Leviticus 14:7

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

Commentary on Leviticus 14:7 (KJV)

Leviticus 14:7 describes a crucial step in the elaborate ritual for cleansing an individual declared free from tzara'at, a severe skin affliction often translated as "leprosy." This verse highlights the priest's role in the purification process, symbolizing a profound spiritual truth.

Context of Cleansing

This verse is part of a detailed procedural law found in Leviticus chapter 14, which outlines how a person afflicted with tzara'at (a term that encompassed various skin diseases, not just modern Hansen's disease, and was considered highly defiling in ancient Israel) could be ceremonially cleansed and reintegrated into the community and worship. The ritual began with the priest examining the individual outside the camp. If the person was healed, two live clean birds, cedar wood, scarlet yarn, and hyssop were brought. One bird was killed over running water, its blood collected, and the living bird, along with the cedar, scarlet, and hyssop, was dipped into the blood.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Ceremonial Purification: The act of sprinkling the blood seven times upon the person signified a thorough and complete cleansing. This was not merely a physical act but a declaration of the individual's restoration to a state of ritual purity, allowing them to participate in the community again.
  • Priestly Authority: The priest's pronouncement, "shall pronounce him clean," underscores the divine authority vested in the priesthood to discern and declare purity according to God's law. This declaration was essential for the individual's re-entry into society and the tabernacle worship.
  • Symbolism of Atonement and Freedom: The two birds offer profound symbolism. The slain bird (from earlier in the chapter) represents the death required for atonement—a life given for the defilement. The living bird, released "into the open field," powerfully symbolizes the carrying away of the impurity and the freedom, new life, and restoration granted to the cleansed individual. It points to a release from the bondage of defilement. This foreshadows the ultimate freedom found in Christ's atoning work.
  • Completeness: The instruction to sprinkle "seven times" is significant. The number seven in biblical numerology often denotes completeness, perfection, or divine fullness. It emphasizes that the cleansing ritual was thorough and effective in God's eyes.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "leprosy" here, tzara'at (צָרַעַת), refers to a range of skin conditions that rendered a person ritually impure and separated from the community. It was a visible sign of defilement, often seen as a consequence of sin or divine judgment (e.g., Miriam in Numbers 12:10). The cleansing ritual, therefore, carried deep spiritual implications beyond mere hygiene.

Practical Application

While the specific ritual for tzara'at no longer applies, the principles behind it resonate deeply for believers today. Just as the Israelite needed a priest to declare them clean, humanity needs a mediator for spiritual cleansing. This points to Jesus Christ, our Great High Priest, who offers purification from the defilement of sin. His sacrifice (symbolized by the slain bird) brings life and freedom (symbolized by the released bird) to all who believe. Through His shed blood, we are not just pronounced clean, but truly made clean, and given new life, allowing us to be reconciled to God and integrated into His spiritual community (1 John 1:7).

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 2 Kings 5:10 (4 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

    ¶ 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 (4 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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.