King James Version

What Does Leviticus 14:5 Mean?

Leviticus 14:5 in the King James Version says “And the priest shall command that one of the birds be killed in an earthen vessel over running water:” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Leviticus 14:5 · KJV

Context

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:

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. into: Heb. upon the face of the field

Read Leviticus 14 full chapter

Commentary

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

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.
What Leviticus portrayed through types and shadows, Christ fulfilled in reality through His incarnation, perfect life, atoning death, and resurrection.

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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. Ancient texts like the Code of Hammurabi show that law codes were common in the ancient Near East, but biblical law uniquely grounded ethics in God's character rather than merely social convention.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Christ's superior priesthood, prefigured in this verse, assure you of access to God and effective intercession?
  2. How does understanding the purpose behind God's laws help you obey Him from the heart rather than mere duty?
  3. How does this verse point to Christ, and how does that deepen your faith and gratitude?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וְצִוָּה֙1 of 12

“shall command”

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

הַכֹּהֵ֔ן2 of 12

“And the priest”

H3548

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

וְשָׁחַ֖ט3 of 12

“be killed”

H7819

to slaughter (in sacrifice or massacre)

אֶת4 of 12
H853

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

הַצִּפּ֣וֹר5 of 12

“of the birds”

H6833

a little bird (as hopping)

הָֽאֶחָ֑ת6 of 12

“that one”

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

אֶל7 of 12
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

כְּלִי8 of 12

“vessel”

H3627

something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)

חֶ֖רֶשׂ9 of 12

“in an earthen”

H2789

a piece of pottery

עַל10 of 12
H5921

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

מַ֥יִם11 of 12

“water”

H4325

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

חַיִּֽים׃12 of 12

“over running”

H2416

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

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 14:5 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 14:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 14:50Hebrews 2:142 Corinthians 5:12 Corinthians 13:42 Corinthians 4:7Numbers 5:17

Test Your Knowledge

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

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