Old Testament
Leviticus 14:50
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In Leviticus 14:50, the instruction is given for a ritual involving two birds as part of the purification process for someone who has been healed from a skin disease.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
He will kill one of the birds over a clay pot filled with fresh running water.
And he shall kill the one of the birds in an earthen vessel over running water:
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In Leviticus 14:50, the instruction is given for a ritual involving two birds as part of the purification process for someone who has been healed from a skin disease. One bird is to be killed over a clay pot that holds fresh running water. This act symbolizes the cleansing and renewal of the person who was once unclean. The use of running water signifies life and purity, while the clay pot represents the earth and human fragility. The killing of the bird serves as a sacrifice, acknowledging the seriousness of sin and the need for atonement. This ritual highlights the importance of following God's commands for purification and restoration, emphasizing the connection between physical actions and spiritual cleanliness. It reflects the broader theme of God's desire for His people to be holy and set apart, as well as the significance of sacrifice in the process of redemption.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Leviticus 14:50 to your life
This verse reminds us of the importance of spiritual cleansing and the need for atonement in our lives. Just as the Israelites followed specific rituals for purification, we too should seek to address our spiritual health through repentance and seeking God's forgiveness, ensuring we live in a way that honors Him.
Curated for this public verse page. Leviticus Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Leviticus 14:50 mean?
Leviticus 14:50 describes a ritual for purification after healing from a skin disease, where one bird is killed over a clay pot of running water. This act symbolizes cleansing and acknowledges the need for atonement.
What is the significance of the clay pot in Leviticus 14:50?
The clay pot in Leviticus 14:50 represents human fragility and the earth, emphasizing the physical aspect of the purification ritual. It holds fresh running water, which symbolizes life and purity.
Why is running water used in Leviticus 14:50?
Running water in Leviticus 14:50 signifies life and purity, playing a crucial role in the ritual of purification. It highlights the importance of cleansing in the process of restoring someone who was once unclean.
What does the bird sacrifice represent in Leviticus 14:50?
The bird sacrifice in Leviticus 14:50 represents the seriousness of sin and the need for atonement. It underscores the connection between physical actions and spiritual cleanliness in the purification process.

The Book of Leviticus
Leviticus 1: The Burnt Offering
The LORD calls to Moses from the tabernacle and gives instructions for the burnt offering. A man who brings a burnt offering from the herd presents a male without blemish at the door of the tabernacle. He lays his hand on the head of the offering, kills it, and Aaron's sons the priests sprinkle the blood around the altar. The animal is flayed and cut into pieces, and the whole is burned on the altar as a sweet savor to the LORD.
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