King James Version

What Does Leviticus 14:19 Mean?

Leviticus 14:19 in the King James Version says “And the priest shall offer the sin offering, and make an atonement for him that is to be cleansed from his uncleanness; ...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the priest shall offer the sin offering, and make an atonement for him that is to be cleansed from his uncleanness; and afterward he shall kill the burnt offering:”

Leviticus 14:19 · KJV

Context

17

And of the rest of the oil that is in his hand shall the priest put upon the tip of the right ear of him that is to be cleansed, and upon the thumb of his right hand, and upon the great toe of his right foot, upon the blood of the trespass offering:

18

And the remnant of the oil that is in the priest's hand he shall pour upon the head of him that is to be cleansed: and the priest shall make an atonement for him before the LORD.

19

And the priest shall offer the sin offering, and make an atonement for him that is to be cleansed from his uncleanness; and afterward he shall kill the burnt offering:

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.

21

And if he be poor, and cannot get so much; then he shall take one lamb for a trespass offering to be waved, to make an atonement for him, and one tenth deal of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat offering, and a log of oil; cannot: Heb. his hand reach not to be: Heb. for a waving

Read Leviticus 14 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the priest shall offer the sin offering, and make an atonement for him that is to be cleansed from his uncleanness; and afterward he shall kill the burnt offering:

This verse falls within the section on Cleansing from Skin Diseases. Elaborate cleansing ritual for healed lepers, involving birds, blood, and multiple offerings, symbolizing restoration.

The Hebrew word kaphar (כָּפַר) means 'to cover' or 'to make atonement.' The sacrificial system provided temporary covering for sin, pointing forward to Christ's perfect, once-for-all sacrifice. The Aaronic priesthood mediated between God and Israel, offering sacrifices and maintaining the tabernacle. This prefigured Christ's superior priesthood after the order of Melchizedek. The five main offerings (burnt, grain, peace, sin, and guilt) addressed different aspects of relationship with God, all fulfilled in Christ's comprehensive sacrifice. Ritual purity laws taught Israel to distinguish between clean and unclean, holy and common, training them in discernment and reverence for God's presence.
Hebrews 9-10 explains how Christ's once-for-all sacrifice supersedes the repeated Levitical offerings, providing permanent cleansing from sin.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Elaborate cleansing ritual for healed lepers, involving birds, blood, and multiple offerings, symbolizing restoration. Chapters 11-15 address ritual purity, teaching Israel to distinguish clean from unclean. These laws served multiple purposes: promoting health, teaching spiritual lessons about sin's defilement, and separating Israel from pagan practices. Archaeological evidence shows Canaanite worship involved practices Israel's laws explicitly prohibited. Israel received these laws while encamped at Sinai, before entering Canaan. The laws prepared them for life in the promised land, distinguishing them from Canaanite practices and establishing their identity as God's holy nation. The portable tabernacle, central to Levitical worship, accompanied them through wilderness wanderings and eventually found permanent form in Solomon's temple. The Israelite dietary laws in Leviticus 11 have no exact parallel in surrounding cultures, though some ancient cultures had food taboos, suggesting unique revelation rather than borrowed customs.

Reflection Questions

  1. In what ways does this verse deepen your appreciation for Christ's atoning sacrifice and the seriousness of sin?
  2. How does Christ's superior priesthood, prefigured in this verse, assure you of access to God and effective intercession?
  3. What does this verse teach about the costliness of true worship and dedication to God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וְעָשָׂ֤ה1 of 12

“shall offer”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

הַכֹּהֵן֙2 of 12

“And the priest”

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

אֶת3 of 12
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַ֣חַטָּ֔את4 of 12

“the sin offering”

H2403

an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender

וְכִפֶּ֕ר5 of 12

“and make an atonement”

H3722

to cover (specifically with bitumen)

עַל6 of 12
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

הַמִּטַּהֵ֖ר7 of 12

“for him that is to be cleansed”

H2891

to be pure (physical sound, clear, unadulterated; levitically, uncontaminated; morally, innocent or holy)

מִטֻּמְאָת֑וֹ8 of 12

“from his uncleanness”

H2932

religious impurity

וְאַחַ֖ר9 of 12

“and afterward”

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

יִשְׁחַ֥ט10 of 12

“he shall kill”

H7819

to slaughter (in sacrifice or massacre)

אֶת11 of 12
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הָֽעֹלָֽה׃12 of 12

“the burnt offering”

H5930

a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Leviticus. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Leviticus 14:19 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Leviticus 14:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 14:12Leviticus 12:6-82 Corinthians 5:21Leviticus 5:6Leviticus 5:1Romans 8:3

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