Old Testament
Leviticus 14:29
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Whatever oil remains in the priest's hand, he will put on the head of the person being cleansed, to make atonement for them before the LORD.
Compare translations
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.
What Leviticus 14:29 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Leviticus 14:29, the priest uses the remaining oil from a previous ritual to anoint the head of a person who is being cleansed from a skin disease. This act symbolizes the completion of the cleansing process and serves as a means of atonement before God. The oil represents the Holy Spirit and God's healing power, indicating that the person is now restored and accepted by the community and God. The priest's role is crucial, as he acts as a mediator between the individual and God, ensuring that the proper rituals are followed for spiritual and physical healing. This verse highlights the importance of ritual purity and the significance of atonement in the Israelite community, emphasizing that restoration involves both physical and spiritual dimensions. The act of anointing with oil signifies God's blessing and the individual's renewed status within the community, reinforcing the idea that God desires wholeness and reconciliation for His people.
How to apply Leviticus 14:29 to your life
This verse reminds us of the importance of seeking spiritual cleansing and restoration in our lives. Just as the priest anointed the person with oil, we can seek God's healing and forgiveness through prayer and repentance, trusting in His desire to restore us fully.
Curated for this public verse page. Leviticus Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Esther's story: Esther Becomes Queen (Esther 2:1–18)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Esther
Photo: Deror Avi, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 4.0. Source. Location: Tel Shiloh archaeological site, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Shiloh
Where Israel set up the tabernacle, and where God called the boy Samuel.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Leviticus 14:29
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Leviticus 14:29
Related Bible verses
Related topics
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 14:29 mean?
Leviticus 14:29 describes a ritual where a priest anoints the head of a person being cleansed from a skin disease with oil. This act symbolizes the completion of their cleansing and serves as a means of atonement before God.
What is the significance of oil in Leviticus 14:29?
In Leviticus 14:29, the oil represents God's healing power and the Holy Spirit. Anointing with oil signifies restoration and acceptance within the community and before God.
How does Leviticus 14:29 relate to atonement?
Leviticus 14:29 highlights atonement by showing that the anointing with oil is a way to make amends before God, indicating that the individual is restored and accepted after their cleansing.
What role does the priest play in Leviticus 14:29?
The priest in Leviticus 14:29 acts as a mediator, performing the anointing ritual to ensure that the individual is spiritually and physically cleansed, following God's prescribed methods for restoration.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.