15 "Leviticus 14:15 - The Priest's Role in Purification"), the priest's active role in handling the sacred oil underscores his indispensable function in the purification process. He is not merely an administrator but a consecrated figure whose actions are essential for the individual's restoration to ceremonial cleanness and re-entry into the community, acting as God's representative.
* **Log (Hebrew, _lôg_):** This Hebrew term denotes a specific unit of liquid measure, approximately 0.3 liters or about two-thirds of a pint. Its precise inclusion in the instruction emphasizes the divine demand for exact adherence to the ritual. God's meticulousness in specifying even small quantities highlights the sacredness and exactitude required for these purification rites, leaving no room for arbitrary interpretation or casual performance. It underscores that every detail of the ritual was divinely ordained and held profound significance.
* **Oil (Hebrew, _shemen_):** In biblical contexts, oil frequently symbolizes anointing, consecration, healing, and the presence or power of the Holy Spirit. Here, the oil is not merely a common substance but a sacred element. Its application, in conjunction with blood, to specific parts of the healed person (ear, thumb, toe) signifies a thorough and sacred consecration, marking the individual as set apart and restored to God. The oil's symbolic depth points to spiritual renewal, divine blessing, and enablement for a life of holiness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the priest shall take [some] of the log of oil":** This initial clause emphasizes the active and authoritative role of the priest as the designated agent of God in the purification process. The specific mention of "the log of oil" reiterates the precise, divinely stipulated measurement required for the ritual. This detail underscores the meticulous nature of the Mosaic Law and the paramount importance of obedience to God's exact commands in sacred service, highlighting that the offering is not arbitrary but precisely ordained.
* **"and pour [it] into the palm of his own left hand":** This instruction describes a practical and methodical step in the ritual preparation. The priest uses his left hand to hold the oil, likely freeing his right hand for the subsequent actions of dipping his right finger into the oil (and blood) and applying it to the healed person's earlobe, thumb, and big toe, as detailed in the following verses. While no deep symbolic meaning is typically ascribed to the left hand in this specific context, it underscores the orderly, reverent, and intentional execution required for these sacred rites, ensuring that each step was performed with precision and without deviation.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs **Precision** and **Meticulous Detail** as primary literary devices. The exact measurement of the "log of oil" and the specific instruction for the priest to use his "left hand" are not incidental; they underscore the divine demand for absolute adherence to the prescribed ritual. This level of detail serves to emphasize the sanctity of the purification process and the seriousness with which God views ceremonial cleanness and the restoration of His people. Furthermore, **Symbolism** is profoundly evident in the oil itself, which, as a component of the anointing ritual, represents consecration, divine blessing, and the impartation of spiritual purity, preparing the individual for full re-entry into the holy community and a renewed life.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 14:15, as an integral part of the purification ritual for *tzara'at*, profoundly illustrates God's deep concern for purity, wholeness, and restoration within His covenant community. The meticulous steps, including the specific measure of oil and the priestly mediation, underscore that true cleansing and re-entry into fellowship with a holy God are not self-initiated but divinely prescribed and facilitated. This ritual foreshadows the comprehensive and perfect cleansing from sin, which is ultimately provided through a greater High Priest and a superior sacrifice. The oil, symbolizing anointing and the Spirit, points to the spiritual enablement necessary for a life of holiness and communion with God, reminding us that God is the source of all true purification and spiritual renewal.

* [Leviticus 14:1](/leviticus/14-1 "Leviticus 14:1 - Law for Cleansing a Leper")
* [Exodus 30:25](/exodus/30-25 "Exodus 30:25 - The Holy Anointing Oil")
* [Luke 4:18](/luke/4-18 "Luke 4:18 - Jesus' Anointing by the Spirit")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific ritual for *tzara'at* is no longer practiced today, Leviticus 14:15 offers enduring spiritual truths for believers. It reminds us that God is a God of order, holiness, and profound compassion, who cares deeply about our purity and restoration. Just as the healed person needed a divinely appointed priest and specific elements for cleansing, we too recognize our desperate need for divine intervention to be made whole from the defilement of sin. The oil's symbolism of the Holy Spirit encourages us to acknowledge the Spirit's vital and transformative role in our sanctification—our ongoing process of being made holy and set apart for God. We are called to live lives consecrated to God, empowered by the indwelling Spirit, trusting that God desires our complete spiritual integration and flourishing within His family, cleansed and consecrated for His eternal purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulousness of this ritual, down to the "log of oil" and "left hand," speak to God's character and His expectations for our worship and obedience today?**
* **What does the symbolism of oil in this passage teach us about the Holy Spirit's role in our lives, particularly in areas of healing, consecration, and spiritual restoration?**
* **In what ways do we, like the person with *tzara'at*, need God's cleansing and restoration to be fully integrated into His spiritual community and to live out our calling?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the "log" of oil in this ritual?**

Answer: The "log" (לֹג, _log_) refers to a precise unit of liquid measure, approximately 0.3 liters or about two-thirds of a pint. Its specific mention in [Leviticus 14:15](/leviticus/14-15 "Leviticus 14:15 - The Precise Measure of Oil") underscores God's demand for exactness and obedience in the performance of sacred rituals. It emphasizes that every detail of the purification process was divinely ordained and held profound significance, leaving no room for arbitrary interpretation or casual execution. This precision highlights the sanctity of the ritual and the seriousness with which God views ceremonial purity and the restoration of His people to His presence.

**Why did the priest pour the oil into his "left hand"?**

Answer: The instruction for the priest to pour the oil into his "left hand" (as seen in [Leviticus 14:15](/leviticus/14-15 "Leviticus 14:15 - Priest's Left Hand for Oil")) is primarily a practical detail related to the subsequent steps of the ritual. By holding the oil in his left hand, the priest's right hand would remain free to perform the actions of dipping his finger into the oil (and blood) and applying it to specific parts of the healed person's body (the tip of the right ear, the thumb of the right hand, and the big toe of the right foot), as meticulously described in [Leviticus 14:16-17](/leviticus/14-16-17 "Leviticus 14:16-17 - Application of Oil and Blood"). While some traditions might seek deeper symbolism, the immediate context strongly suggests a methodical and orderly approach to ensure the sacred rites were performed efficiently, reverently, and without error.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 14:15, with its meticulous instructions for the oil offering and the priest's role, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The Levitical priest, acting as a mediator for physical and ceremonial cleansing, foreshadows Christ, our ultimate and perfect High Priest, who offers a single, eternal sacrifice for our complete spiritual cleansing from the defilement of sin, as beautifully articulated in [Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice and Cleansing"). The oil, symbolizing anointing and the Holy Spirit, points directly to Jesus, who was anointed by the Spirit without measure ([John 3:34](/john/3-34 "John 3:34 - The Spirit Without Measure")) and began His public ministry proclaiming His anointing to bring good news to the poor, healing to the brokenhearted, and freedom to the captives ([Luke 4:18-19](/luke/4-18-19 "Luke 4:18-19 - Jesus' Nazareth Sermon")). Just as the oil in the Levitical ritual consecrated the healed person for re-entry into the community, so too does the Holy Spirit, poured out through Christ's finished work, consecrate believers, making us new creations in Christ ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")) and integrating us into the spiritual body of Christ, His church. Our spiritual cleansing and restoration are not achieved by an earthly priest or a measured log of oil, but by the precious, atoning blood of the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), and the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit, who empowers us to live lives of holiness and brings us into full and eternal communion with God.

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

Psalms 45:7

Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness: therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.

John 3:34

For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure [unto him].

1 John 2:20

¶ But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things.