Old Testament
Leviticus 14:4
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
the priest will order that two live, clean birds be brought, along with cedar wood, scarlet yarn, and hyssop.
Compare translations
Then shall the priest command to take for him that is to be cleansed two birds alive and clean, and cedar wood, and scarlet, and hyssop:
What Leviticus 14:4 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Leviticus 14:4, the priest is instructed to gather specific items for the ritual of cleansing a person who has been healed from a skin disease, often understood as leprosy. The two live, clean birds symbolize life and the possibility of renewal. Cedar wood, scarlet yarn, and hyssop are also significant; cedar represents strength and durability, scarlet yarn symbolizes sacrifice and atonement, and hyssop is associated with purification. This ritual emphasizes the importance of being made clean and the role of the priest in mediating between God and the people. The act of using these items in a ceremonial way highlights the seriousness of sin and the need for a proper process of restoration to community and worship. Overall, this passage illustrates the connection between physical healing and spiritual cleansing, showing that God cares for both our physical and spiritual well-being.
How to apply Leviticus 14:4 to your life
This verse reminds us of the importance of spiritual cleansing in our lives. Just as the priest facilitated the healing process, we should seek help and guidance in our own journeys of restoration. Engaging in community and seeking forgiveness can lead to renewal and healing.
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 14:4
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 14:4
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 14:4 mean?
Leviticus 14:4 describes a ritual for cleansing a person healed from a skin disease, involving two live, clean birds, cedar wood, scarlet yarn, and hyssop. These items symbolize life, strength, sacrifice, and purification, highlighting the process of restoration to community and worship.
What is the significance of the birds in Leviticus 14:4?
The two live, clean birds in Leviticus 14:4 symbolize life and renewal. They are part of a cleansing ritual that represents the restoration of a person who has been healed from a skin disease.
What do cedar wood and scarlet yarn represent in Leviticus 14:4?
In Leviticus 14:4, cedar wood represents strength and durability, while scarlet yarn symbolizes sacrifice and atonement. Together, they contribute to the ritual's emphasis on purification and the seriousness of sin.
How does Leviticus 14:4 relate to spiritual cleansing?
Leviticus 14:4 illustrates the connection between physical healing and spiritual cleansing. The ritual emphasizes the importance of being made clean and the role of the priest in mediating between God and the people.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.