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.

LEVITICUS 14:18KJV
Know the Bible

Leviticus 14:18 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 14:18 mean?

Leviticus 14:18 describes how, during a ritual for someone being cleansed from a skin disease, the priest takes the leftover oil and pours it on the person's head as part of making atonement before God. This act is a formal step in restoring the person to the community and to worship.

In this passage, God is instructing Moses on the detailed process for priests to follow when someone is healed from a skin disease (often called "leprosy" in older translations). The ritual involves offerings, sacrifices, and the use of oil, with the priest acting as the mediator. Pouring oil on the person's head is a sign of being fully accepted back, and the priest's actions are meant to symbolize both cleansing and restoration before the LORD.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 14:18

  • "Remnant" (יֶתֶר, yether): This word means what is left over. Here, it refers to the remaining oil after other parts of the ritual, showing that nothing is wasted and every step is intentional.
  • "Atonement" (כָּפַר, kaphar): This word often means to cover or make reconciliation. In this context, it highlights that the ritual is not just about physical healing but also about restoring the person's relationship with God.
  • "Before" (פָּנִים, panim): This word means "in the presence of" or "before." The ritual is done openly before God, emphasizing that restoration is not just social but spiritual, taking place in God's sight.

Why Leviticus 14:18 matters

  • Leviticus 14:18 clarifies that cleansing from disease in ancient Israel was not only a medical or physical issue but also a spiritual one, requiring ritual steps for full restoration.
  • The verse shows the priest's role as a mediator, highlighting the importance of community and worship in Israel's life.
  • This detail connects to the larger passage by showing how every part of the ritual, even the leftover oil, has a purpose in symbolizing wholeness and acceptance before God.

Where else these words appear

“cleansed” Hebrew H2891 · used in 79 verses

  • Genesis 35:2 Then Jacob said unto his household, and to all that were with him, Put away the strange gods that are among you, and be clean, and change your garments:
  • Leviticus 14:48 And if the priest shall come in, and look upon it, and, behold, the plague hath not spread in the house, after the house was plaistered: then the priest shall pronounce the house clean, because the plague is healed.
  • 2 Chronicles 34:3 For in the eighth year of his reign, while he was yet young, he began to seek after the God of David his father: and in the twelfth year he began to purge Judah and Jerusalem from the high places, and the groves, and the carved images, and the molten images.

“atonement” Hebrew H3722 · used in 94 verses

  • Genesis 6:14 Make thee an ark of gopher wood; rooms shalt thou make in the ark, and shalt pitch it within and without with pitch.
  • Leviticus 14:29 And the rest of the oil that is in the priest's hand he shall put upon the head of him that is to be cleansed, to make an atonement for him before the LORD.
  • Numbers 28:22 And one goat for a sin offering, to make an atonement for you.

“remnant” Hebrew H3498 · used in 101 verses

  • Genesis 30:36 And he set three days' journey betwixt himself and Jacob: and Jacob fed the rest of Laban's flocks.
  • Joshua 21:5 And the rest of the children of Kohath had by lot out of the families of the tribe of Ephraim, and out of the tribe of Dan, and out of the half tribe of Manasseh, ten cities.
  • 1 Chronicles 6:77 Unto the rest of the children of Merari were given out of the tribe of Zebulun, Rimmon with her suburbs, Tabor with her suburbs: