Leviticus 14:6-7
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The verse emphasizes a crucial detail: the live bird, along with the cedarwood, scarlet yarn, and hyssop, is dipped into a mixture of the slain bird's blood and fresh water. This signifies that purification isn't just about a sacrifice, but also about a refreshing, life-giving cleansing that allows for renewed fellowship.
He shall take the live bird with the cedarwood and the scarlet yarn and the hyssop, and dip them and the live bird in the blood of the bird that was killed over the fresh water. And he shall sprinkle it seven times on him who is to be cleansed of the leprous disease. Then he shall pronounce him clean and shall let the living bird go into the open field.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage details a crucial step in the purification ritual for someone who has recovered from leprosy. Following the priest's examination and declaration of cleansing, specific actions involving two birds, cedar wood, scarlet yarn, and hyssop are prescribed. This ritualistic process, which culminates in the release of the live bird into the open field, signifies the complete removal of uncleanness and the restoration of the individual to full fellowship with God and His people.
Why were two birds involved in the cleansing ritual? One died, the other lived. What could this possibly represent for us today?
This passage uses a powerful symbolic act to illustrate a profound spiritual truth.
A Two-Fold Picture of Atonement
The ritual required one bird to be killed and its blood collected. Then, the live bird, along with specific natural elements (cedarwood, scarlet yarn, hyssop), was dipped into that blood.
This dual imagery points forward to Jesus Christ. His death (the slain bird) provides the atoning blood, and through that sacrifice, He brings cleansing and new life (the live bird) to those who were spiritually dead in their sins.
Beyond the birds, specific items were used in this cleansing. What do cedarwood, scarlet yarn, and hyssop teach us about God's purification process?
The ritual isn't just about the birds; the accompanying materials carry symbolic weight, painting a fuller picture of spiritual cleansing.
Ask a follow-up
Symbols of Cleansing and Life
Understand the original words
tsippor · Hebrew Noun
A small, feathered creature used in the ritual cleansing of a person recovering from skin disease; symbolic of the life that is restored and released through the cleansing process.
erez · Hebrew Noun
A type of wood, often associated with majesty, durability, and incorruptibility; used in the construction of the Temple and in various purification rites.
shani · Hebrew Noun
A bright red material often representing blood, life, or sacrificial atonement; used in various purification rituals, including the rite for the cleansing of leprosy.
ezob · Hebrew Noun
A small, fragrant plant used throughout the Old Testament for purification rites, often representing humility and the need for spiritual cleansing.
dam · Hebrew Noun
The vital fluid that carries life; in the Old Testament, it is the primary instrument of atonement and cleansing, foreshadowing the ultimate sacrifice of Christ.
mayim hayim · Hebrew Noun phrase
Water that is flowing or from a spring, symbolizing life, purity, and the transformative power of God's cleansing.
nazah · Hebrew Verb
To scatter or distribute a liquid, often blood or oil, signifying the application of atonement or consecration to a person or object.
tahor · Hebrew Adjective
A state of ritual purity or freedom from the contagion of sin or disease, allowing one to participate in the covenant community and worship God.
tahar · Hebrew Verb
An act of removing impurity or guilt, often through ritual, sacrifice, or obedience to God's law, to restore one to a right standing before Him.
tsaraath · Hebrew Noun
Commonly translated as leprosy, this term refers to a range of skin diseases that rendered a person ritually unclean and separated them from the community.
This passage speaks of the Old Covenant rituals, particularly the cleansing of the impure with the blood of animals and ashes, which directly parallels the ritualistic cleansing described in Leviticus, pointing towards a greater, spiritual cleansing.
1 John 1:7This verse highlights the ongoing need for cleansing through the blood of Jesus, echoing the Levitical cleansing which symbolized the removal of sin and uncleanness.
Psalm 51:7The Psalmist's plea to be cleansed with hyssop and washed whiter than snow connects directly to the use of hyssop in this purification rite, symbolizing a deep, spiritual cleansing from sin.
Mark 1:40-42The healing of the leper by Jesus shows the compassion of God and the power of Christ to cleanse from even the most devastating impurity, fulfilling the symbolic cleansing described in Leviticus.
gillLeviticus 14:6: "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:"
As for the living bird, he shall take it,.... And dispose of it as after directed; for there was an use for that: and the cedar wood, and the scarlet, and the hyssop; which were all bound up in one bundle, but whether the living bird was joined to them is a question; according to J…
calvinLeviticus 14:1-57: "And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,"
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:
Avem vivam tollet, et lignum cedrinum, et cuccum vermiculi, et hyssopum: et tinget illa, et avem vivam in sanguine avis mactatae super aquas vivas.
And he shall sprinkle upon him that is to be cleansed from the leprosy seven time…
The verse emphasizes a crucial detail: the live bird, along with the cedarwood, scarlet yarn, and hyssop, is dipped into a mixture of the slain bird's blood and fresh water. This signifies that purification isn't just about a sacrifice, but also about a refreshing, life-giving cleansing that allows for renewed fellowship.
This passage details a crucial step in the purification ritual for someone who has recovered from leprosy. Following the priest's examination and declaration of cleansing, specific actions involving two birds, cedar wood, scarlet yarn, and hyssop are prescribed. This ritualistic process, which culminates in the release of the live bird into the open field, signifies the complete removal of uncleanness and the restoration of the individual to full fellowship with God and His people.
This passage details a crucial step in the purification ritual for someone who has recovered from leprosy. Following the priest's examination and declaration of cleansing, specific actions involving two birds, cedar wood, scarlet yarn, and hyssop are prescribed. This ritualistic process, which culminates in the release of the live bird into the open field, signifies the complete removal of uncleanness and the restoration of the individual to full fellowship with God and His people.
"He shall take the live bird with the cedarwood and the scarlet yarn and the hyssop, and dip them and the live bird in the blood of the bird that was killed over the fresh water. And he shall sprinkle it seven times on him who is to be clea…" — The verse emphasizes a crucial detail: the live bird, along with the cedarwood, scarlet yarn, and hyssop, is dipped into a mixture of the slain bird's blood and fresh water. This signifies that pur…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026
