Old Testament
Leviticus 14:28
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Then the priest will put some of the oil from his hand on the tip of the right ear of the person being cleansed, on the thumb of their right hand, and on the big toe of their right foot — on the same spots where the blood of the guilt offering was placed.
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And the priest shall put of the oil that is in his hand upon the tip of the right ear of him that is to be cleansed, and upon the thumb of his right hand, and upon the great toe of his right foot, upon the place of the blood of the trespass offering:
What Leviticus 14:28 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Leviticus 14:28, the priest performs a ceremonial act of anointing a person who has been cleansed from a skin disease. The oil symbolizes God's healing and blessing. The specific locations where the oil is applied—the right ear, thumb, and big toe—are significant. They represent the person's ability to hear God's word, their actions, and their walk in life, respectively. This ritual emphasizes the importance of being wholly dedicated to God in every aspect of life. The oil is placed on the same spots where the blood from a guilt offering was applied, linking the concepts of atonement and healing. This act signifies that the person is now restored and set apart for God's service, highlighting the connection between physical healing and spiritual restoration.
How to apply Leviticus 14:28 to your life
This verse reminds us of the importance of dedicating our senses, actions, and paths to God. Just as the oil was applied to specific parts of the body, we should seek to align our hearing, doing, and walking with God's will in our daily lives, ensuring we live in a way that honors Him.
Curated for this public verse page. Leviticus Summary
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At a Glance — the Book of Leviticus
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Leviticus 14:28 mean?
Leviticus 14:28 describes a priestly ritual where oil is applied to specific parts of a person's body after they have been cleansed from a skin disease. This act symbolizes God's healing and blessing, emphasizing the importance of dedicating one's life to Him.
What is the significance of the oil in Leviticus 14:28?
The oil in Leviticus 14:28 represents God's healing and anointing. It is applied to the right ear, thumb, and big toe, symbolizing the dedication of one's hearing, actions, and walk in life to God.
Why is the right side emphasized in Leviticus 14:28?
The right side is often associated with favor and strength in biblical texts. In Leviticus 14:28, anointing the right ear, hand, and foot signifies a complete dedication to God in all aspects of life.
What does the act of anointing in Leviticus 14:28 represent?
The act of anointing in Leviticus 14:28 represents both physical healing and spiritual restoration. It signifies that the person is now set apart for God's service after being cleansed.
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