Old Testament
Leviticus 22:7
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
"After the sun goes down, he will be clean again, and then he may eat the sacred food, because that is his share of the provisions."
Compare translations
And when the sun is down, he shall be clean, and shall afterward eat of the holy things; because it is his food.
What Leviticus 22:7 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Leviticus 22:7, the focus is on the purity laws regarding the consumption of sacred food by priests. The verse states that once the sun sets, a priest who has been made unclean will be considered clean again. This signifies the end of the day and the restoration of his ability to partake in the holy offerings. The sacred food is a special provision for the priests, symbolizing their unique role in serving God and the community. The timing of sunset is significant, as it marks a transition from one state of being to another, emphasizing the importance of ritual purity in worship. This verse highlights the care taken in maintaining holiness in the priestly duties and the importance of following God's commands regarding sacred practices. It serves as a reminder of the need for spiritual cleanliness and the grace that allows for restoration after periods of impurity.
How to apply Leviticus 22:7 to your life
This verse encourages us to recognize the importance of spiritual cleanliness in our lives. Just as the priests were restored at sunset, we too can seek forgiveness and renewal after times of moral or spiritual failure. It reminds us to approach our spiritual practices with reverence and care.
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 Daniel's story: Faithful at the King's Table (Daniel 1:1–21)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Daniel
Photo: Bukvoed, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 4.0. Source. Location: Burj Beitin, Beitin, Ramallah and al-Bireh Governorate, 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.
Bethel
Where Jacob dreamed of a stairway to heaven and met God.
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 22:7
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 22:7
Related Bible verses
Key themes
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 22:7 mean?
Leviticus 22:7 explains that a priest who has become unclean will be considered clean again after sunset, allowing him to eat sacred food. This highlights the importance of ritual purity and the timing of sunset as a marker for restoration.
What is the significance of sunset in Leviticus 22:7?
Sunset in Leviticus 22:7 signifies the end of the day and marks the moment when a priest regains his purity. This timing is crucial for the priest's ability to partake in sacred offerings.
What is the role of sacred food in Leviticus 22:7?
The sacred food mentioned in Leviticus 22:7 is a provision for the priests, symbolizing their unique responsibilities in serving God. It underscores the connection between purity and the ability to participate in holy practices.
How does Leviticus 22:7 relate to spiritual cleanliness?
Leviticus 22:7 serves as a reminder of the importance of spiritual cleanliness, showing that restoration is possible after periods of impurity. It encourages individuals to seek forgiveness and renewal in their spiritual lives.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.