New International VersionHe shall purify the house with the bird’s blood, the fresh water, the live bird, the cedar wood, the hyssop and the scarlet yarn.
New Living TranslationWhen the priest has purified the house in exactly this way,
English Standard VersionThus he shall cleanse the house with the blood of the bird and with the fresh water and with the live bird and with the cedarwood and hyssop and scarlet yarn.
Berean Standard BibleAnd he shall cleanse the house with the bird’s blood, the fresh water, the live bird, the cedar wood, the hyssop, and the scarlet yarn.
King James BibleAnd he shall cleanse the house with the blood of the bird, and with the running water, and with the living bird, and with the cedar wood, and with the hyssop, and with the scarlet:
New King James VersionAnd he shall cleanse the house with the blood of the bird and the running water and the living bird, with the cedar wood, the hyssop, and the scarlet.
New American Standard BibleSo he shall cleanse the house with the blood of the bird and with the running water, along with the live bird, the cedar wood, the hyssop, and the scarlet string.
NASB 1995“He shall thus cleanse the house with the blood of the bird and with the running water, along with the live bird and with the cedar wood and with the hyssop and with the scarlet string.
NASB 1977“He shall thus cleanse the house with the blood of the bird and with the running water, along with the live bird and with the cedar wood and with the hyssop and with the scarlet string.
Legacy Standard BibleHe shall thus cleanse the house with the blood of the bird and with the running water, along with the live bird and with the cedar wood and with the hyssop and with the scarlet string.
Amplified BibleSo he shall cleanse the house with the blood of the bird and with the running water, along with the live bird and the cedar wood and the hyssop and the scarlet string.
Christian Standard BibleHe will purify the house with the blood of the bird, the fresh water, the live bird, the cedar wood, the hyssop, and the scarlet yarn.
Holman Christian Standard BibleHe will purify the house with the blood of the bird, the fresh water, the live bird, the cedar wood, the hyssop, and the scarlet yarn.
American Standard Versionand he shall cleanse the house with the blood of the bird, and with the running water, and with the living bird, and with the cedar wood, and with the hyssop, and with the scarlet:
English Revised Versionand he shall cleanse the house with the blood of the bird, and with the running water, and with the living bird, and with the cedar wood, and with the hyssop, and with the scarlet:
GOD'S WORD® TranslationSo he must use the bird's blood, the fresh water, the living bird, the cedar wood, the hyssop, and the red yarn to make the house clean.
Good News TranslationIn this way he shall purify the house with the bird's blood, the fresh water, the live bird, the cedar wood, the hyssop, and the red cord.
International Standard VersionHe is to clean the house with the blood of the bird over flowing water, including cleansing the live bird, the cedar wood, the hyssop, and the crimson thread.
NET BibleSo he is to decontaminate the house with the blood of the bird, the fresh water, the live bird, the piece of cedar wood, the twigs of hyssop, and the scrap of crimson fabric,
New Heart English BibleHe shall cleanse the house with the blood of the bird, and with the running water, with the living bird, with the cedar wood, with the hyssop, and with the scarlet;
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd he shall cleanse the house with the blood of the bird, and with the running water, and with the living bird, and with the cedar wood, and with the hyssop, and with the scarlet: Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleAnd he shall cleanse the house with the bird’s blood, the fresh water, the live bird, the cedar wood, the hyssop, and the scarlet yarn.
World English BibleHe shall cleanse the house with the blood of the bird, and with the running water, with the living bird, with the cedar wood, with the hyssop, and with the scarlet; Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd he has cleansed the house with the blood of the bird, and with the running water, and with the living bird, and with the cedar wood, and with the hyssop, and with the scarlet;
Young's Literal Translation 'And he hath cleansed the house with the blood of the bird, and with the running water, and with the living bird, and with the cedar wood, and with the hyssop, and with the scarlet;
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd he cleansed the house with the blood of the bird in living water, and with the living bird, and with the cedar wood, and with the double scarlet. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd shall purify it as well with the blood of the sparrow, as with the living water, and with the living sparrow, and with the cedar wood, and the hyssop, and the scarlet.
Catholic Public Domain VersionAnd he shall purify it as much with the blood of the sparrow as with the living water, and with the living sparrow, and the cedar wood, and the hyssop, and the vermillion.
New American BibleThus he shall purify the house with the bird’s blood and the fresh water, along with the living bird, the cedar wood, the hyssop, and the scarlet yarn.
New Revised Standard VersionThus he shall cleanse the house with the blood of the bird, and with the fresh water, and with the living bird, and with the cedarwood and hyssop and crimson yarn; Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd he shall cleanse the house with the blood of the bird and with the running water and with the live bird and with the cedar wood and with hyssop and with the scarlet material;
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedAnd he shall cleanse the house with the blood of the bird and with living water and with the living bird and with the wood of cedar and with hyssop and with dye of scarlet: OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And he shall cleanse the house with the blood of the bird, and with the running water, and with the living bird, and with the cedar-wood, and with the hyssop, and with the scarlet.
Brenton Septuagint Translationand he shall purify the house with the blood of the bird, and with the running water, and with the living bird, and with the cedar wood, and with the hyssop, and with the spun scarlet.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Cleansing a Home… 51Then he shall take the cedar wood, the hyssop, the scarlet yarn, and the live bird, dip them in the blood of the slaughtered bird and the fresh water, and sprinkle the house seven times. 52And he shall cleansethe housewith the bird’sblood,the freshwater,the livebird,the cedarwood,the hyssop,and the scarlet yarn.53Finally, he is to release the live bird into the open fields outside the city. In this way he will make atonement for the house, and it will be clean.…
Cross References Hebrews 9:13-14For if the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that their bodies are clean, / how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself unblemished to God, purify our consciences from works of death, so that we may serve the living God!
Numbers 19:18-19Then a man who is ceremonially clean is to take some hyssop, dip it in the water, and sprinkle the tent, all the furnishings, and the people who were there. He is also to sprinkle the one who touched a bone, a grave, or a person who has died or been slain. / The man who is ceremonially clean is to sprinkle the unclean person on the third day and on the seventh day. After he purifies the unclean person on the seventh day, the one being cleansed must wash his clothes and bathe in water, and that evening he will be clean.
Hebrews 9:22According to the law, in fact, nearly everything must be purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.
1 John 1:7But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.
Numbers 19:9Then a man who is ceremonially clean is to gather up the ashes of the heifer and store them in a ceremonially clean place outside the camp. They must be kept by the congregation of Israel for preparing the water of purification; this is for purification from sin.
Ezekiel 36:25I will also sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean. I will cleanse you from all your impurities and all your idols.
Psalm 51:7Purify me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.
Hebrews 10:4because it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.
Isaiah 1:16Wash and cleanse yourselves. Remove your evil deeds from My sight. Stop doing evil!
1 Peter 1:18-19For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life you inherited from your forefathers, / but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or spot.
Numbers 8:7This is what you must do to cleanse them: Sprinkle them with the water of purification. Have them shave their whole bodies and wash their clothes, and so purify themselves.
Matthew 8:2-3Suddenly a leper came and knelt before Him, saying, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.” / Jesus reached out His hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” He said. “Be clean!” And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.
Mark 1:40-42Then a leper came to Jesus, begging on his knees: “If You are willing, You can make me clean.” / Moved with compassion, Jesus reached out His hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” He said. “Be clean!” / And immediately the leprosy left him, and the man was cleansed.
Luke 5:12-13While Jesus was in one of the towns, a man came along who was covered with leprosy. When he saw Jesus, he fell facedown and begged Him, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.” / Jesus reached out His hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” He said. “Be clean!” And immediately the leprosy left him.
2 Corinthians 7:1Therefore, beloved, since we have these promises, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that defiles body and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
Treasury of Scripture And he shall cleanse the house with the blood of the bird, and with the running water, and with the living bird, and with the cedar wood, and with the hyssop, and with the scarlet: Jump to Previous BirdBird'sBloodCedarCedarwoodCedar-WoodCleanCleanseDefilementFlowingFreshHouseHyssopLivePurgePurifyRedRunningScarletStringStuffThreadWaterWoodYarnJump to Next BirdBird'sBloodCedarCedarwoodCedar-WoodCleanCleanseDefilementFlowingFreshHouseHyssopLivePurgePurifyRedRunningScarletStringStuffThreadWaterWoodYarnLeviticus 14 1.The rites and sacrifices in cleansing the leper33.The signs of leprosy in a house48.The cleansing of that houseAnd he shall cleanse the houseThis phrase refers to the ritual purification of a house that has been afflicted with mold or mildew, considered a form of leprosy in biblical times. The cleansing of the house symbolizes the removal of impurity and sin, reflecting the holiness required by God. This act is part of the broader Levitical laws given to the Israelites to maintain purity and holiness in their community. with the bird’s blood
The use of bird's blood in the cleansing ritual signifies the necessity of a blood sacrifice for atonement and purification. Blood is a recurring symbol of life and purification throughout the Bible, foreshadowing the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, whose blood cleanses believers from sin. the fresh water
Fresh water, or living water, is used in the ritual to symbolize purification and renewal. Water is a powerful symbol in Scripture, representing spiritual cleansing and the life-giving presence of God. In the New Testament, Jesus refers to Himself as the source of living water, offering eternal life to those who believe in Him. the live bird
The live bird, released after the ritual, represents freedom and the removal of impurity from the house. This act can be seen as a type of Christ, who, after His sacrifice, rose from the dead and ascended to heaven, symbolizing victory over sin and death. the cedar wood
Cedar wood is known for its durability and resistance to decay, symbolizing incorruptibility and eternal life. In the context of the ritual, it may represent the enduring nature of God's covenant with His people. Cedar wood is also associated with the construction of the Temple, a place of God's presence. the hyssop
Hyssop is a plant used for sprinkling in purification rituals. It is mentioned in the Passover narrative, where it was used to apply the blood of the lamb to the doorposts, and inPsalm 51, where David asks to be cleansed with hyssop. It symbolizes purification and the application of sacrificial blood for cleansing. and the scarlet yarn
Scarlet yarn, a vivid red color, represents sin and its consequences, as well as the blood required for atonement. The color scarlet is often associated with sacrifice and redemption in the Bible. InIsaiah 1:18, God promises that though sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow, highlighting the transformative power of divine forgiveness. Persons / Places / Events 1. PriestThe priest is the central figure in the cleansing process, acting as a mediator between God and the people. 2. HouseRepresents the dwelling place of the Israelites, which could become unclean due to mold or mildew. 3. Cleansing RitualA ceremonial process involving specific elements to purify a house that has been declared unclean. Teaching Points Symbolism of CleansingThe use of blood, water, and other elements symbolizes the thorough cleansing required to remove impurity. This points to the need for spiritual cleansing in our lives through Christ's sacrifice. Role of the PriestThe priest's role as a mediator foreshadows Christ's role as our High Priest, who intercedes on our behalf and provides ultimate purification from sin. Importance of ObedienceThe detailed instructions for cleansing highlight the importance of obedience to God's commands. In our lives, we are called to follow God's Word diligently. Community and HolinessThe cleansing of a house reflects the broader call for the community to maintain holiness. As believers, we are to encourage one another in living pure and holy lives. Spiritual RenewalJust as the house is cleansed and renewed, we are invited to seek spiritual renewal through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Leviticus 14:52?
2.How does Leviticus 14:52 illustrate the importance of purification in our lives?
3.What spiritual significance does the cleansing of a house hold for Christians today?
4.How can we apply the principles of Leviticus 14:52 to our spiritual walk?
5.In what ways does Leviticus 14:52 connect to New Testament teachings on purity?
6.How does "purify the house" in Leviticus 14:52 relate to personal holiness?
7.What is the significance of cleansing a house with blood, bird, and hyssop in Leviticus 14:52?
8.How does Leviticus 14:52 relate to the concept of ritual purity in the Bible?
9.Why does Leviticus 14:52 emphasize the use of specific elements for purification?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Leviticus 14?
11.How could sprinkling bird blood and water (Leviticus 14:1-7) realistically cure or cleanse a contagious skin disease by any scientific or medical standard?
12.How do we reconcile the elaborate purification rituals (Leviticus 14:1-32) with modern understanding of infection and disease transmission?
13.Numbers 19:6: Are there any historical or archaeological records confirming the use of cedar wood, hyssop, and scarlet yarn in sacrificial rituals?
14.Why does Leviticus 14:4-6 use cedar wood, scarlet yarn, and hyssop, and is there historical or archaeological evidence of their effectiveness in disease control?What Does Leviticus 14:52 Mean And he shall cleanse the house• After mildew was found, the priest returned, inspected, and then “shall cleanse the house” (Leviticus 14:48–52). • The command shows God’s concern for both physical health and spiritual purity. Compare the wider context ofLeviticus 14:34–35 with1 Corinthians 3:16, where believers are called God’s dwelling place, andHebrews 3:6, which speaks of Christ over His house. A cleansed house foreshadows God’s plan to dwell in a clean people.
with the bird’s blood• One bird was sacrificed over fresh water in a clay pot (Leviticus 14:5). Its blood mixed with water became the agent of cleansing. •Hebrews 9:22 teaches, “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness,” while1 John 1:7 says, “the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.” The slain bird points directly to the necessity of a sinless life poured out so impurity can be removed.
the fresh water• The “fresh water” (literally running water) kept in motion symbolized life, not stagnation. •Ezekiel 36:25 promises, “I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean,” andEphesians 5:26 speaks of being sanctified “by the washing with water through the word.” Together with the blood, the water proclaims a dual cleansing—removal of guilt and renewal of life.
the live bird• After being dipped in the blood-water mixture, the live bird was released outside the city (Leviticus 14:7, 53). • This pictures freedom purchased by sacrifice.Leviticus 16:20-22 uses a live goat to bear sin away; here the bird dramatizes release.John 8:36 says, “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed,” andJohn 11:25 presents Jesus as “the resurrection and the life.” The living bird soaring heavenward portrays the risen Christ and the believer’s liberty.
the cedar wood• Cedar is enduring, fragrant, and resistant to decay (1 Kings 5:6;Psalm 92:12). • Its inclusion signals permanence: once God cleanses, corruption is halted. The cross itself is sometimes called a “tree” (Acts 5:30), and cedar’s durability anticipates the lasting work accomplished at Calvary.
the hyssop• Hyssop, a small bushy plant, was used to apply blood at Passover (Exodus 12:22) and in David’s plea, “Purge me with hyssop, and I will be clean” (Psalm 51:7). •John 19:29 notes that a branch of hyssop lifted the sour wine to Jesus’ lips. In house-cleansing it served as a simple brush, stressing that God uses humble means to apply redemption’s power.
the scarlet yarn• Scarlet, the color of blood, threads the story of redemption: the scarlet cord spared Rahab (Joshua 2:18-21);Isaiah 1:18 promises crimson sins made white as snow. • Tied to the cedar and hyssop (Leviticus 14:6), the yarn bound the elements together, picturing how the sacrifice, the cleansing, and the enduring promise are inseparably united in one act of grace.
summaryLeviticus 14:52 shows God providing a comprehensive remedy for defilement: sacrificial blood, life-giving water, a living representative, durable wood, humble hyssop, and scarlet signifying atonement. Each detail foreshadows the complete, lasting cleansing found in Jesus Christ—sin removed, purity applied, and freedom granted—so that God may dwell in a holy house forever.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew And he shall cleanseוְחִטֵּ֣א(wə·ḥiṭ·ṭê)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 2398:To miss, to sin, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, lead astray, condemnthe houseהַבַּ֔יִת(hab·ba·yiṯ)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1004:A housewith the bird’sהַצִּפּ֔וֹר(haṣ·ṣip·pō·wr)Article | Noun - common singular
Strong's 6833:A little birdblood,בְּדַם֙(bə·ḏam)Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1818:Blood, of man, an animal, the juice of the grape, bloodshedthe freshהַֽחַיִּ֑ים(ha·ḥay·yîm)Article | Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 2416:Alive, raw, fresh, strong, lifewater,וּבַמַּ֖יִם(ū·ḇam·ma·yim)Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 4325:Water, juice, urine, sementhe liveהַחַיָּ֗ה(ha·ḥay·yāh)Article | Adjective - feminine singular
Strong's 2416:Alive, raw, fresh, strong, lifebird,וּבַצִּפֹּ֣ר(ū·ḇaṣ·ṣip·pōr)Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b, Article | Noun - common singular
Strong's 6833:A little birdthe cedarהָאֶ֛רֶז(hā·’e·rez)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 730:A cedar treewood,וּבְעֵ֥ץ(ū·ḇə·‘êṣ)Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 6086:Tree, trees, woodthe hyssop,וּבָאֵזֹ֖ב(ū·ḇā·’ê·zōḇ)Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 231:Hyssopand the scarlet yarn.וּבִשְׁנִ֥י(ū·ḇiš·nî)Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 8144:Crimson, the insect, its color, stuff dyed with it
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OT Law: Leviticus 14:52 He shall cleanse the house (Le Lv Lev.) |
