Leviticus 14:8

KJV

And he that is to be cleansed shall wash his clothes, and shave off all his hair, and wash himself in water, that he may be clean: and after that he shall come into the camp, and shall tarry abroad out of his tent seven days.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he that is to be cleansed {H2891} shall wash {H3526} his clothes {H899}, and shave {H1548} off all his hair {H8181}, and wash {H7364} himself in water {H4325}, that he may be clean {H2891}: and after {H310} that he shall come {H935} into the camp {H4264}, and shall tarry {H3427} abroad {H2351} out of his tent {H168} seven {H7651} days {H3117}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He who is to be purified must wash his clothes, shave off all his hair and bathe himself in water. Then he will be clean; and after that, he may enter the camp; but he must live outside his tent for seven days.

Berean Standard Bible

The one being cleansed must wash his clothes, shave off all his hair, and bathe with water; then he will be ceremonially clean. Afterward, he may enter the camp, but he must remain outside his tent for seven days.

American Standard Version

And he that is to be cleansed shall wash his clothes, and shave off all his hair, and bathe himself in water; and he shall be clean: and after that he shall come into the camp, but shall dwell outside his tent seven days.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 14:8 details the initial, rigorous purification steps for an individual healed from *tzara'at*, a severe skin affliction. This verse outlines the mandatory actions—thorough washing of clothes, complete shaving of all body hair, and ritual bathing—required to transition from a state of intense ritual uncleanness to a preliminary state of cleanness. It also specifies a seven-day period of partial reintegration into the Israelite camp, during which the individual remains outside their personal tent, underscoring the seriousness of the prior defilement and the meticulous nature of God's prescribed path to full restoration and fellowship within the holy community.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 14:8 is situated within the highly detailed legal corpus of the Book of Leviticus, specifically within chapters 13 and 14, which provide comprehensive instructions regarding *tzara'at*. Chapter 13 focuses on the diagnosis and isolation of individuals afflicted with this condition, declaring them ritually unclean and requiring them to live outside the camp. Chapter 14 then meticulously outlines the elaborate two-stage purification process for those declared healed by the priest. Verse 8 marks the culmination of the first stage of this purification, immediately following the initial priestly examination and the ritual involving two birds, one sacrificed and one released (as detailed in [Leviticus 14:1-7](/leviticus/14-1-7 "Leviticus 14:1-7 - Initial Purification Ritual for Tzara'at")). These initial steps prepare the individual for a transitional period of partial re-entry into the communal space of the camp, preceding the more extensive rituals for full reintegration into their household and complete participation in worship, which are described later in the chapter (from [Leviticus 14:9](/leviticus/14-9 "Leviticus 14:9 - Further Purification Steps") onwards). The careful sequencing highlights the progressive nature of purification and restoration within the covenant community.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, *tzara'at* was not merely a physical ailment but carried profound social, ritual, and spiritual implications. It rendered an individual ritually unclean, necessitating their exclusion from the Israelite camp, which was understood as the dwelling place of a holy God (as seen in [Numbers 5:1-4](/numbers/5-1-4 "Numbers 5:1-4 - Laws of Purity in the Camp")). This separation protected the community from defilement and underscored the absolute holiness of God, who dwelt in their midst. The meticulous purification rites, including the actions described in [Leviticus 14:8](/leviticus/14-8 "Leviticus 14:8 - Purification Ritual for Tzara'at"), were not primarily for hygienic purposes, though they had practical benefits, but were symbolic acts designed to restore the individual to ritual purity and allow their re-entry into the sacred communal space. Shaving all hair was a radical act, symbolizing a complete break from the past state of defilement and a profound renewal, akin to a spiritual rebirth or a return to a primordial, unblemished state. The seven-day waiting period outside the tent further emphasized the gravity of the former uncleanness and the gradual, divinely ordained process of restoration, ensuring the community's sanctity was preserved.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes prevalent throughout the Book of Leviticus and the Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **Holiness and Purity**, emphasizing God's absolute holiness and the necessity for His people to maintain ritual purity to dwell in His presence. The elaborate rituals for *tzara'at* underscore the **Seriousness of Defilement**, illustrating how any form of uncleanness, whether physical, moral, or ritual, creates a barrier to fellowship with God and the community. Conversely, the passage highlights God's **Provision for Restoration and Reintegration**, demonstrating His gracious pathway for those who have been defiled to be made clean and brought back into the covenant community. The detailed instructions also exemplify the theme of **Divine Order and Obedience**, showing that God prescribes specific actions for specific outcomes, demanding meticulous adherence from His people. The entire process serves as a vivid illustration of the **Progressive Nature of Sanctification**, where purification is not always instantaneous but often involves stages and a period of separation before full restoration, echoing principles found in the broader narrative of Israel's journey with God (e.g., [Exodus 19](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - God's Covenant at Sinai")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Cleansed (Hebrew, _ṭâhêr'_):** This verb (H2891) signifies being made ritually pure, free from defilement, and fit for sacred use or fellowship with God. It implies a state of ceremonial readiness, distinct from mere physical cleanliness. In the context of *tzara'at*, it denotes a transformation from a state of extreme uncleanness to one where the individual can begin to re-enter the community and eventually participate in worship. The repeated use of this root emphasizes the goal of the entire process: to achieve a state of purity acceptable to a holy God.
* **Shave (Hebrew, _gâlach'_):** The verb (H1548) denotes a complete and thorough shaving, leaving no hair. This was an extreme measure, far beyond normal grooming, and was a powerful visual symbol of radical purification and a complete break from the previous defiled state. It signified a stripping away of the old identity and a preparation for a new, ritually pure existence. This act was often associated with vows or periods of intense dedication or purification (e.g., the Nazirite vow in [Numbers 6:5](/numbers/6-5 "Numbers 6:5 - Nazirite Vow")), underscoring its profound symbolic weight.
* **Tarry (Hebrew, _yâshab'_):** This verb (H3427) means to sit down, dwell, or remain. In this context, "tarry abroad" (with H2351, _chûwts_, meaning "outside" or "abroad") indicates a continued, though reduced, state of separation. While the individual is permitted back into the general camp area, they are still excluded from the intimate space of their own dwelling for a prescribed period. This serves as a transitional phase, emphasizing the lingering impact of the defilement and the gradual nature of full restoration and re-entry into the most personal aspects of communal life.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he that is to be cleansed shall wash his clothes":** This initial action signifies the removal of external defilement. Clothes, having been in contact with the afflicted person, were considered unclean and required thorough washing to become ritually pure again, symbolizing a shedding of the outward signs and associations of the disease. This step addresses the pervasive nature of *tzara'at* uncleanness, which permeated even personal belongings.
* **"and shave off all his hair":** This is a profound and radical act of purification. It includes all body hair, eyebrows, and beard, signifying a complete stripping away of the old, defiled identity. This extreme measure underscores the severity of *tzara'at* and the thoroughness required for ritual cleansing, preparing the individual for a new, clean beginning. It is a visual and tangible act of separation from the past state of uncleanness.
* **"and wash himself in water, that he may be clean":** This refers to a full body immersion, a ritual bath (mikveh). This act of washing in water is the culminating physical purification, making the individual ritually "clean" (*tahor*) in preparation for re-entry into the community. It represents an inward and outward cleansing, making the person fit to approach God's holy presence and participate in the life of the camp.
* **"and after that he shall come into the camp":** This marks a significant milestone: the individual is now permitted to re-enter the general communal area of the Israelite camp, having been declared ritually clean enough for this partial reintegration. This is a crucial step towards full restoration of social and religious life, signifying a transition from total isolation to limited interaction.
* **"and shall tarry abroad out of his tent seven days":** Despite being in the camp, full reintegration is not immediate. The individual must remain outside their personal dwelling for a full week. This seven-day period serves as a time of observation, continued purification, and a final separation from the most intimate aspects of family life, emphasizing the gravity of the former defilement and the divine patience in the process of complete restoration. It is a probation period, acknowledging the lingering effects of the severe uncleanness.

#### Literary Devices
The passage in [Leviticus 14:8](/leviticus/14-8 "Leviticus 14:8 - Purification Ritual for Tzara'at") employs several significant literary devices to convey its message of purification and restoration. **Repetition** is prominent in the series of cleansing actions: "wash his clothes," "shave off all his hair," and "wash himself in water." This triple emphasis underscores the thoroughness and necessity of the purification process, highlighting that no aspect of the individual's former defiled state should remain. **Symbolism** is central to the entire ritual. Shaving all hair is a powerful symbol of radical renewal and a complete break from the past, akin to a rebirth or a stripping away of the old identity. Washing in water symbolizes spiritual and ritual cleansing, making the individual pure and fit for communion. The act of coming "into the camp" but remaining "out of his tent seven days" uses **gradation** or **progressive revelation** to illustrate a staged reintegration, emphasizing the seriousness of the defilement and the careful, divinely ordained path back to full fellowship. The entire process, particularly the *tzara'at* laws, functions as a **type** or **foreshadowing**, pointing to a deeper spiritual reality of cleansing from sin and restoration to God's presence, which finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 14:8 profoundly illustrates God's demand for holiness and purity among His people, essential for maintaining the sanctity of the community where His presence dwelt. The meticulous, multi-stage purification process for *tzara'at* underscores that defilement, whether physical or spiritual, creates a barrier to fellowship with a holy God and His people. The radical nature of the cleansing, involving complete shaving and thorough washing, symbolizes a comprehensive break from the old, defiled state and a preparation for a new, clean existence. This passage highlights themes of divine order, the seriousness of sin (represented by *tzara'at* as a profound impurity), and God's gracious provision for restoration and re-entry into His covenant community, albeit through a prescribed and disciplined path. It teaches that true restoration requires a complete turning from the defiling past and an embrace of God's purifying grace.

* [Numbers 19:19](/numbers/19-19 "Numbers 19:19 - Purification from Uncleanness")
* [Hebrews 9:13-14](/hebrews/9-13-14 "Hebrews 9:13-14 - The Superiority of Christ's Sacrifice")
* [1 John 1:7](/1_john/1-7 "1 John 1:7 - Walking in the Light and Cleansing from Sin")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific rituals of Leviticus 14:8 are not practiced by believers today, the underlying principles resonate deeply with the Christian journey of sanctification and restoration. The thoroughness of the cleansing required for the Israelite from *tzara'at* serves as a powerful metaphor for the profound spiritual cleansing from sin that is necessary for fellowship with a holy God. Just as the individual had to shed every trace of defilement—washing clothes, shaving all hair, and bathing—so too are believers called to "put off" the old self and its sinful practices, embracing a radical transformation in Christ. This involves a continuous process of confession, repentance, and renewal, allowing the Holy Spirit to cleanse us from within. The seven-day period of waiting outside the tent reminds us that spiritual restoration is often a process, requiring patience, humility, and a sustained commitment to living a life set apart for God. It encourages us to reflect on areas where we might still be "tarrying abroad" from full communion with God due to unconfessed sin or unyielded areas of our lives, and to earnestly seek complete purification and reintegration into His divine purpose, understanding that true freedom and fellowship come through diligent pursuit of holiness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What aspects of the thorough cleansing in Leviticus 14:8 resonate with the concept of spiritual purification in your own life?**
* **How does the idea of "shaving off all his hair" symbolize a radical break from past sin or habits that hinder your walk with God?**
* **In what ways might the "seven days abroad out of his tent" represent a necessary period of spiritual discipline or waiting in your journey of sanctification?**
* **How does this passage encourage you to pursue a deeper, more complete cleansing from sin in your life, both individually and within the community of faith?**

### FAQ
**Why was shaving off all hair such a critical part of the purification process?**

Answer: Shaving off all hair, including eyebrows and body hair, was a highly significant and radical act of purification. It symbolized a complete stripping away of the old, defiled identity associated with *tzara'at*. In ancient cultures, hair often symbolized strength, identity, or a person's natural state. To shave it all off was to undergo a profound visual transformation, signifying a total break from the past state of uncleanness and a preparation for a new, ritually pure existence. It was a visible sign of the individual's readiness for a complete renewal and re-entry into the holy community, as seen in other contexts like the Nazirite vow in [Numbers 6:5](/numbers/6-5 "Numbers 6:5 - Nazirite Vow") where hair was also central to a vow of separation and dedication, symbolizing a fresh start dedicated to God.

**What is the significance of the seven-day waiting period outside the tent?**

Answer: The command to "tarry abroad out of his tent seven days" (Leviticus 14:8) indicates a crucial transitional phase in the purification process. While the individual was permitted to re-enter the general camp area, they were still excluded from the intimate space of their own dwelling and family life for a full week. This period served multiple purposes: it emphasized the gravity and lingering impact of the former defilement, ensuring that the cleansing was truly complete and acknowledged by the community. It also allowed for a period of observation and continued separation, reinforcing the meticulous nature of God's purity laws. This gradual reintegration underscored that full restoration was a process, not an instantaneous event, reflecting the seriousness of maintaining holiness within the [Israelite camp](/numbers/5 "Numbers 5 - Laws of Purity in the Camp") where God resided, and highlighting the importance of a measured return to full fellowship.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 14:8, with its rigorous demands for cleansing and gradual reintegration, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The meticulous physical purification rituals for *tzara'at* serve as a powerful type, pointing to the spiritual defilement of sin and the radical, comprehensive cleansing provided by Christ. Just as the afflicted Israelite required a complete stripping away of the old and a thorough washing to be declared clean, so too does humanity, defiled by sin, require the perfect sacrifice of the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") for true purification. Jesus, unlike the Levitical priests who could only declare clean, possesses the divine power to truly cleanse and heal, as powerfully demonstrated in His miraculous healing of a man with *tzara'at* in [Matthew 8:1-4](/matthew/8-1-4 "Matthew 8:1-4 - Jesus Heals a Leper"). Through His atoning death and resurrection, Christ provides a complete and once-for-all washing away of sins, enabling believers to "put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life... and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God" (as described in [Ephesians 4:22-24](/ephesians/4-22-24 "Ephesians 4:22-24 - Putting Off the Old Self and Putting On the New")), a spiritual reality far surpassing the physical rituals. Furthermore, while the Israelite had to tarry outside his tent, believers in Christ are immediately welcomed into full fellowship with God, having been made holy and blameless in His sight through Christ's righteousness ([Colossians 1:21-22](/colossians/1-21-22 "Colossians 1:21-22 - Reconciled in Christ")). He is our ultimate purification, our direct access to God's holy presence, and the source of our complete and eternal restoration.

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

Leviticus 11:25

And whosoever beareth [ought] of the carcase of them shall wash his clothes, and be unclean until the even.

Numbers 8:7

And thus shalt thou do unto them, to cleanse them: Sprinkle water of purifying upon them, and let them shave all their flesh, and let them wash their clothes, and [so] make themselves clean.

1 Peter 3:21

¶ The like figure whereunto [even] baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:

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.

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,

Revelation 1:6

And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him [be] glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

Leviticus 14:9

But it shall be on the seventh day, that he shall shave all his hair off his head and his beard and his eyebrows, even all his hair he shall shave off: and he shall wash his clothes, also he shall wash his flesh in water, and he shall be clean.