Leviticus 14:27

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

Complete Jewish Bible

and sprinkle with his right hand some of the oil that is in his left hand seven times before ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 14:27 describes a pivotal moment in the purification ritual for a person healed of *tzara'at*, often translated as leprosy. In this precise act, the priest, acting as God's designated mediator, takes consecrated oil in his left hand and, using his right finger, sprinkles it seven times "before the LORD." This meticulously prescribed action symbolizes the complete and divine re-consecration of the formerly defiled individual, signifying their full restoration to ritual purity, community fellowship, and a state of acceptance in God's presence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 14 meticulously details the two-stage purification process for someone healed of *tzara'at*, a severe skin affliction. The initial stage, described in [Leviticus 14:1-9](/leviticus/14-1 "Leviticus 14:1-9 - Initial Purification for Tzara'at"), occurred outside the camp and involved two birds, cedar wood, scarlet yarn, and hyssop, culminating in the shaving of all hair and washing of clothes. After seven days, the second, more comprehensive stage began on the eighth day, which is where [Leviticus 14:27](/leviticus/14-27 "Leviticus 14:27 - The Sprinkling of Oil") is situated. This latter stage involved a series of sacrifices—a guilt offering, a sin offering, a burnt offering, and a grain offering—along with the application of blood and oil to specific parts of the cleansed person's body (earlobe, thumb, big toe) and the sevenfold sprinkling of oil before the LORD. This sequence underscores the progressive nature of purification, moving from initial cleansing to full re-integration and consecration within the community and before God.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The condition of *tzara'at* (צָרַעַת), often rendered "leprosy," was not strictly the modern Hansen's disease but encompassed a broader range of debilitating skin diseases, and even mildew on garments and houses, as described in [Leviticus 13](/leviticus/13 "Leviticus 13 - Laws Concerning Skin Diseases"). It was considered a profound state of ritual impurity, rendering the afflicted person ceremonially unclean and requiring strict isolation from the Israelite camp and community. This isolation was not merely for public health but primarily for ritual purity, as defilement could compromise the holiness of the camp where God's presence dwelled. The priest's role was crucial; he was the divinely appointed authority to diagnose *tzara'at*, declare a person unclean, and, upon healing, oversee the elaborate purification rituals that allowed for re-entry into society and worship. The meticulous nature of these rituals, including the use of oil, sacrifices, and specific gestures, highlighted the gravity of defilement and the absolute necessity of divine intervention and priestly mediation for restoration to a holy God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Priest (Hebrew, _kohen'_):** The *kohen* was not merely a ritual functionary but a divinely appointed mediator between God and Israel. His actions in the purification process were not arbitrary but were precisely prescribed by God, underscoring the sacredness and divine authority behind the ritual. The priest's role in handling the oil and performing the sprinkling signified that this act of re-consecration was sanctioned and effective in God's eyes, essential for the individual's re-entry into the holy community.
* **Oil (Hebrew, _shemen'_):** In biblical contexts, oil frequently symbolizes consecration, anointing, divine blessing, and the presence or power of the Holy Spirit. Its application in this ritual indicated the cleansed person's re-dedication to God and their restoration to a state of spiritual wholeness and favor. This sacred oil, distinct from common oil, marked the individual as set apart for God, signifying a divine seal upon their purification.
* **Seven Times (Hebrew, _sheva' pe'amim'_):** The number seven consistently denotes completeness, perfection, or divine fulfillment throughout Scripture. The act of sprinkling the oil seven times was not merely repetitive but emphasized the thoroughness, efficacy, and divine perfection of the purification and consecration. It signified that the restoration was absolute and complete in God's sight, leaving no aspect of defilement unaddressed.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the priest shall sprinkle with his right finger":** This phrase emphasizes the precise and deliberate action of the priest. The "right finger" (or hand) often symbolizes strength, authority, and blessing in biblical thought. Here, it denotes the active, authoritative, and effective application of the consecrated oil, signifying a divinely empowered act of cleansing and consecration.
* **"[some] of the oil that [is] in his left hand":** The left hand holds the source—the precious, consecrated oil—while the right hand performs the action. This detail highlights the careful, intentional, and balanced nature of the priestly rite. The oil itself is the medium of consecration, representing the divine presence and blessing being imparted.
* **"seven times":** This numerical detail is crucial. As noted in the Key Word Analysis, the sevenfold repetition underscores the completeness and perfection of the purification. It signifies that the defilement is entirely removed, and the individual is fully restored to a state of ritual purity and divine acceptance.
* **"before the LORD":** This concluding phrase is paramount, elevating the entire ritual from a mere physical act to a profound spiritual one. It signifies that the purification and re-consecration are performed in God's immediate presence, for His approval, and according to His divine will. The ultimate audience and validator of the cleansing is God Himself, making the restoration truly effective and spiritually significant.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 14:27 is rich in **Symbolism**. The **oil** itself symbolizes consecration, anointing, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, pointing to a spiritual cleansing beyond the physical. The **right finger** signifies authority, power, and the active hand of God's chosen mediator. The **left hand** holding the oil suggests the source or reservoir of divine provision. The number **seven** is a potent symbol of completeness, perfection, and divine covenant, emphasizing the thoroughness of the purification. The phrase "before the LORD" utilizes **Theophany** (implied presence of God) and **Divine Witness**, underscoring that the ritual's efficacy and purpose are rooted in God's will and presence. The entire passage operates as a **Ritualistic Narrative**, where each precise action carries profound theological weight, foreshadowing a deeper spiritual reality.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 14:27, though part of a ceremonial law, profoundly reveals God's character and His redemptive plan. It underscores God's absolute holiness and His unyielding desire for His people to be clean, consecrated, and able to dwell in His presence. The meticulous nature of the ritual, the priest's mediatorial role, the symbolism of the oil, and the emphasis on completeness ("seven times" and "before the LORD") all point to the divine initiative in restoring the defiled. While the physical rituals have been fulfilled in Christ, the principles of divine purity, necessary mediation, and complete spiritual restoration remain central to Christian theology.

* [Leviticus 11:44](/leviticus/11-44 "Leviticus 11:44 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy")
* [Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Without the Shedding of Blood There is No Forgiveness")
* [1 John 2:20](/1_john/2-20 "1 John 2:20 - The Anointing from the Holy One")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This ancient ritual, with its precise instructions and profound symbolism, serves as a powerful reminder of God's meticulous care for purity and His unwavering commitment to restoring His people to fellowship with Him. For believers today, while we are no longer bound by these ceremonial laws, the underlying spiritual truths are deeply applicable. We are called to holiness, not through ritualistic cleansing, but through the transformative work of Christ and the indwelling Holy Spirit. The "seven times" sprinkling of oil reminds us that God's work of salvation and sanctification in our lives is complete and perfect, leading to a full restoration of our relationship with Him. We are consecrated by His Spirit, set apart for His purposes, and enabled to live "before the LORD" in true spiritual purity and worship. This verse encourages us to embrace the fullness of God's cleansing work in our lives, trusting in His complete provision for our spiritual health and acceptance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous nature of this ancient ritual speak to God's character and His desire for our holiness today?**
* **In what ways do we, as believers, experience a "sprinkling" of the Holy Spirit that consecrates us for God's service?**
* **Considering the "seven times" for completeness, what areas of your life do you need to fully surrender to God for His complete work of purification and restoration?**

### FAQ
**Why was oil used in this ritual?**

Answer: Oil (Hebrew: *shemen*) was a common biblical symbol for consecration, anointing, and the presence or power of the Holy Spirit. Its application in the purification ritual for *tzara'at* signified the cleansed person's re-consecration to God, their restoration to a state of spiritual wholeness, and often, divine blessing or empowerment. It marked the individual as set apart for God's purposes and symbolized their full re-integration into the sacred community, now made pure and acceptable.

**What is the significance of "seven times"?**

Answer: The number seven in biblical numerology consistently denotes completeness, perfection, or divine fulfillment. Sprinkling the oil seven times emphasized the thoroughness and divine efficacy of the purification and consecration. It signified a complete and perfect restoration in God's eyes, underscoring that God's work of cleansing is absolute and leaves nothing undone. It ensures that the individual is fully and perfectly restored to ritual purity and divine favor.

**Does this ritual apply to Christians today?**

Answer: While the specific rituals of the Old Testament Law, including those for *tzara'at*, are no longer practiced by Christians, having been fulfilled in Christ, the underlying theological principles remain profoundly relevant. This ritual foreshadows God's desire for purity, the necessity of mediation, and the complete work of the Holy Spirit in cleansing and consecrating believers. Christians are cleansed by the once-for-all sacrifice of Christ on the cross and consecrated by the indwelling Holy Spirit, not by ceremonial oil or animal sacrifices. As [Hebrews 10:1-10](/hebrews/10-1 "Hebrews 10:1-10 - Christ's Sacrifice Fulfills the Law") explains, the Law served as a shadow, with Christ being the substance and fulfillment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 14:27 finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The priest, meticulously applying the oil for purification, foreshadows Christ as our great [High Priest](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest"), who performs a far superior and eternal cleansing. The oil, symbolizing consecration and the Holy Spirit, points directly to the anointing of Jesus by the Spirit for His redemptive work and the subsequent outpouring of the Spirit upon believers, by which we are truly consecrated and set apart for God. The "seven times" sprinkling, signifying completeness, beautifully prefigures the finished work of Christ on the cross, which provides a perfect, once-for-all purification for sin, making us completely clean "before the LORD" ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). Just as the *tzara'at* sufferer was restored to community, believers, cleansed by the [blood of Jesus](/1_peter/1-2 "1 Peter 1:2 - Sprinkled with the Blood of Jesus") and renewed by the [washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit](/titus/3-5 "Titus 3:5 - Washing of Regeneration and Renewal by the Holy Spirit"), are fully reconciled to God and restored to His holy presence, enjoying complete fellowship and eternal acceptance.

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.