Leviticus 14:6

KJV

As for the living bird, he shall take it, and the cedar wood, and the scarlet, and the hyssop, and shall dip them and the living bird in the blood of the bird [that was] killed over the running water:

KJV (with Strong's)

As for the living {H2416} bird {H6833}, he shall take {H3947} it, and the cedar {H730} wood {H6086}, and the scarlet {H8144}{H8438}, and the hyssop {H231}, and shall dip {H2881} them and the living {H2416} bird {H6833} in the blood {H1818} of the bird {H6833} that was killed {H7819} over the running {H2416} water {H4325}:

Complete Jewish Bible

As for the live bird, he is to take it with the cedar-wood, scarlet yarn and hyssop and dip them and the living bird in the blood of the bird slaughtered over running water,

Berean Standard Bible

And he is to take the live bird together with the cedar wood, scarlet yarn, and hyssop, and dip them into the blood of the bird that was slaughtered over the fresh water.

American Standard Version

As for the living bird, he shall take it, and the cedar wood, and the scarlet, and the hyssop, and shall dip them and the living bird in the blood of the bird that was killed over the running water:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 14:6 describes a pivotal moment in the purification ritual for an individual healed of *tzara'at*, a severe skin affliction. Following the sacrifice of one bird, the priest takes a second, living bird along with cedar wood, scarlet thread, and hyssop. These items, including the living bird, are then dipped into the blood of the slain bird, which has been collected over fresh, flowing water. This act is a deeply symbolic step, signifying the transfer of cleansing power from the atoning sacrifice, preparing the once-afflicted individual for re-entry into the community and fellowship with God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 14:6 is embedded within a comprehensive two-stage purification ceremony for *tzara'at* outlined in [Leviticus 14:1-32](/leviticus/14 "Leviticus 14 - Laws Concerning Cleansing from Tzara'at"). The preceding verses (Leviticus 14:1-5) detail the initial steps: the priest's inspection of the healed individual outside the camp, and the command to take two clean birds, cedar wood, scarlet, and hyssop. One bird is then killed over running water, its blood collected. Verse 6 then describes the use of the *living* bird and the other materials. This immediate context highlights a transition from death (the first bird) to life (the second bird), a foundational theme for the entire purification process that culminates in the individual's full restoration and re-entry into the sacred space of the camp and ultimately, the tabernacle. The meticulous instructions underscore the gravity of *tzara'at* as a defilement and the divine provision for its removal.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** *Tzara'at*, often translated as "leprosy," was more broadly a category of severe skin diseases and possibly other afflictions that rendered an individual ceremonially unclean and socially isolated. Unlike modern medical conditions, *tzara'at* in the biblical context carried significant ritual impurity, necessitating separation from the community and the tabernacle (see [Leviticus 13](/leviticus/13 "Leviticus 13 - Laws Concerning Tzara'at")). The purification ritual in [Leviticus 14](/leviticus/14 "Leviticus 14 - Laws for Cleansing Tzara'at") was not a cure, but a ceremonial declaration of healing and a means by which the healed person could be reintegrated into Israelite society and worship. The use of specific materials like cedar wood (known for its durability and aromatic properties), scarlet (a vibrant color often associated with life or sin), and hyssop (a small plant used for sprinkling in purification rituals, as seen in [Exodus 12:22](/exodus/12-22 "Exodus 12:22 - Hyssop in the Passover Ritual")) were common in ancient Near Eastern purification rites, though their specific combination and meaning were unique to Israel's covenant with Yahweh. The concept of "running water" (*mayim chayim*) was crucial, signifying fresh, living, and purifying water, distinct from stagnant pools.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Living Bird (Hebrew, _tzippor chayyah'_):** This term emphasizes the stark contrast with the first bird that was killed. The "living bird" is not sacrificed but serves as a representative of the life that is being restored to the once-afflicted individual. Its subsequent release (in Leviticus 14:7) powerfully symbolizes the carrying away of the defilement and the newly declared freedom and restoration of the cleansed person, allowing them to re-enter society and worship.
* **Scarlet (Hebrew, _tola'at shani'_):** Literally "worm of scarlet," referring to the crimson dye derived from a specific insect. In biblical symbolism, scarlet often represents vitality, life, and blood, but paradoxically, it can also be associated with sin or defilement (as in [Isaiah 1:18](/isaiah/1-18 "Isaiah 1:18 - Sins like Scarlet")). Its inclusion in this ritual underscores the severity of the impurity being cleansed and the life-giving power of the blood that is applied, which transforms the defiled state.
* **Running Water (Hebrew, _mayim chayim'_):** This phrase literally means "living water." It refers to fresh, flowing, spring water, as opposed to stagnant or collected water. This type of water was considered pure and life-giving, symbolizing dynamic cleansing, renewal, and vitality. Its use ensures that the purification is thorough, active, and complete, flowing away the impurity rather than merely containing it.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"As for the living bird, he shall take it,"**: The priest's action of taking the second, living bird immediately after the first has been sacrificed highlights the duality of the ritual: death for atonement, life for restoration. This bird is central to the symbolic act of release that follows.
* **"and the cedar wood, and the scarlet, and the hyssop,"**: These three elements are specifically chosen for their symbolic properties. Cedar wood represents durability, purity, and perhaps the lasting removal of the affliction. Scarlet signifies life, blood, and the intensity of the defilement being addressed. Hyssop, a humble plant, is the instrument for sprinkling, symbolizing humility and the means by which the cleansing agent (the blood and water) is applied.
* **"and shall dip them and the living bird in the blood of the bird [that was] killed over the running water:"**: This is the climactic action of the verse. All the symbolic elements—the living bird, cedar, scarlet, and hyssop—are immersed in the mixture of the slain bird's blood and the fresh, flowing water. This act signifies a profound transfer of cleansing power. The life of the living bird is symbolically linked to the atoning death of the first bird, and all the elements are consecrated by the life-blood, ensuring a comprehensive and dynamic purification.

#### Literary Devices
The ritual described in Leviticus 14:6 is rich in **Symbolism**. Each element carries a profound meaning beyond its literal form. The two birds represent a powerful contrast: the **slain bird** symbolizes the necessary death for atonement and the covering of defilement, while the **living bird** symbolizes the restored life, freedom, and re-entry of the cleansed individual. The **blood** is a potent symbol of life itself ([Leviticus 17:11](/leviticus/17-11 "Leviticus 17:11 - The Life is in the Blood")) and the means of purification and atonement. **Running water** (or "living water") symbolizes dynamic cleansing, renewal, and vitality. The **cedar wood** symbolizes durability and purity, **scarlet** represents life, blood, and the intensity of sin, and **hyssop** signifies humility and the instrument of application. The entire ritual functions as **Typology**, foreshadowing a greater reality. It is a tangible, physical representation of spiritual truths, pointing forward to the ultimate cleansing and restoration made possible through a perfect sacrifice.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 14:6 powerfully illustrates the divine principle that purification from defilement, whether physical or spiritual, requires a life given. The death of the first bird provides the blood necessary for the cleansing of the second, living bird and the subsequent release of the cleansed individual. This ritual underscores God's meticulous concern for purity and His provision for restoring the defiled back into fellowship with Himself and His community. It highlights the absolute necessity of atonement through shed blood for the removal of sin and uncleanness, a theme woven throughout the Old Testament sacrificial system.

* [Leviticus 17:11](/leviticus/17-11 "Leviticus 17:11 - The Life is in the Blood for Atonement")
* [Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Without Shedding of Blood There is No Remission")
* [Psalm 51:7](/psalms/51-7 "Psalm 51:7 - Cleanse Me with Hyssop")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While believers today are not bound by the ceremonial laws of the Old Testament, Leviticus 14:6 offers profound spiritual lessons about God's nature and our need for cleansing. It reminds us that our spiritual defilement, like *tzara'at*, separates us from God's holy presence and from the full fellowship of His people. The elaborate, costly, and blood-inclusive nature of this ritual underscores the gravity of sin and uncleanness, and the immense price required for true purification and restoration. It points us to the reality that our cleansing is not a superficial act but requires a deep, life-for-life exchange. We are called to recognize the depth of our own spiritual need and to embrace the comprehensive cleansing God has provided, allowing the "living water" of His Spirit and Word to continually purify and renew us, enabling us to live in freedom and full fellowship.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the contrast between the slain bird and the living bird speak to the nature of spiritual cleansing and new life in Christ?**
* **What does the meticulous detail of this ritual teach us about God's holiness and His desire for purity in His people?**
* **In what ways do we, like the *tzara'at* sufferer, need to be "reintegrated" into fellowship with God and His community through Christ's cleansing work?**

### FAQ
**What was *tzara'at* and why was it so significant in ancient Israel?**

Answer: *Tzara'at* was a severe skin affliction, often mistranslated as "leprosy," but likely encompassing a range of dermatological conditions. Its significance in ancient Israel was primarily ceremonial and theological rather than purely medical. An individual with *tzara'at* was considered ritually unclean and was required to live outside the camp, separated from the community and the tabernacle (see [Leviticus 13](/leviticus/13 "Leviticus 13 - Laws Concerning Tzara'at")). This separation symbolized the spiritual defilement of sin, which separates humanity from a holy God. The elaborate purification rituals, like the one in [Leviticus 14](/leviticus/14 "Leviticus 14 - Laws for Cleansing Tzara'at"), were not for curing the disease but for declaring the person clean by divine intervention and ritually restoring them to fellowship with God and His people.

**Why were two birds used in the purification ritual, one killed and one released?**

Answer: The use of two birds in the *tzara'at* purification ritual is highly symbolic. The first bird was killed over running water, and its blood was collected. This bird's death represents the necessary atonement for the defilement, signifying that life must be given for sin or uncleanness to be covered. The second, living bird, which was dipped in the blood of the first bird along with the cedar wood, scarlet, and hyssop, was then released into the open field (as described in [Leviticus 14:7](/leviticus/14-7 "Leviticus 14:7 - Release of the Living Bird")). This living bird symbolizes the life of the healed individual being restored, and its release signifies the carrying away of the defilement and the person's freedom and reintegration into the community. It's a powerful visual of a life given for a life restored, and impurity being removed.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 14:6, with its intricate ritual of cleansing, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The slain bird, whose blood provides the means of purification, is a profound type of Christ's atoning sacrifice on the cross. Just as the life of one bird was given to provide cleansing for another, so Christ, the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), offered His perfect life as a sacrifice for our sins, taking away the defilement that separated us from God. The living bird, dipped in the blood and then released, beautifully prefigures the new life and freedom we receive through Christ's resurrection. We, who were spiritually dead in our transgressions and defiled by sin, are made alive and declared clean through His shed blood (as seen in [Ephesians 2:4-5](/ephesians/2-4 "Ephesians 2:4-5 - Made Alive in Christ") and [1 John 1:7](/1_john/1-7 "1 John 1:7 - Cleansing by Christ's Blood")). The "running water" or "living water" points to the Holy Spirit and the life-giving truth that flows from Christ, cleansing us from within and enabling us to walk in newness of life (as Jesus spoke of in [John 7:38](/john/7-38 "John 7:38 - Rivers of Living Water")). Through Christ, the ceremonially unclean are not merely declared clean, but are spiritually transformed, granted full access to God's presence, and eternally reconciled, a far greater reality than the temporary physical restoration of the *tzara'at* sufferer.

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

Revelation 1:18

[I am] he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.

Hebrews 1:3

Who being the brightness of [his] glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;

Romans 5:10

For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.

Revelation 1:5

And from Jesus Christ, [who is] the faithful witness, [and] the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,

John 14:19

Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also.

Leviticus 14:51

And he shall take the cedar wood, and the hyssop, and the scarlet, and the living bird, and dip them in the blood of the slain bird, and in the running water, and sprinkle the house seven times:

Leviticus 14:53

But he shall let go the living bird out of the city into the open fields, and make an atonement for the house: and it shall be clean.