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Home › Berean Standard Bible  › Leviticus 14  › Leviticus 14:5

Leviticus 14:5

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Leviticus 14:5 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Then the priest shall command that one of the birds be slaughtered over fresh water in a clay pot.

King James Version KJV

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

American Standard Version ASV

and the priest shall command to kill one of the birds in an earthen vessel over running water.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And the priest will give orders for one of the birds to be put to death in a vessel made of earth, over flowing water.

Free Bible Version FBV

The priest will order one of the birds to be killed over a clay pot filled with fresh water.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And the Priest shall commaund to kill one of the birdes ouer pure water in an earthen vessell.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

'And the priest hath commanded, and he hath slaughtered the one bird upon an earthen vessel, over running water;

World English Bible WEB

The priest shall command them to kill one of the birds in an earthen vessel over running water.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

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

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And he shall command one of the sparrows to be immolated in an earthen vessel over living waters:

Translation for Translators T4T

Then the priest will command that one of the birds be killed while it is being held over a clay pot containing water from a spring.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Leviticus 14:5

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Leviticus 14:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וְ/צִוָּה֙ הַ/כֹּהֵ֔ן וְ/שָׁחַ֖ט אֶת הַ/צִּפּ֣וֹר הָ/אֶחָ֑ת אֶל כְּלִי חֶ֖רֶשׂ עַל מַ֥יִם חַיִּֽים
וְ/צִוָּה֙ tsâvâh H6680 to command Conj | V-Piel-3ms
הַ/כֹּהֵ֔ן kôhên H3548 priest Art | N-ms
וְ/שָׁחַ֖ט shâchaṭ H7819 to slaughter Conj | V-Qal-3ms
אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
הַ/צִּפּ֣וֹר tsippôwr H6833 bird Art | N-cs
הָ/אֶחָ֑ת ʼechâd H259 one Art | Adj
אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep
כְּלִי kᵉlîy H3627 article/utensil N-ms
חֶ֖רֶשׂ cheres H2789 earthenware N-ms
עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep
מַ֥יִם mayim H4325 Water (Gate) N-mp
חַיִּֽים chay H2416 alive Adj
Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

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Hebrew Word Reference — Leviticus 14:5

וְ/צִוָּה֙ tsâvâh H6680 "to command" Conj | V-Piel-3ms
To command or give orders, as seen in the Bible when God gives charge to his people. It can also mean to appoint or ordain someone for a task. This word is used in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) to command, charge, give orders, lay charge, give charge to, order 1a)(Piel) 1a1) to lay charge upon 1a2) to give charge to, give command to 1a3) to give charge unto 1a4) to give charge over, appoint 1a5) to give charge, command 1a6) to charge, command 1a7) to charge, commission 1a8) to command, appoint, ordain (of divine act) 1b) (Pual) to be commanded
Usage: Occurs in 475 OT verses. KJV: appoint, (for-) bid, (give a) charge, (give a, give in, send with) command(-er, -ment), send a messenger, put, (set) in order. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 10:13; Deuteronomy 12:11.
הַ/כֹּהֵ֔ן kôhên H3548 "priest" Art | N-ms
In the Bible, a priest is a person who serves God and leads others in worship, like the Levitical priests in Exodus. They were responsible for making sacrifices and following God's laws. This term is also used to describe Jesus as a priest-king.
Definition: 1) priest, principal officer or chief ruler 1a) priest-king (Melchizedek, Messiah) 1b) pagan priests 1c) priests of Jehovah 1d) Levitical priests 1e) Zadokite priests 1f) Aaronic priests 1g) the high priest Aramaic equivalent: ka.hen (כָּהֵן "priest" H3549)
Usage: Occurs in 653 OT verses. KJV: chief ruler, [idiom] own, priest, prince, principal officer. See also: Genesis 14:18; Leviticus 13:33; Numbers 17:2.
וְ/שָׁחַ֖ט shâchaṭ H7819 "to slaughter" Conj | V-Qal-3ms
This Hebrew word means to slaughter, often used in the context of sacrifice or massacre, as seen in the KJV translations of kill, offer, or slay.
Definition: v 1) to kill, slaughter, beat 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to slaughter 1a1a) beast for food 1a1b) sacrifice 1a1c) person in human sacrifice 1a1d) beaten, hammered (of shekels) 1b) (Niphal) to be slaughtered, be slain (of food or sacrifice) Also means: sha.chat (שָׁחוּט "beaten" H7820)
Usage: Occurs in 70 OT verses. KJV: kill, offer, shoot out, slay, slaughter. See also: Genesis 22:10; Leviticus 16:15; Isaiah 22:13.
אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הַ/צִּפּ֣וֹר tsippôwr H6833 "bird" Art | N-cs
This Hebrew word means a little bird, often hopping, and is used to describe a sparrow or fowl in the Bible, such as in Psalm 84:3.
Definition: 1) bird, fowl 1a) bird (singular) 1b) birds (coll) Aramaic equivalent: tse.phar (צְפַר "bird" H6853)
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: bird, fowl, sparrow. See also: Genesis 7:14; Psalms 84:4; Psalms 8:9.
הָ/אֶחָ֑ת ʼechâd H259 "one" Art | Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means one or united, and is used to describe something that is single or unique. It is often translated as one, first, or alone. For example, in Genesis 1:5, God calls the light day and the darkness night, and separates them into one thing from another.
Definition: 1) one (number) 1a) one (number) 1b) each, every 1c) a certain 1d) an (indefinite article) 1e) only, once, once for all 1f) one...another, the one...the other, one after another, one by one 1g) first 1h) eleven (in combination), eleventh (ordinal)
Usage: Occurs in 739 OT verses. KJV: a, alike, alone, altogether, and, any(-thing), apiece, a certain, (dai-) ly, each (one), [phrase] eleven, every, few, first, [phrase] highway, a man, once, one, only, other, some, together, See also: Genesis 1:5; Exodus 36:26; Numbers 7:70.
אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
כְּלִי kᵉlîy H3627 "article/utensil" N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to any object or tool, like a utensil or a piece of furniture. It is used to describe a wide range of items, from musical instruments to weapons. It emphasizes the object's purpose or function.
Definition: 1) article, vessel, implement, utensil 1a) article, object (general) 1b) utensil, implement, apparatus, vessel 1b1) implement (of hunting or war) 1b2) implement (of music) 1b3) implement, tool (of labour) 1b4) equipment, yoke (of oxen) 1b5) utensils, furniture 1c) vessel, receptacle (general) 1d) vessels (boats) of paper-reed
Usage: Occurs in 276 OT verses. KJV: armour(-bearer), artillery, bag, carriage, [phrase] furnish, furniture, instrument, jewel, that is made of, [idiom] one from another, that which pertaineth, pot, [phrase] psaltery, sack, stuff, thing, tool, vessel, ware, weapon, [phrase] whatsoever. See also: Genesis 24:53; 1 Samuel 14:13; Ezra 8:26.
חֶ֖רֶשׂ cheres H2789 "earthenware" N-ms
This term refers to earthenware or clay pottery, including shards or broken pieces. It is used to describe everyday objects in ancient Israel. The KJV translates it as 'earth' or 'sherd'.
Definition: earthenware, clay pottery, shard, potsherd, earthen vessel
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: earth(-en), (pot-) sherd, [phrase] stone. See also: Leviticus 6:21; Psalms 22:16; Proverbs 26:23.
עַל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
מַ֥יִם mayim H4325 "Water (Gate)" N-mp
This word means water, referring to a liquid or a source of refreshment. It appears in the Bible as a literal and figurative term, including references to wasting or urine. The word is used in various contexts, such as in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: This name means water, refreshment
Usage: Occurs in 525 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] piss, wasting, water(-ing, (-course, -flood, -spring)). See also: Genesis 1:2; Leviticus 14:9; Joshua 18:15.
חַיִּֽים chay H2416 "alive" Adj
In the Bible, this word means life or being alive. It can refer to physical life, like in Genesis 1:20, or spiritual life, like in Psalm 30:5.
Definition: adj 1) living, alive 1a) green (of vegetation) 1b) flowing, fresh (of water) 1c) lively, active (of man) 1d) reviving (of the springtime) Aramaic equivalent: chay (חַי "living" H2417)
Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] age, alive, appetite, (wild) beast, company, congregation, life(-time), live(-ly), living (creature, thing), maintenance, [phrase] merry, multitude, [phrase] (be) old, quick, raw, running, springing, troop. See also: Genesis 1:20; Deuteronomy 4:9; 2 Kings 5:16.

Study Notes — Leviticus 14:5

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Leviticus 14:50 and he shall slaughter one of the birds over fresh water in a clay pot.
2 Hebrews 2:14 Now since the children have flesh and blood, He too shared in their humanity, so that by His death He might destroy him who holds the power of death, that is, the devil,
3 2 Corinthians 5:1 Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is dismantled, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands.
4 2 Corinthians 13:4 For He was indeed crucified in weakness, yet He lives by God’s power. And though we are weak in Him, yet by God’s power we will live with Him to serve you.
5 2 Corinthians 4:7 Now we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this surpassingly great power is from God and not from us.
6 Numbers 5:17 Then he is to take some holy water in a clay jar and put some of the dust from the tabernacle floor into the water.

Leviticus 14:5 Summary

In Leviticus 14:5, the priest is instructed to slaughter one of the birds over fresh water in a clay pot, which symbolizes the cleansing of the person afflicted with skin disease. This act represents the need for purification and the importance of ritual cleansing, as seen in other biblical contexts, such as Exodus 30:19 and Matthew 8:2-3. The use of the bird's blood in the ritual also foreshadows the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who shed His blood for the forgiveness of sins (Romans 5:8-9, Hebrews 9:22). By reflecting on this verse, we can see the importance of seeking spiritual cleansing and purification, and submitting to the mediatorial role of Jesus Christ in our lives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the priest have to slaughter one of the birds over fresh water in a clay pot?

The act of slaughtering a bird over fresh water in a clay pot, as seen in Leviticus 14:5, symbolizes the cleansing of the person afflicted with skin disease, highlighting the importance of purity and ritual cleansing in the biblical context, similar to the washing of hands and feet in Exodus 30:19 and the cleansing of the leper in Matthew 8:2-3.

What is the significance of using a clay pot in this ritual?

The use of a clay pot in Leviticus 14:5 may represent the earthly, fragile nature of human life, emphasizing the need for cleansing and purification, much like the earthen vessels mentioned in 2 Corinthians 4:7, which hold precious treasures.

How does this ritual relate to the concept of atonement?

The slaughtering of the bird and the use of its blood in the cleansing ritual, as described in Leviticus 14:5-6, foreshadows the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who shed His blood for the forgiveness of sins, as seen in Romans 5:8-9 and Hebrews 9:22.

What role does the priest play in this ritual?

The priest, as a mediator between God and the people, plays a crucial role in the cleansing ritual, as seen in Leviticus 14:5, by overseeing the sacrifice and applying the blood, symbolizing the priestly role of Jesus Christ, who mediates between God and humanity, as described in 1 Timothy 2:5 and Hebrews 8:6.

Reflection Questions

  1. As I reflect on the ritual of cleansing in Leviticus 14:5, what areas of my life need spiritual cleansing and purification?
  2. How can I apply the principles of ritual cleansing to my daily life, seeking to be purified and set apart for God's service?
  3. In what ways does the sacrifice of the bird in Leviticus 14:5 point me to the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, and how can I respond to this act of love and redemption?
  4. As I consider the role of the priest in the cleansing ritual, how can I submit to the mediatorial role of Jesus Christ in my life, seeking His cleansing and guidance?

Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 14:5

And the priest shall command that one of the birds be killed,.... That is, shall command another priest to kill one of them, or an Israelite, as Aben Ezra; and who also observes, that some say the

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 14:5

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

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Leviticus 14:5

To wit, by some other man. The priest did not kill it himself, because it was not properly a sacrifice, as being killed without the camp, and not in that place to which all sacrifices were confined; and if it had been a sacrifice, that might be killed by another, so long as the sprinkling of the blood of it, which was the most proper and essential act in the sacrifice, was done by the priest. Over running water; it seems to be a metathesis or transplacing of words, for over running water put in an earthen vessel. Thus the blood of the bird and the water were mixed together, partly for the conveniency of sprinkling, and partly to signify Christ, who came by water and blood, . The running water, i.e. spring or river water, by its liveliness and motion did fitly. signify the restoring of liveliness to the leper, who was in a manner dead with his leprosy, as was noted before.

Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 14:5

Leviticus 14:5 And the priest shall command that one of the birds be killed in an earthen vessel over running water:Ver. 5. Over running water.] Heb., Living water. Life consists in motion, in action: hence waters that spring and run, are, for their continual motion, called living waters. O Lord, saith Hezekiah, "By these things men live, and in all these things is the life of my spirit."

Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 14:5

(5) And the priest shall command that one of the birds be killed.—Rather, And the priest shall command, and he shall kill the one bird, that is, upon the priest ordering it, the cured leper is to kill the one which is the fairer and better bird of the two, as was the rule during the second Temple. Not being a sacrifice, the victim was killed outside the camp. In an earthen vessel over running water.—Better, over an earthen vessel upon (or into) living water, that is, the bird was killed over the dish, so as to let the blood flow into the water. The vessel had to be a new one; into it was poured a fourth part of a log, or as much as an egg and a-half of “living water:” that is, water taken from a running stream or a perennial spring, where its continual motion resembles life, in contradistinction to stale or stagnant water. Water which had already been used for other purposes, salt water, rain water, or water which had been melted or warmed, was illegal. When the blood had thus been wrung into it, a hole was dug, and the bird was buried in the presence of the priest and the patient.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Leviticus 14:5

Verse 5. Over running water.] Literally, living, that is, spring water. The meaning appears to be this: Some water (about a quarter of a log, an eggshell and a half full, according to the rabbins) was taken from a spring, and put into a clean earthen vessel, and they killed the bird over this water, that the blood might drop into it; and in this blood and water mixed, they dipped the instrument before described, and sprinkled it seven times upon the person who was to be cleansed. The living or spring water was chosen because it was purer than what was taken from pits or wells, the latter being often in a putrid or corrupt state; for in a ceremony of purifying or cleansing, every thing must be as pure and perfect as possible.

Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 14:5

5. in an earthen vessel over running water] The word ‘running’ is somewhat misleading. The Heb. expression is ‘living water,’ i.e. water from a spring. It was to be put into the vessel over which the bird was killed: the water served as a medium for conveying the blood of the slain bird (Leviticus 14:6); so the ashes of the red heifer were mixed with water (Numbers 19:9; Numbers 19:17).

Barnes' Notes on Leviticus 14:5

Running water - literally, living water, i. e. water fresh from the spring Genesis 26:19; Numbers 19:17.

Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 14:5

5. The priest shall command — The person commanded is the leper.

Sermons on Leviticus 14:5

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Roy Hession (Gospel in the Book of Esther) 4. the Exaltation of Mordecai by Roy Hession In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the victory that Jesus has achieved over the works of the devil. He references 1 John 3:8, which states that Jesus was manifested to destroy
Zac Poonen The Call of God - Fellowship by Zac Poonen In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the initial close bond that often forms when people come together in a church or fellowship. He emphasizes the importance of believing in th
Zac Poonen The Church That Overcomes Satan by Zac Poonen In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of unity between husband and wife in order to resist Satan and drive him out of their home and locality. The Bible teaches tha
Chuck Smith Victory Over Death by Chuck Smith In this sermon, Skip leads the study through Isaiah chapters 23 through 25. He is praised as an anointed teacher who brings excellent information and sticks to the text. The sermon
J. Glyn Owen Christ's Birth/death's Doom by J. Glyn Owen J. Glyn Owen delivers a powerful sermon on the significance of Christ's birth and its connection to His death, emphasizing that Jesus came to liberate humanity from the fear of dea
T. Austin-Sparks The Heavenly Calling - Part 1 by T. Austin-Sparks In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of the ministry being focused on bringing glory to the Lord Jesus. The speaker explains that while the ministry involves work
J. Glyn Owen Dangerous Drifting by J. Glyn Owen In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the danger of drifting away from the gospel message. He urges the audience to pay careful attention to what they have heard and not allow the
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