King James Version

What Does Leviticus 14:4 Mean?

Leviticus 14:4 in the King James Version says “Then shall the priest command to take for him that is to be cleansed two birds alive and clean, and cedar wood, and scar...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Then shall the priest command to take for him that is to be cleansed two birds alive and clean, and cedar wood, and scarlet , and hyssop: birds: or, sparrows”

Leviticus 14:4 · KJV

Context

2

This shall be the law of the leper in the day of his cleansing: He shall be brought unto the priest:

3

And the priest shall go forth out of the camp; and the priest shall look, and, behold, if the plague of leprosy be healed in the leper;

4

Then shall the priest command to take for him that is to be cleansed two birds alive and clean, and cedar wood, and scarlet , and hyssop: birds: or, sparrows

5

And the priest shall command that one of the birds be killed in an earthen vessel over running water:

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:

Read Leviticus 14 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Then shall the priest command to take for him that is to be cleansed two birds alive and clean, and cedar wood, and scarlet, and hyssop:

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 Aaronic priesthood mediated between God and Israel, offering sacrifices and maintaining the tabernacle. This prefigured Christ's superior priesthood after the order of Melchizedek. Ritual purity laws taught Israel to distinguish between clean and unclean, holy and common, training them in discernment and reverence for God's presence.
The New Testament reveals that Christ's sacrifice accomplishes what the Levitical system could only symbolize—complete forgiveness and restoration of relationship with God.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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. Ancient sacrificial texts from cultures surrounding Israel demonstrate the widespread practice of animal sacrifice, but Israel's system uniquely emphasized moral atonement over magical efficacy.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Christ's superior priesthood, prefigured in this verse, assure you of access to God and effective intercession?
  2. How can you develop greater spiritual discernment in distinguishing what honors God from what defiles?
  3. How does understanding the purpose behind God's laws help you obey Him from the heart rather than mere duty?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וְצִוָּה֙1 of 13

“command”

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

הַכֹּהֵ֔ן2 of 13

“Then shall the priest”

H3548

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

וְלָקַ֧ח3 of 13

“to take”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

לַמִּטַּהֵ֛ר4 of 13

“for him that is to be cleansed”

H2891

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

שְׁתֵּֽי5 of 13

“two”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

צִפֳּרִ֥ים6 of 13

“birds”

H6833

a little bird (as hopping)

חַיּ֖וֹת7 of 13

“alive”

H2416

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

טְהֹר֑וֹת8 of 13

“and clean”

H2889

pure (in a physical, chemical, ceremonial or moral sense)

וְעֵ֣ץ9 of 13

“wood”

H6086

a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)

אֶ֔רֶז10 of 13

“and cedar”

H730

a cedar tree (from the tenacity of its roots)

וּשְׁנִ֥י11 of 13

“and scarlet”

H8144

crimson, properly, the insect or its color, also stuff dyed with it

תוֹלַ֖עַת12 of 13
H8438

a maggot (as voracious); specifically (often with ellipsis of h8144) the crimson-grub, but used only (in this connection) of the color from it, and cl

וְאֵזֹֽב׃13 of 13

“and hyssop”

H231

hyssop

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 14:4 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 14:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 19:6Hebrews 9:19Leviticus 14:6Psalms 51:7Exodus 12:22Leviticus 14:49-52

Test Your Knowledge

Leviticus 14 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterLeviticus Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Leviticus 14 with CommentaryAll Leviticus ChaptersComplete Leviticus QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes