Old Testament
Leviticus 14:9
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
On the 7th day, they must shave off all their hair — their head, their beard, their eyebrows, every bit of hair on their body. They must wash their clothes and bathe in water. Then they will be clean.
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But it shall be on the seventh day, that he shall shave all his hair off his head and his beard and his eyebrows, even all his hair he shall shave off: and he shall wash his clothes, also he shall wash his flesh in water, and he shall be clean.
What Leviticus 14:9 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Leviticus 14:9, the instructions for someone recovering from a skin disease are detailed. On the seventh day of their cleansing process, the individual must shave off all their hair, including hair from their head, beard, and eyebrows. This act symbolizes a fresh start and purification. After shaving, they are required to wash their clothes and bathe in water, which signifies the removal of impurities. Once these steps are completed, the person is considered clean and can reintegrate into the community. This ritual emphasizes the importance of physical cleanliness and spiritual renewal in the context of ancient Israelite society, highlighting the connection between physical actions and spiritual status.
How to apply Leviticus 14:9 to your life
This verse reminds us of the importance of spiritual and physical cleanliness in our lives. Just as the Israelites had to follow specific steps to be declared clean, we too should seek to remove impurities from our lives, both physically and spiritually, to maintain our relationship with God and others.
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 14:9 mean?
Leviticus 14:9 outlines the cleansing process for someone recovering from a skin disease. On the seventh day, the individual must shave all their hair and wash their clothes and body, symbolizing purification and readiness to reintegrate into the community.
What is the significance of shaving in Leviticus 14:9?
Shaving all hair in Leviticus 14:9 represents a fresh start and purification. It signifies the removal of impurities, both physically and spiritually, as part of the cleansing ritual for those recovering from a skin disease.
Why is washing clothes mentioned in Leviticus 14:9?
Washing clothes in Leviticus 14:9 is part of the cleansing ritual that signifies the removal of impurities. It highlights the connection between physical actions and spiritual status, ensuring the individual is fully clean before reintegration.
How does Leviticus 14:9 relate to community reintegration?
Leviticus 14:9 is about the steps a person must take to be declared clean after a skin disease, which is essential for their reintegration into the community. Following these rituals ensures that they are physically and spiritually prepared to return.
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