Leviticus 14:25

KJV

And he shall kill the lamb of the trespass offering, and the priest shall take [some] of the blood of the trespass offering, and 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 he shall kill {H7819} the lamb {H3532} of the trespass offering {H817}, and the priest {H3548} shall take {H3947} some of the blood {H1818} of the trespass offering {H817}, and 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

He is to slaughter the lamb of the guilt offering; and 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

And after he slaughters the lamb for the guilt offering, the priest is to take some of the blood of 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 he shall kill the lamb of the trespass-offering; and the priest shall take of the blood of the trespass-offering, and 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 14:25 details a crucial phase in the purification ritual for an Israelite healed of _tzara'at_, a severe skin affliction that rendered one ceremonially unclean and socially isolated. This verse describes the application of the blood from a trespass offering to the right ear, thumb, and great toe of the cleansed individual, symbolizing their complete atonement, purification, and re-consecration of their faculties and actions to God, thereby signifying their full restoration to the community and to worship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 14 provides the detailed, two-stage protocol for the purification of a person afflicted with _tzara'at_. The initial stage, outlined in [Leviticus 14:1-9](/leviticus/14-1 "Leviticus 14:1-9 - Initial Cleansing Ritual"), involved a priest examining the individual outside the camp, offering two birds, and performing a ritual washing. This first stage allowed the individual to re-enter the camp but not their home or participate fully in worship. Leviticus 14:25 is part of the second, more comprehensive stage, performed on the eighth day after the initial cleansing. This stage, described from [Leviticus 14:10-32](/leviticus/14-10 "Leviticus 14:10-32 - Second Stage of Purification"), involved a series of offerings—a trespass offering, a sin offering, a burnt offering, and a grain offering—culminating in the application of blood and oil, which fully restored the individual to their home, family, and the full privileges of the covenant community. The specific application of blood and oil in verse 25 mirrors the consecration of priests 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 - Priestly Ordination Ritual"), emphasizing the profound dedication required for restoration.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, _tzara'at_ was not merely a physical disease but a state of profound ceremonial impurity, often seen as a divine judgment or a manifestation of sin. Those afflicted were considered "unclean" and were socially ostracized, living outside the camp (as seen in [Leviticus 13:45-46](/leviticus/13-45 "Leviticus 13:45-46 - Regulations for the Unclean")). The elaborate purification ritual was therefore essential for the individual's reintegration into the community and their spiritual well-being. The offerings—particularly the trespass offering (_'asham_)—addressed not only the defilement but also any potential violation of God's holiness or the rights of others, even if unintentional. The application of blood to specific body parts (ear, thumb, toe) was a powerful symbolic act, signifying a holistic dedication. It communicated that the individual's hearing, actions, and entire walk of life were now consecrated to God, set apart for obedience, service, and a righteous path, reflecting a renewed covenant relationship. This ritual underscored the Israelites' understanding of God's absolute holiness and the meticulous requirements for maintaining purity within His presence.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Trespass Offering (Hebrew, _'asham'_):** This specific offering (also known as the guilt offering) was distinct from the sin offering (_chatta't_). While the sin offering dealt with unintentional sins that defiled the sanctuary or people, the trespass offering typically addressed specific violations where restitution was required, or where there was a violation against God's holy things or a neighbor's property, even if unintentional. In the context of _tzara'at_, its inclusion suggests that the disease was not merely a physical ailment but a state of defilement that required specific atonement, perhaps even hinting at a deeper, unacknowledged transgression or a violation of God's holy order. The blood of this offering thus provided atonement for the defilement and enabled the individual's restoration to a state of purity.
* **Cleansed (Hebrew, _taher'_):** This verb signifies the process of becoming ceremonially pure or clean. It's not merely a physical washing but a ritual purification that removes defilement and makes one acceptable to God and the community. The use of "cleansed" here emphasizes the transformative nature of the ritual, moving the individual from a state of impurity and isolation to one of holiness and full communal participation. The blood application is the climactic act that seals this cleansing, enabling a return to the sacred space and social interaction.
* **Right Ear, Right Thumb, Right Great Toe:** These three specific body parts, all on the right side (often associated with strength, favor, and prominence in biblical thought), carry profound symbolic weight. Their anointing with blood signifies a complete and holistic dedication of the individual's faculties and actions to God. The **right ear** represents hearing and obedience to God's Word; the **right thumb** represents one's actions, work, and service; and the **right great toe** represents one's walk, path, and direction in life. This triple application means that the entire person—their listening, their doing, and their living—is consecrated and set apart for the Lord, now purified and ready to live in accordance with His commands.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he shall kill the lamb of the trespass offering,"**: This phrase establishes the animal sacrifice as the foundational act for atonement. The killing of the lamb signifies the shedding of innocent blood, which is essential for making expiation and providing a means of covering for the defilement associated with _tzara'at_. The trespass offering specifically highlights the seriousness of the impurity as a violation requiring restitution and atonement.
* **"and the priest shall take [some] of the blood of the trespass offering,"**: The priest's role is crucial as the mediator between God and the individual. He is the one authorized to handle the sacred blood, which represents life and is the means of atonement. His action underscores that the cleansing is not self-initiated but divinely ordained and mediated through the established priestly system.
* **"and put [it] upon the tip of the right ear of him that is to be cleansed,"**: This is the first of the three specific applications. The right ear, being the organ of hearing, symbolizes the individual's commitment to attentively listen to and obey God's commands. The application of blood here signifies that their hearing is now sanctified and dedicated to receiving divine instruction.
* **"and upon the thumb of his right hand,"**: The right thumb, representing the primary tool for action, work, and service, symbolizes the individual's commitment to performing righteous deeds and serving God with their strength and abilities. This application consecrates their actions and labor to the Lord.
* **"and upon the great toe of his right foot:"**: The great toe, being foundational for walking and movement, symbolizes the individual's life path, direction, and conduct. The application of blood here signifies that their entire walk of life, their journey, and their choices are now consecrated to following God's ways and walking in purity.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in Leviticus 14:25 is **Symbolism**. The blood itself is a powerful symbol of life, atonement, and cleansing, a recurring motif throughout the Old Testament sacrificial system. The specific body parts—the right ear, thumb, and great toe—are highly symbolic, representing a holistic dedication of the individual's faculties and actions. This tripartite application creates a sense of **Completeness** and **Totality**, emphasizing that every aspect of the cleansed person's being is brought under God's sanctifying power. There is also an element of **Repetition** in the use of "right" and the listing of the body parts, which serves to emphasize the precision and ritualistic importance of the act. Furthermore, this ritual serves as **Typology**, foreshadowing the ultimate and perfect cleansing provided by the blood of Jesus Christ, which cleanses not just from ceremonial impurity but from the defilement of sin itself.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 14:25 powerfully illustrates several enduring theological truths: the absolute necessity of atonement for sin and defilement, God's demand for holiness, and His gracious provision for restoration. The application of blood signifies that life (represented by blood) must be given to cover defilement, pointing to a substitutionary principle. The meticulous dedication of the ear, hand, and foot underscores that true cleansing leads to a consecrated life, where one's hearing, actions, and walk are entirely devoted to God. This ritual, while specific to ancient Israel, speaks to the universal human condition of spiritual defilement and the divine initiative required for reconciliation and renewed fellowship with a holy God.

* [Exodus 29:20](/exodus/29-20 "Exodus 29:20 - Consecration of Priests")
* [Leviticus 8:23-24](/leviticus/8-23 "Leviticus 8:23-24 - Priestly Ordination Ritual")
* [Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Necessity of Blood for Forgiveness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific ritual for _tzara'at_ is no longer practiced, the principles embedded in Leviticus 14:25 remain profoundly relevant for believers today. We recognize that humanity is universally afflicted not by physical _tzara'at_ but by the spiritual defilement of sin, which separates us from a holy God and from true fellowship. Just as the ancient Israelite required a divinely appointed sacrifice and priestly mediation for cleansing and restoration, so too do we require the perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ and His ongoing intercession. This verse calls us to a holistic dedication of our lives to God. Are our ears truly open to hear and obey His Word? Are our hands engaged in righteous work and service that brings Him glory? Is our walk—our daily conduct and life's direction—aligned with His will? The ritual reminds us that true spiritual cleansing is not merely a transactional event but a transformative process that leads to a life wholly consecrated to God, impacting our thoughts, words, and deeds.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I need to be more attentive to hearing and obeying God's Word (my "ear")?**
* **How can I more intentionally consecrate my daily work, actions, and service (my "hand") to God's glory?**
* **Is my overall life's direction and daily walk (my "foot") truly aligned with God's will and purpose for me?**
* **What does the meticulous nature of this ancient cleansing ritual teach me about the seriousness of sin and the depth of God's provision for purity?**

### FAQ

**What was _tzara'at_ and why was its cleansing so elaborate?**

Answer: _Tzara'at_ (often translated as "leprosy") was a severe skin condition, but it likely encompassed a broader range of afflictions than modern leprosy, including mildew on houses and garments. In ancient Israel, it was not merely a physical ailment but a state of profound ceremonial impurity that rendered a person "unclean" and socially ostracized from the community and the tabernacle/temple. Its elaborate cleansing ritual, detailed in [Leviticus 14](/leviticus/14 "Leviticus 14 - Laws for Cleansing from Tzara'at"), underscored the seriousness of defilement in the presence of a holy God. The meticulous steps, including specific sacrifices and the application of blood and oil, emphasized that only through divine provision and priestly mediation could one be restored to purity and full fellowship, highlighting God's absolute holiness and the gravity of anything that violated it.

**Why were the right ear, thumb, and great toe specifically chosen for the blood application?**

Answer: The application of blood to the right ear, right thumb, and right great toe was highly symbolic, mirroring the consecration ritual for priests (see [Exodus 29:20](/exodus/29-20 "Exodus 29:20 - Consecration of Priests") and [Leviticus 8:23-24](/leviticus/8-23 "Leviticus 8:23-24 - Priestly Ordination Ritual")). The "right" side often signified strength, prominence, or favor. The **right ear** symbolizes hearing and obedience to God's Word. The **right thumb** represents one's actions, work, and service. The **right great toe** signifies one's walk, path, and direction in life. Together, these applications symbolize a complete and holistic dedication of the cleansed individual's entire being—their listening, their doing, and their living—to God, now purified and set apart for His service.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 14:25, with its emphasis on the blood of the trespass offering applied for cleansing and dedication, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The lamb killed for the trespass offering foreshadows Jesus, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), whose shed blood provides not merely ceremonial cleansing but complete and eternal atonement for all sin (as seen in [Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Eternal Redemption")). Just as the _tzara'at_ sufferer was isolated by their impurity, humanity is spiritually separated from God by sin, a condition that only Christ's perfect sacrifice can remedy. His blood cleanses us from all unrighteousness (as affirmed in [1 John 1:7](/1_john/1-7 "1 John 1:7 - Cleansing by Christ's Blood")), making us pure and acceptable before a holy God. Furthermore, the dedication of the ear, hand, and foot in the Old Testament ritual prefigures the believer's holistic consecration to Christ in the New Covenant. Through Christ, we are called to present our bodies as [living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifices"), dedicating our hearing to His Word, our hands to His service, and our walk to following His path (as exhorted in [Ephesians 4:1](/ephesians/4-1 "Ephesians 4:1 - Walk Worthy of Your Calling")). Thus, the ancient ritual points forward to the comprehensive cleansing and consecrated life made possible only through union with our crucified and risen Savior.

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

Ecclesiastes 5:1

¶ Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God, and be more ready to hear, than to give the sacrifice of fools: for they consider not that they do evil.

Psalms 40:6

¶ Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire; mine ears hast thou opened: burnt offering and sin offering hast thou not required.

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:

Leviticus 14:20

And the priest shall offer the burnt offering and the meat offering upon the altar: and the priest shall make an atonement for him, and he shall be clean.