Leviticus 14:31

Context

Leviticus 14 details the elaborate purification rituals for an Israelite healed of tzara'at, a severe and ritualistically defiling skin condition often translated as "leprosy" in the King James Version. After an initial cleansing outside the camp, the individual would return seven days later to present specific animal sacrifices and offerings. While earlier verses (Leviticus 14:10-20) outline the standard offerings of two lambs and a ewe, verses 21-32 provide a gracious alternative for those who were poor and could not afford the standard cost. Leviticus 14:31 specifically addresses this concession, allowing for a substitution of birds for the animal sacrifices, ensuring that even the less fortunate could fulfill the requirements for their complete purification before the LORD.

Key Themes

• Divine Provision for the Poor

  This verse profoundly illustrates God's compassion and understanding of human economic limitations. It highlights that the LORD does not demand what His people cannot provide. Instead of requiring two lambs, a person could offer "such as he is able to get"—specifically, two turtledoves or two young pigeons (as detailed in the surrounding verses). This principle of divine provision ensures that atonement and ritual cleansing were accessible to all, regardless of their financial status. It underscores that God values a contrite and obedient heart more than the monetary value of the sacrifice, a theme echoed in other Old Testament laws concerning the poor (Deuteronomy 15:7).

• The Nature of Atonement

  Despite the concession in the type of offering, the ultimate purpose remained unchanged: "the priest shall make an atonement for him that is to be cleansed before the LORD." This emphasizes that atonement is a divine act, mediated by the priest, which cleanses and restores the individual's relationship with God. The efficacy of the sacrifice was not in its cost but in its obedience to God's command and His sovereign will to forgive and cleanse.

• The Role of the Priest

  The verse reiterates the indispensable role of the priest in the purification process. It is the priest who "shall make an atonement," acting as God's appointed minister to perform the sacred rituals. This highlights the necessity of a mediator between God and humanity for the covering of sin and restoration of fellowship, pointing forward to the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ.

Linguistic Insights

• "Meat offering": In the KJV, "meat offering" often refers to a "grain offering" or "meal offering" (Hebrew: minchah). This offering, typically made of flour, oil, and frankincense, was distinct from animal sacrifices but often accompanied them, signifying dedication, gratitude, and a portion of one's produce offered to God.
• "Atonement": The Hebrew root for atonement is kaphar, meaning "to cover," "to purge," "to make reconciliation," or "to make propitiation." It denotes the act of appeasing divine wrath and restoring a broken relationship, signifying God's forgiveness and the cleansing of sin.

Practical Application

Leviticus 14:31 offers timeless insights into God's character and His plan for humanity. It reminds us that God's grace and salvation are not contingent upon our wealth or ability to 'earn' them. Just as the poor Israelite could achieve full cleansing with a humble offering, so too is salvation freely offered to all through faith in Jesus Christ, the ultimate sacrifice (John 3:16). We are called to come to Him as we are, acknowledging our need for cleansing and relying on His abundant provision. This verse encourages believers today to extend similar compassion and understanding to others, recognizing that God values the heart's sincerity and willingness to obey over any material contribution. It reinforces that true spiritual cleansing and reconciliation come through divine mercy, not human merit.