Leviticus 14:16

KJV

And the priest shall dip his right finger in the oil that [is] in his left hand, and shall sprinkle of the oil with his finger seven times before the LORD:

KJV (with Strong's)

And the priest {H3548} shall dip {H2881} his right {H3233} finger {H676} in the oil {H8081} that is in his left {H8042} hand {H3709}, and shall sprinkle {H5137} of the oil {H8081} with his finger {H676} seven {H7651} times {H6471} before {H6440} the LORD {H3068}:

Complete Jewish Bible

dip his right finger in the oil that is in his left hand and sprinkle from the oil with his finger seven times before ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

dip his right forefinger into the oil in his left palm, and sprinkle some of the oil with his finger seven times before the LORD.

American Standard Version

and the priest shall dip his right finger in the oil that is in his left hand, and shall sprinkle of the oil with his finger seven times before Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 14:16 meticulously describes a pivotal action within the purification ritual for an individual healed of *tsara'at*, a severe skin condition. It details the priest dipping his right finger into consecrated oil held in his left hand and then carefully sprinkling this oil seven times "before the LORD." This precise act signifies a profound moment of consecration, cleansing, and complete restoration to ritual purity, allowing the formerly defiled individual to re-enter sacred space and full fellowship with God and the community.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the second, more elaborate phase of the two-stage purification process for someone declared clean from *tsara'at*, as comprehensively outlined in [Leviticus 14](/leviticus/14 "Leviticus 14 - Purification Rituals for Tsara'at"). The initial stage, detailed in [Leviticus 14:1-9](/leviticus/14-1-9 "Leviticus 14:1-9 - Initial Cleansing Ritual"), took place outside the camp and focused on the priest's declaration of cleanliness, the shaving of all hair, washing of clothes, and the offering of two birds, enabling the individual to re-enter the camp but not yet their tent. The second stage, commencing in [Leviticus 14:10](/leviticus/14-10 "Leviticus 14:10 - Offerings for Purification"), shifted to the Tabernacle (or later, the Temple) and involved a series of significant sacrifices: a male lamb for a guilt offering, a ewe lamb for a sin offering, another male lamb for a burnt offering, and fine flour mixed with oil for a grain offering. Crucially, this stage also included the application of blood from the guilt offering and then oil to the earlobe, thumb, and big toe of the purified person, emphasizing both atonement and consecration. Verse 16 specifically describes the application of oil to the altar area after the blood has been applied to the individual, serving as a further act of consecration and dedication "before the LORD."
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** *Tsara'at* (Hebrew: צָרַעַת), often translated as "leprosy," was a broad term encompassing various severe skin afflictions, and even mildew or mold on garments and houses, as described in [Leviticus 13](/leviticus/13 "Leviticus 13 - Laws Concerning Tsara'at"). In ancient Israel, such conditions were considered profound states of ritual impurity, rendering an individual unclean and necessitating their isolation from the community, as prescribed in [Leviticus 13:45-46](/leviticus/13-45-46 "Leviticus 13:45-46 - Regulations for the Unclean Person"). This separation was not merely for public health but primarily due to the belief that impurity, whether physical or moral, hindered one's ability to approach a holy God and participate in communal worship. The purification ritual, therefore, was a profound act of divine grace and restoration—not merely physical healing (which was presumed to have already occurred for the priest to declare them clean) but spiritual and social reintegration. The priest's role was paramount as the divinely appointed mediator, discerning the state of the *tsara'at* and overseeing the meticulous steps of purification, which served to re-establish the individual's holiness and right standing before God and within the covenant community.
* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 14:16 contributes significantly to several major themes found throughout the book of Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost among these is the **Holiness of God** and the corresponding requirement for **Purity and Impurity** within the covenant community. The elaborate ritual underscores that a holy God demands a holy people, and any defilement must be meticulously addressed through divinely prescribed means. The verse also highlights the theme of **Atonement and Cleansing**, as the oil application follows the blood sacrifice, signifying a complete process of purification that addresses both the defilement and the restoration to a sanctified state. Finally, the ritual emphasizes **Divine Restoration and Reintegration**, demonstrating God's desire to bring the isolated and defiled back into full fellowship and participation within the community and His presence. This act of sprinkling oil "before the LORD" reinforces the idea that true cleansing is ultimately a divine work, enabling renewed communion.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Priest (Hebrew, _kôhên'_):** The Hebrew word כֹּהֵן (*kôhên*) refers to one who officiates in sacred rites, specifically a priest. In the Israelite cultic system, the priest served as a mediator between God and humanity, responsible for administering the sacrificial system, discerning ritual purity, and offering intercession. In this context, the priest's actions are not merely human but divinely ordained, ensuring the efficacy and proper execution of the purification ritual. His "right finger" and "left hand" emphasize the precise and deliberate nature of his sacred duty.
* **Dip (Hebrew, _ṭâbal'_):** The verb טָבַל (*ṭâbal*) means "to dip" or "to immerse." It implies a complete saturation of the object in the liquid. Here, the priest's finger is fully dipped into the oil, ensuring that it is thoroughly coated and ready to impart the sacred oil in the subsequent sprinkling. This act of dipping signifies the full appropriation of the oil's symbolic qualities—consecration and anointing—before its ritual application.
* **Sprinkle (Hebrew, _nâzâh'_):** The verb נָזָה (*nâzâh*) denotes a ritual act of sprinkling, specifically associated with purification and expiation. Unlike pouring, sprinkling distributes the sacred substance in a controlled, ritualistic manner. It is used for sprinkling blood ([Leviticus 4:6](/leviticus/4-6 "Leviticus 4:6 - Sprinkling Blood in the Sin Offering")) or water ([Numbers 19:18](/numbers/19-18 "Numbers 19:18 - Sprinkling Water of Purification")) for cleansing purposes. In this context, the sprinkling of oil symbolizes the impartation of cleansing and consecration, distributing the sacred essence of the oil in a ritualistic manner that signifies a thorough and complete application of its purifying power.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** The Hebrew word יְהֹוָה (*Yᵉhôvâh*) is the sacred, covenantal name of God, often rendered as "Yahweh" or "Jehovah" and translated as "the LORD" in English Bibles. It signifies God's self-existence, eternality, and His covenant faithfulness. The phrase "before the LORD" underscores that this entire ritual is performed in God's holy presence, for His approval, and according to His divine command. It highlights that the purification and restoration are ultimately a divine work, making the individual's re-entry into the community a matter of divine acceptance and renewed covenant relationship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the priest shall dip his right finger in the oil that [is] in his left hand":** This clause initiates the precise action, highlighting the meticulous nature of the ritual and the priest's specific role. The designation of the "right finger" (often associated with strength, action, and blessing in biblical contexts) and the "left hand" (holding the oil, suggesting a careful, steady support) emphasizes the deliberate and controlled application of the sacred substance. It underscores the priest's mediatorial function and the careful adherence to divine instructions, ensuring the ritual's efficacy and the individual's proper restoration.
* **"and shall sprinkle of the oil with his finger seven times before the LORD":** This specifies the action and its sacred context. The act of sprinkling, as discussed, is a ritualistic application of cleansing and consecration, distributing the oil's sacred properties. Performing this "seven times" is profoundly significant, signifying the completeness, perfection, and divine fullness of the purification, indicating a divinely sanctioned and thorough restoration. The phrase "before the LORD" is crucial, emphasizing that this entire ritual is performed in God's direct presence and for His approval, making the individual's restoration a matter of divine acceptance and re-entry into a right covenant relationship.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 14:16 employs several significant literary devices to convey its profound theological message. **Symbolism** is paramount, with the "oil" representing consecration, the presence of the divine, and the setting apart of the individual for God. The act of "sprinkling" itself is symbolic of purification, the impartation of sacredness, and the distribution of divine grace. The number "seven" functions as a powerful numerical **symbolism**, signifying completeness, perfection, and divine fullness, reinforcing the idea that the cleansing is absolute and divinely sanctioned. The meticulous detail in the instructions, such as specifying the "right finger" and "left hand," demonstrates **precision** and **ritualistic language**, emphasizing the sacredness and unalterable nature of the divine commands. This detailed instruction ensures the ritual's efficacy and underscores the gravity of the purification process, leaving no room for human improvisation in a matter of such spiritual significance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 14:16, as an integral part of the comprehensive *tsara'at* purification ritual, powerfully illustrates God's unwavering commitment to holiness and His profound desire for the complete restoration of His people. The meticulous steps underscore that defilement, whether physical or spiritual, requires a divinely ordained process for cleansing and re-entry into fellowship. The oil symbolizes divine anointing and consecration, setting apart the individual for God, while the "seven times" sprinkling signifies the thoroughness and perfection of God's work in cleansing and making whole. This ancient ritual, therefore, points to a deeper theological truth: God provides the means for purification and desires full communion with those who were separated by impurity or sin, establishing a pathway back to His holy presence.

* [Exodus 30:25](/exodus/30-25 "Holy Anointing Oil")
* [Psalm 23:5](/psalm/23-5 "Anointing with Oil and Overflowing Cup")
* [Hebrews 9:13-14](/hebrews/9-13-14 "Cleansing by Christ's Blood")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific ritual of Leviticus 14 is no longer practiced, its underlying principles offer profound insights for contemporary believers. This passage reminds us of God's meticulous care for our spiritual and physical well-being, His desire for our complete restoration from all forms of defilement, and the thoroughness of His cleansing work. Just as the *tsara'at* sufferer needed a divinely appointed priest and a prescribed ritual for cleansing and reintegration, so too do we, as those defiled by sin, require a divine work for our purification and reconciliation with God. The oil, symbolizing consecration and the Holy Spirit, points us to the ongoing work of the Spirit in sanctifying and setting us apart for God's purposes. The "seven times" sprinkling assures us that God's work of purification in our lives, when we surrender to His grace, is complete and perfect, leading to full communion and purpose. It compels us to trust in God's comprehensive provision for our holiness and to walk in the freedom of His complete restoration.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you sense a need for God's complete cleansing and restoration, similar to the *tsara'at* sufferer's journey?**
* **How does the meticulousness of this ancient ritual speak to the thoroughness of God's work in our lives today, particularly through the Holy Spirit's sanctifying power?**
* **Considering the symbolism of oil, how do you experience the Holy Spirit's anointing and consecration in your daily walk with God, setting you apart for His purposes?**

### FAQ

**What was *tsara'at*, and why was its purification so elaborate?**

Answer: *Tsara'at* (Hebrew: צָרַעַת) was a severe skin condition, often translated as "leprosy," but likely encompassing a broader range of afflictions including mildew on houses and garments, as described in [Leviticus 13](/leviticus/13 "Leviticus 13 - Laws Concerning Tsara'at"). It was considered a profound state of ritual impurity, rendering a person unclean and separated from the community and the presence of God. Its elaborate purification ritual, as seen in [Leviticus 14](/leviticus/14 "Leviticus 14 - Purification Rituals for Tsara'at"), was necessary not just for physical healing (which was a prerequisite for the ritual) but primarily for spiritual and social restoration. It symbolized the defilement of sin and the meticulous divine process required to restore an individual to holiness and full communion with God and the covenant community, emphasizing the gravity of impurity in the presence of a holy God.

**What is the significance of the oil and sprinkling "seven times" in this ritual?**

Answer: The oil (שֶׁמֶן, *shemen*) in biblical rituals frequently symbolizes consecration, anointing, and the presence or impartation of the Holy Spirit. Here, its application signifies the setting apart of the purified individual for God, marking their restoration to a state of holiness and fitness for worship and service. The act of sprinkling (נָזָה, *nâzâh*) is a ritualistic method of applying sacred substances for purification or consecration, ensuring a thorough distribution. The number "seven" (שֶׁבַע, *sheba*) is highly symbolic in the Bible, representing completeness, perfection, and divine fullness. Therefore, sprinkling the oil "seven times" underscores the thoroughness, divine sanction, and perfection of the cleansing and consecration, indicating that the restoration is absolute and divinely complete, leaving no room for residual impurity and signifying a full re-entry into God's perfect order.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 14:16, with its meticulous ritual of oil application for the *tsara'at* sufferer, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The priest's mediatorial role in this ancient ceremony powerfully foreshadows Christ, our great High Priest, who mediates a superior covenant and offers a perfect, once-for-all sacrifice for our cleansing ([Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - Christ, the Mediator of a Better Covenant")). Just as the oil symbolized consecration and the setting apart of the purified individual, the anointing of believers with the Holy Spirit through Christ's redemptive work marks our consecration and new identity in Him ([2 Corinthians 1:21-22](/2_corinthians/1-21-22 "2 Corinthians 1:21-22 - God's Anointing and Seal")). The *tsara'at* sufferer, once isolated by impurity, is fully restored through this ritual, pointing to Christ's power to cleanse us from the defilement of sin, which truly separates us from God ([Isaiah 59:2](/isaiah/59-2 "Isaiah 59:2 - Your Sins Have Separated You")). His atoning blood, not merely the blood of lambs, provides the ultimate and complete purification ([1 John 1:7](/1_john/1-7 "1 John 1:7 - Cleansing by Christ's Blood")), and the "seven times" sprinkling of oil finds its spiritual parallel in the perfect and complete work of redemption accomplished on the cross. This ensures our full and eternal restoration to fellowship with God, made possible by the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), and by the Spirit who continually sanctifies us.

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

Luke 17:18

There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger.

Leviticus 4:6

And the priest shall dip his finger in the blood, and sprinkle of the blood seven times before the LORD, before the vail of the sanctuary.

Leviticus 4:17

And the priest shall dip his finger [in some] of the blood, and sprinkle [it] seven times before the LORD, [even] before the vail.

1 Corinthians 10:31

Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.