Leviticus 14
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Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
Introduction to the sacrifices and ceremonies to be used in cleansing the leper, Lev 14:1-3. Two living birds, cedar-wood, scarlet, and hyssop, to be brought for him who was to be cleansed, Lev 14:4. One of the birds to be killed, Lev 14:5; and the living bird, with the cedar-wood, scarlet, and hyssop, to be dipped in the blood, and to be sprinkled on him who had been infected with the leprosy, Lev 14:6, Lev 14:7; after which he must wash his clothes, shave his head, eye brows, beard, etc., bathe himself, tarry abroad seven days, Lev 14:8, Lev 14:9; on the eighth day he must bring two he-lambs, one ewe lamb, a tenth deal of flour, and a log of oil, Lev 14:10; which the priest was to present as a trespass-offering, wave-offering, and sin-offering before the Lord, Lev 14:11-13. Afterwards he was to sprinkle both the blood and oil on the person to be cleansed, Lev 14:14-18. The atonement made by these offerings, Lev 14:19, Lev 14:20. If the person were poor, one lamb, with the flour and oil, two turtledoves, or two young pigeons, were only required, Lev 14:21, Lev 14:22. These to be presented, and the blood and oil applied as before, Lev 14:23-32. Laws and ordinances relative to houses infected by the leprosy, vv. 33-48. An atonement to be made in order to cleanse the house, similar to that made for the healed leper, Lev 14:49-53. A summary of this and the preceding chapter, relative to leprous persons, garments, and houses, Lev 14:54-56. The end for which these different laws were given, Lev 14:57.
Open source ↗THE RITES AND SACRIFICES IN CLEANSING OF THE LEPER. (Lev. 14:1-57) law of the leper in the day of his cleansing--Though quite convalescent, a leper was not allowed to return to society immediately and at his own will. The malignant character of his disease rendered the greatest precautions necessary to his re-admission among the people. One of the priests most skilled in the diagnostics of disease [GROTIUS], being deputed to attend such outcasts, the restored leper appeared before this official, and when after examination a certificate of health was given, the ceremonies here described were forthwith observed outside the camp.
Open source ↗And the Lord spake unto Moses,.... In order to deliver the same to Aaron, who, and the priests his successors, were chiefly to be concerned in the execution of the law given: saying; as follows.
Open source ↗Purification of the leper, after his recovery from his disease. As leprosy, regarded as a decomposition of the vital juices, and as putrefaction in a living body, was an image of death, and like this introduced the same dissolution and destruction of life into the corporeal sphere which sin introduced into the spiritual; and as the leper for this very reason as not only excluded from the fellowship of the sanctuary, but cut off from intercourse with the covenant nation which was called to sanctification: the man, when recovered from leprosy, was first of all to be received into the fellowship of the covenant nation by a significant rite of purification, and then again to be still further inducted into living fellowship with Jehovah in His sanctuary. Hence the purification prescribed was divided into two acts, separated from one another by an interval of seven days. Lev 14:2-8 The first act (Lev 14:2-8) set forth the restoration of the man, who had been regarded as dead, into the fellowship of the living members of the covenant nation, and was therefore performed by the priest outside the camp. Lev 14:2-4 On the day of his purification the priest was to examine the leper outside the camp; and if he found the leprosy cured and gone (מן נרפּא, const. praegnans, healed away from, i.e., healed and gone away from), he was to send for (lit., order them to fetch or bring) two living (חיּות, with all the fulness of their vital power) birds (without any precise direction as to the kind, not merely sparrows), and (a piece of) cedar-wood and coccus (probably scarlet wool, or a little piece of scarlet cloth), and hyssop (see at Exo 12:22). Lev 14:5-7 The priest was to have one of the birds killed into an earthen vessel upon fresh water (water drawn from a fountain or brook, Lev 15:1…
Open source ↗Here, I. It is supposed that the plague of the leprosy was not an incurable disease. Uzziah's indeed continued to the day of his death, and Gehazi's was entailed upon his seed; but Miriam's lasted only seven days: we may suppose that it often wore off in process of time. Though God contend long, he will not contend for ever. II. The judgment of the cure, as well as that of the disease, was referred to the priest. He must go out of the camp to the leper, to see whether his leprosy was healed, Lev 14:3. And we may suppose the priest did not contract any ceremonial uncleanness by coming near the leper, as another person would. It was in mercy to the poor lepers that the priests particularly had orders to attend them, for the priests' lips should keep knowledge; and those in affliction have need to be instructed both how to bear their afflictions and how to reap benefit by them, have need of the word, in concurrence with the rod, to bring them to repentance; therefore it is well for those that are sick if they have these messengers of the Lord of hosts with them, these interpreters, to show unto them God's uprightness, Job 33:23. When the leper was shut out, and could not go to the priests, it was well that the priests might come to him. Is any sick? Let him send for the elders, the ministers, Jam 5:14. If we apply it to the spiritual leprosy of sin, it intimates that when we withdraw from those who walk disorderly, that they may be ashamed, we must not count them as enemies, but admonish them as brethren, Th2 3:15. And also that when God by his grace has brought those to repentance who were shut out of communion for scandal, they ought with tenderness, and joy, and sincere affection, to be received in again. Thus Paul orders concerning the excommunicated Corinthian that wh…
Open source ↗14:1-32 These verses, dealing with the purification of infected individuals, are best understood when read in conjunction with 13:1-46.
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
יְהֹוָה (Yᵉhôvâh, H3068) — Jehovah, Jewish national name of God דָבַר (dâbar, H1696) — perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a… מֹשֶׁה (Môsheh, H4872) — Mosheh, the Israelite lawgiver אָמַר (ʼâmar, H559) — to say (used with great latitude)
Open source ↗תּוֹרָה (tôwrâh, H8451) — a precept or statute, especially the Decalogue or Pentateuch צָרַע (tsâraʻ, H6879) — to scourge, i.e. (intransitive and figurative) to be stricken with leprosy יוֹם (yôwm, H3117) — a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to… טׇהֳרָה (ṭohŏrâh, H2893) — ceremonial purification; moral purity בּוֹא (bôwʼ, H935) — to go or come (in a wide variety of applications) כֹּהֵן (kôhên, H3548) — literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a…
Open source ↗כֹּהֵן (kôhên, H3548) — literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a… יָצָא (yâtsâʼ, H3318) — to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and… חוּץ (chûwts, H2351) — properly, separate by awall, i.e. outside, outdoors מַחֲנֶה (machăneh, H4264) — an encampment (of travellers or troops); hence, an army, whether literal (of soldiers) or… רָאָה (râʼâh, H7200) — to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied,… נֶגַע (negaʻ, H5061) — a blow (figuratively, infliction); also (by implication) a spot (concretely, a leprous… צָרַעַת (tsâraʻath, H6883) — leprosy רָפָא (râphâʼ, H7495) — properly, to mend (by stitching), i.e. (figuratively) to cure צָרַע (tsâraʻ, H6879) — to scourge, i.e. (intransitive and figurative) to be stricken with leprosy
Open source ↗כֹּהֵן (kôhên, H3548) — literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a… צָוָה (tsâvâh, H6680) — (intensively) to constitute, enjoin לָקַח (lâqach, H3947) — to take (in the widest variety of applications) טָהֵר (ṭâhêr, H2891) — to be pure (physical sound, clear, unadulterated; Levitically, uncontaminated; morally,… שְׁנַיִם (shᵉnayim, H8147) — two; also (as ordinal) twofold צִפּוֹר (tsippôwr, H6833) — a little bird (as hopping) חַי (chay, H2416) — alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially… טָהוֹר (ṭâhôwr, H2889) — pure (in a physical, chemical, ceremonial or moral sense) אֶרֶז (ʼerez, H730) — a cedar tree (from the tenacity of its roots) עֵץ (ʻêts, H6086) — a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks) שָׁנִי (shânîy, H8144) — crimson, properly, the insect or its color, also stuff dyed with it תּוֹלָע (tôwlâʻ, H8438) — the crimson-grub, but used only (in this connection) of the colorfrom it, and cloths dyed… אֵזוֹב (ʼêzôwb, H231) — hyssop
Open source ↗כֹּהֵן (kôhên, H3548) — literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a… צָוָה (tsâvâh, H6680) — (intensively) to constitute, enjoin אֶחָד (ʼechâd, H259) — properly, united, i.e. one; or (as an ordinal) first צִפּוֹר (tsippôwr, H6833) — a little bird (as hopping) שָׁחַט (shâchaṭ, H7819) — to slaughter (in sacrifice or massacre) חֶרֶשׂ (cheres, H2789) — a piece of pottery כְּלִי (kᵉlîy, H3627) — something prepared, i.e. any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon) חַי (chay, H2416) — alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially… מַיִם (mayim, H4325) — water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
Open source ↗חַי (chay, H2416) — alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially… צִפּוֹר (tsippôwr, H6833) — a little bird (as hopping) לָקַח (lâqach, H3947) — to take (in the widest variety of applications) אֶרֶז (ʼerez, H730) — a cedar tree (from the tenacity of its roots) עֵץ (ʻêts, H6086) — a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks) שָׁנִי (shânîy, H8144) — crimson, properly, the insect or its color, also stuff dyed with it תּוֹלָע (tôwlâʻ, H8438) — the crimson-grub, but used only (in this connection) of the colorfrom it, and cloths dyed… אֵזוֹב (ʼêzôwb, H231) — hyssop טָבַל (ṭâbal, H2881) — to dip, to immerse דָּם (dâm, H1818) — blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice… שָׁחַט (shâchaṭ, H7819) — to slaughter (in sacrifice or massacre) מַיִם (mayim, H4325) — water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
Open source ↗נָזָה (nâzâh, H5137) — to spirt, i.e. besprinkle (especially in expiation) טָהֵר (ṭâhêr, H2891) — to be pure (physical sound, clear, unadulterated; Levitically, uncontaminated; morally,… צָרַעַת (tsâraʻath, H6883) — leprosy שֶׁבַע (shebaʻ, H7651) — seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week;… פַּעַם (paʻam, H6471) — a stroke, literally or figuratively (in various applications, as follow) חַי (chay, H2416) — alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially… צִפּוֹר (tsippôwr, H6833) — a little bird (as hopping) שָׁלַח (shâlach, H7971) — to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications) פָּנִים (pânîym, H6440) — the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and… שָׂדֶה (sâdeh, H7704) — a field (as flat)
Open source ↗טָהֵר (ṭâhêr, H2891) — to be pure (physical sound, clear, unadulterated; Levitically, uncontaminated; morally,… כָּבַס (kâbaç, H3526) — to trample; hence, to wash (properly, by stamping with the feet), whether literal… בֶּגֶד (beged, H899) — a covering, i.e. clothing; also treachery or pillage גָּלַח (gâlach, H1548) — properly, to be bald, i.e. (causatively) to shave; figuratively to lay waste שֵׂעָר (sêʻâr, H8181) — hair (as if tossed or bristling) רָחַץ (râchats, H7364) — to lave (the whole or a part of a thing) מַיִם (mayim, H4325) — water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen אַחַר (ʼachar, H310) — properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various… בּוֹא (bôwʼ, H935) — to go or come (in a wide variety of applications) מַחֲנֶה (machăneh, H4264) — an encampment (of travellers or troops); hence, an army, whether literal (of soldiers) or… יָשַׁב (yâshab, H3427) — properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to… חוּץ (chûwts, H2351) — properly, separate by awall, i.e. outside, outdoors אֹהֶל (ʼôhel, H168) — a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance) שֶׁבַע (shebaʻ, H7651) — seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week;…
Open source ↗שְׁבִיעִי (shᵉbîyʻîy, H7637) — seventh יוֹם (yôwm, H3117) — a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to… גָּלַח (gâlach, H1548) — properly, to be bald, i.e. (causatively) to shave; figuratively to lay waste שֵׂעָר (sêʻâr, H8181) — hair (as if tossed or bristling) רֹאשׁ (rôʼsh, H7218) — the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of… זָקָן (zâqân, H2206) — the beard (as indicating age) גַב (gab, H1354) — the back (as rounded); by analogy, the top or rim, a boss, a vault, arch of eye,… עַיִן (ʻayin, H5869) — an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape) כָּבַס (kâbaç, H3526) — to trample; hence, to wash (properly, by stamping with the feet), whether literal… בֶּגֶד (beged, H899) — a covering, i.e. clothing; also treachery or pillage רָחַץ (râchats, H7364) — to lave (the whole or a part of a thing) בָּשָׂר (bâsâr, H1320) — flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the… מַיִם (mayim, H4325) — water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen טָהֵר (ṭâhêr, H2891) — to be pure (physical sound, clear, unadulterated; Levitically, uncontaminated; morally,…
Open source ↗שְׁמִינִי (shᵉmîynîy, H8066) — eight יוֹם (yôwm, H3117) — a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to… לָקַח (lâqach, H3947) — to take (in the widest variety of applications) שְׁנַיִם (shᵉnayim, H8147) — two; also (as ordinal) twofold כֶּבֶשׂ (kebes, H3532) — a ram (just old enough to butt) תָּמִים (tâmîym, H8549) — entire (literally, figuratively or morally); also (as noun) integrity, truth אֶחָד (ʼechâd, H259) — properly, united, i.e. one; or (as an ordinal) first כִּבְשָׂה (kibsâh, H3535) — a ewe בַּת (bath, H1323) — a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and… שָׁנֶה (shâneh, H8141) — a year (as a revolution of time) שָׁלוֹשׁ (shâlôwsh, H7969) — three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice עִשָּׂרוֹן (ʻissârôwn, H6241) — (fractional) a tenth part סֹלֶת (çôleth, H5560) — flour (as chipped off) מִנְחָה (minchâh, H4503) — a donation; euphemistically, tribute; specifically a sacrificial offering (usually…
Open source ↗כֹּהֵן (kôhên, H3548) — literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a… טָהֵר (ṭâhêr, H2891) — to be pure (physical sound, clear, unadulterated; Levitically, uncontaminated; morally,… עָמַד (ʻâmad, H5975) — to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive) אִישׁ (ʼîysh, H376) — a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term… פָּנִים (pânîym, H6440) — the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and… יְהֹוָה (Yᵉhôvâh, H3068) — Jehovah, Jewish national name of God פֶּתַח (pethach, H6607) — an opening (literally), i.e. door (gate) or entrance way אֹהֶל (ʼôhel, H168) — a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance) מוֹעֵד (môwʻêd, H4150) — properly, an appointment, i.e. a fixed time or season; specifically, a festival;…
Open source ↗כֹּהֵן (kôhên, H3548) — literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a… לָקַח (lâqach, H3947) — to take (in the widest variety of applications) אֶחָד (ʼechâd, H259) — properly, united, i.e. one; or (as an ordinal) first כֶּבֶשׂ (kebes, H3532) — a ram (just old enough to butt) קָרַב (qârab, H7126) — to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose אָשָׁם (ʼâshâm, H817) — guilt; by implication, a fault; also a sin-offering לֹג (lôg, H3849) — a log or measure forliquids שֶׁמֶן (shemen, H8081) — grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness נוּף (nûwph, H5130) — to quiver (i.e. vibrate up and down, or rock to and fro); used in a great variety of… תְּנוּפָה (tᵉnûwphâh, H8573) — a brandishing (in threat); by implication, tumult; specifically, the official undulation… פָּנִים (pânîym, H6440) — the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and… יְהֹוָה (Yᵉhôvâh, H3068) — Jehovah, Jewish national name of God
Open source ↗שָׁחַט (shâchaṭ, H7819) — to slaughter (in sacrifice or massacre) כֶּבֶשׂ (kebes, H3532) — a ram (just old enough to butt) מָקוֹם (mâqôwm, H4725) — properly, a standing, i.e. a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific);… חַטָּאָה (chaṭṭâʼâh, H2403) — an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or… עֹלָה (ʻôlâh, H5930) — a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke) קֹדֶשׁ (qôdesh, H6944) — a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity כֹּהֵן (kôhên, H3548) — literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a… אָשָׁם (ʼâshâm, H817) — guilt; by implication, a fault; also a sin-offering
Open source ↗כֹּהֵן (kôhên, H3548) — literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a… לָקַח (lâqach, H3947) — to take (in the widest variety of applications) דָּם (dâm, H1818) — blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice… אָשָׁם (ʼâshâm, H817) — guilt; by implication, a fault; also a sin-offering נָתַן (nâthan, H5414) — to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.) תְּנוּךְ (tᵉnûwk, H8571) — a pinnacle, i.e. extremity יְמָנִי (yᵉmânîy, H3233) — right (i.e. at the right hand) אֹזֶן (ʼôzen, H241) — broadness. i.e. (concrete) the ear (from its form in man) טָהֵר (ṭâhêr, H2891) — to be pure (physical sound, clear, unadulterated; Levitically, uncontaminated; morally,… בֹּהֶן (bôhen, H931) — the thumb of the hand or great toe of the foot יָד (yâd, H3027) — a hand (the open one (indicating power, means, direction, etc.), רֶגֶל (regel, H7272) — a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda
Open source ↗