Leviticus 14:7

KJV

And he shall sprinkle upon him that is to be cleansed from the leprosy seven times, and shall pronounce him clean, and shall let the living bird loose into the open field.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he shall sprinkle {H5137} upon him that is to be cleansed {H2891} from the leprosy {H6883} seven {H7651} times {H6471}, and shall pronounce him clean {H2891}, and shall let the living {H2416} bird {H6833} loose {H7971} into the open {H6440} field {H7704}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and sprinkle the person to be purified from the tzara'at seven times. Next he is to set the live bird free in an open field.

Berean Standard Bible

Seven times he shall sprinkle the one to be cleansed of the skin disease. Then he shall pronounce him clean and release the live bird into the open field.

American Standard Version

and he shall sprinkle upon him that is to be cleansed from the leprosy seven times, and shall pronounce him clean, and shall let go the living bird into the open field.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 14:7 describes a pivotal moment in the purification ritual for an individual healed of *tzara'at*, a severe skin affliction. This verse details the priest's actions of sprinkling the blood of a sacrificed bird seven times upon the cleansed person, authoritatively declaring them ritually pure, and then releasing a living bird into the open field. These actions collectively symbolize a complete and divinely authorized cleansing, signifying the individual's restoration from defilement and their re-entry into the community and worship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 14:7 is an integral part of the extensive purification laws found in [Leviticus 14:1-32](/leviticus/14-1-32 "Leviticus 14 - Laws Concerning Cleansing from Tzara'at"). The preceding verses ([Leviticus 14:1-6](/leviticus/14-1-6 "Leviticus 14:1-6 - Initial Steps of the Cleansing Ritual")) establish the initial steps of the ritual: the priest examines the afflicted person outside the camp. If healing is confirmed, two live clean birds, cedar wood, scarlet yarn, and hyssop are brought. One bird is then killed over fresh water, its blood collected in an earthenware vessel. The living bird, along with the cedar wood, scarlet yarn, and hyssop, is dipped into the blood of the slain bird. Our verse, [Leviticus 14:7](/leviticus/14-7 "Leviticus 14:7 - The Cleansing Ritual for Tzara'at"), immediately follows this preparation, detailing the application of the blood and the release of the living bird. This initial ritual is followed by further purification steps, including shaving, washing, and various sacrifices, culminating in the individual's full re-integration into the community and the tabernacle worship ([Leviticus 14:8-20](/leviticus/14-8-20 "Leviticus 14:8-20 - Further Purification and Sacrifices")). The meticulous sequence underscores the gravity of *tzara'at* and the thoroughness required for ceremonial purity.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, *tzara'at* (often translated "leprosy" but encompassing a broader range of skin conditions, including fungal infections and other dermatological issues) was not merely a physical ailment but carried profound ritual impurity. An individual afflicted with *tzara'at* was considered defiled and was required to live outside the camp, separated from the community and unable to participate in communal worship, as described in [Leviticus 13:45-46](/leviticus/13-45-46 "Leviticus 13:45-46 - Regulations for the Leper's Isolation"). This separation symbolized the spiritual alienation that sin brings. The cleansing ritual, therefore, was not a medical cure (as the person was already healed when the priest was called), but a ceremonial process to remove the ritual defilement and signify God's acceptance and restoration. The priest's role was crucial, acting as God's representative to discern the condition and declare purity, thus facilitating the individual's re-entry into the social and religious life of Israel. The entire process highlighted the Israelites' understanding of holiness, impurity, and the divine provision for restoration within their covenant relationship with God.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. The most prominent theme is **Holiness and Purity**, emphasizing God's absolute holiness and the necessity for His people to maintain ritual purity to dwell in His presence and participate in His worship. *Tzara'at* represented the antithesis of this purity, necessitating a divine intervention for restoration. Closely related is the theme of **Atonement and Restoration**, where the shedding of blood (symbolized by the slain bird) is presented as the means by which impurity is addressed and reconciliation is achieved, leading to the restoration of the individual to their community and to God. The **Authority of the Priesthood** is also central, as the priest acts as God's appointed mediator, discerning the condition, performing the ritual, and authoritatively declaring purity. This highlights the divine order and the structured means by which God interacts with His people. Finally, the ritual underscores **God's Provision and Grace**, demonstrating His meticulous care for His people's well-being and His gracious provision for cleansing and re-integration even from severe defilement, ensuring that His covenant people could remain in proper relationship with Him.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sprinkle (Hebrew, נָזָה, _nâzâh'_):** This verb denotes the act of spattering or sprinkling, particularly in ritual contexts, often involving blood or water for purification or consecration. In this verse, the sprinkling of the blood of the slain bird signifies the application of the life-force given in atonement, ceremonially purifying the individual and marking them as set apart and clean. It is a visible, tactile act of purification that transfers the ritual efficacy of the sacrifice.
* **Clean (Hebrew, טָהֵר, _ṭâhêr'_):** This primitive root means "to be bright," and by implication, "to be pure." It describes a state of ritual purity, meaning free from defilement and acceptable for approach to God or participation in sacred activities. The priest's pronouncement of "clean" is not merely an observation but an authoritative declaration, transforming the individual's ritual status from impure to pure, enabling their re-integration into the community and the tabernacle worship. This purity can be physical, Levitical, or moral.
* **Living (Hebrew, חַי, _chay'_):** Derived from the root "to be alive," this word describes the bird as being "alive." In the context of the ritual, the contrast between the slain bird and the "living" bird is profound. The living bird, having been touched by the blood of atonement, represents the new life, freedom, and vitality granted to the cleansed individual. Its release symbolizes the carrying away of the defilement and the restoration to a state of unhindered existence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he shall sprinkle upon him that is to be cleansed from the leprosy seven times":** This clause highlights the priest's active role as the mediator of God's cleansing. The recipient is specifically identified as one "to be cleansed from the leprosy" (*tzara'at*), underscoring the specific defilement being addressed. The act of sprinkling, using the blood of the previously slain bird, signifies the transfer of ritual purity and the application of a life given for atonement. The "seven times" emphasizes the completeness and divine perfection of this cleansing, ensuring that the individual is thoroughly purified according to God's standard, leaving no trace of residual impurity.
* **"and shall pronounce him clean":** This phrase underscores the authoritative nature of the priestly declaration. It is not the act of sprinkling alone that cleanses, but the priest's verbal pronouncement, which carries the weight of divine approval and effectively changes the individual's ritual status. This declaration shifts the individual from ritually impure to ritually pure, making them acceptable to God and the community. It is a public and official declaration of restoration, confirming the efficacy of the ritual.
* **"and shall let the living bird loose into the open field":** This final action in the verse is deeply symbolic. The living bird, having been dipped in the blood of its slain counterpart, is released into the "open field," signifying unrestricted freedom and the complete removal of the impurity. It represents the carrying away of the defilement, the new life, and the restoration granted to the cleansed individual, now free from the bondage of *tzara'at* and able to re-enter society without restriction. The "open field" emphasizes the boundless nature of this newfound liberty.

#### Literary Devices
The verse is rich in **Symbolism**. The **two birds** are central: the slain bird symbolizes the death required for atonement and the gravity of defilement, while the living bird, released into the "open field," powerfully symbolizes the carrying away of impurity, the new life, and the freedom granted to the cleansed individual. The **blood** itself is a potent symbol of life and purification, essential for making atonement and signifying the transfer of life for cleansing. The number **seven** is a recurring biblical motif of **Numerology**, signifying completeness, perfection, and divine action, emphasizing the thoroughness and absolute efficacy of the cleansing. The **open field** symbolizes unrestricted freedom and the complete removal of the defilement, allowing the individual to move freely without the constraints of impurity. The entire process is a meticulously detailed **Ritual**, a divinely prescribed sequence of actions designed to achieve a specific spiritual and social outcome, highlighting the importance of order and obedience in worship. There is also a powerful **Contrast** between the death of one bird and the life and freedom of the other, illustrating the dual aspects of atonement and liberation inherent in God's redemptive plan.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 14:7 profoundly illustrates God's provision for cleansing and restoration from impurity, a theme that extends far beyond physical skin conditions. It reveals God's meticulous care for His people's holiness and His desire for them to be in right relationship with Him and their community. The ritual underscores the principle that defilement, whether physical or spiritual, requires a divinely appointed means of atonement and purification. The two birds symbolize the necessary death for sin and the subsequent freedom and new life granted to the cleansed. This ancient ritual foreshadows the ultimate and complete cleansing offered through a greater sacrifice and a more perfect High Priest, pointing to the reality that true purification comes only through a life given in exchange and the subsequent liberation from the bondage of sin.

* [Hebrews 9:13-14](/hebrews/9-13-14 "Hebrews 9:13-14 - Cleansing by Christ's Blood")
* [Psalm 51:7](/psalms/51-7 "Psalm 51:7 - Cleansing with Hyssop")
* [Isaiah 1:18](/isaiah/1-18 "Isaiah 1:18 - Sins Washed White as Snow")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific ritual for *tzara'at* is no longer practiced, the profound spiritual principles embedded in Leviticus 14:7 remain eternally relevant for believers today. Just as the Israelite needed a priest to declare them clean and a sacrifice to effect their purification, humanity, defiled by sin, stands in desperate need of a divine mediator and a perfect atonement. This verse reminds us that true cleansing is not something we can achieve on our own; it requires a divinely ordained intervention. The completeness symbolized by the "seven times" sprinkling assures us that God's cleansing is thorough and absolute, leaving no trace of impurity. The release of the living bird speaks powerfully of the freedom and new life that follow genuine purification, allowing us to be fully re-integrated into God's spiritual community. This passage invites us to reflect on the depth of our own spiritual need and the magnificent provision God has made for our complete restoration through Christ, urging us to embrace the freedom and new identity He offers.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the symbolism of the two birds deepen your understanding of Christ's work on the cross and resurrection?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need to experience God's complete cleansing and freedom, as symbolized by the ritual in this verse?**
* **What does the priest's authoritative pronouncement of "clean" teach us about God's declaration of our righteousness in Christ?**

### FAQ

**Why was *tzara'at* considered so defiling?**

Answer: *Tzara'at* was considered defiling not only because of its physical manifestations but primarily because it was often seen as a visible sign of spiritual impurity, sin, or divine judgment. It rendered an individual ritually unfit to participate in the community's worship and social life, symbolizing a state of separation from God and His people. Examples like Miriam's *tzara'at* in [Numbers 12:10](/numbers/12-10 "Numbers 12:10 - Miriam's Leprosy") and Gehazi's in [2 Kings 5:27](/2_kings/5-27 "2 Kings 5:27 - Gehazi's Leprosy") illustrate its connection to divine displeasure, making the cleansing ritual profoundly significant for restoration and re-integration.

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

Answer: The instruction to sprinkle "seven times" is highly significant in biblical numerology. The number seven frequently symbolizes completeness, perfection, or divine fullness and completion. In this context, it emphasizes that the cleansing ritual was not a partial or superficial act, but a thorough, divinely effective, and absolute purification. It signifies that the individual was made entirely clean in God's sight, leaving no room for residual impurity and ensuring a comprehensive removal of defilement.

**Did the ritual described in Leviticus 14:7 actually cure the disease?**

Answer: No, the ritual itself did not cure the disease. The priest was called to examine the individual *after* the *tzara'at* had already healed. The purpose of the ritual in [Leviticus 14](/leviticus/14 "Leviticus 14 - Cleansing from Tzara'at") was not medical, but ceremonial. It was a divinely ordained process to remove the ritual impurity associated with *tzara'at* and to declare the healed person ceremonially clean, allowing them to be re-integrated into the camp and participate in the community's worship and social life. The healing was a work of God, and the ritual was the divinely appointed means of confirming and celebrating that restoration and declaring the person fit for communal life.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 14:7 finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The slain bird, whose blood is sprinkled for cleansing, powerfully prefigures Christ's sacrificial death on the cross, where His precious blood was shed for the forgiveness of sins ([Matthew 26:28](/matthew/26-28 "Matthew 26:28 - Blood of the Covenant")). Just as the priest declared the *tzara'at* sufferer clean, Jesus, our Great High Priest ([Hebrews 4:14](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus Our Great High Priest")), not only declares us clean but *makes* us clean through His perfect sacrifice. The "seven times" sprinkling, signifying complete purification, points to the absolute and eternal efficacy of Christ's atonement, which thoroughly cleanses us from all sin and defilement, making us perfectly righteous in God's sight ([Hebrews 10:14](/hebrews/10-14 "Hebrews 10:14 - Perfected Forever")). Furthermore, the living bird, released into the open field, beautifully symbolizes the new life, freedom, and spiritual restoration that believers experience through Christ's resurrection. He not only died for our sins but rose again to grant us newness of life, liberating us from the bondage of sin and death ([Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Romans 6:4 - Newness of Life")). Through Him, we are not merely pronounced clean, but truly set free and reconciled to God, fully re-integrated into His eternal spiritual community, living in the boundless freedom of His grace.

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

2 Kings 5:10

And Elisha sent a messenger unto him, saying, Go and wash in Jordan seven times, and thy flesh shall come again to thee, and thou shalt be clean.

Ezekiel 36:25

¶ Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you.

2 Kings 5:14

Then went he down, and dipped himself seven times in Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God: and his flesh came again like unto the flesh of a little child, and he was clean.

Isaiah 52:15

So shall he sprinkle many nations; the kings shall shut their mouths at him: for [that] which had not been told them shall they see; and [that] which they had not heard shall they consider.

Hebrews 9:13

For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh:

Hebrews 9:19

For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book, and all the people,

1 Peter 1:2

Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.