Leviticus 14:6
New International Version
He is then to take the live bird and dip it, together with the cedar wood, the scarlet yarn and the hyssop, into the blood of the bird that was killed over the fresh water.

New Living Translation
He will take the live bird, the cedar stick, the scarlet yarn, and the hyssop branch, and dip them into the blood of the bird that was slaughtered over the fresh water.

English Standard Version
He shall take the live bird with the cedarwood and the scarlet yarn and the hyssop, and dip them and the live bird in the blood of the bird that was killed over the fresh water.

Berean Standard Bible
And he is to take the live bird together with the cedar wood, scarlet yarn, and hyssop, and dip them into the blood of the bird that was slaughtered over the fresh water.

King James Bible
As for the living bird, he shall take it, and the cedar wood, and the scarlet, and the hyssop, and shall dip them and the living bird in the blood of the bird that was killed over the running water:

New King James Version
As for the living bird, he shall take it, the cedar wood and the scarlet and the hyssop, and dip them and the living bird in the blood of the bird that was killed over the running water.

New American Standard Bible
As for the live bird, he shall take it together with the cedar wood, the scarlet string, and the hyssop, and shall dip them and the live bird in the blood of the bird that was slaughtered over the running water.

NASB 1995
“As for the live bird, he shall take it together with the cedar wood and the scarlet string and the hyssop, and shall dip them and the live bird in the blood of the bird that was slain over the running water.

NASB 1977
As for the live bird, he shall take it, together with the cedar wood and the scarlet string and the hyssop, and shall dip them and the live bird in the blood of the bird that was slain over the running water.

Legacy Standard Bible
As for the live bird, he shall take it together with the cedar wood and the scarlet string and the hyssop, and he shall dip them and the live bird in the blood of the bird that was slaughtered over the running water.

Amplified Bible
As for the live bird, he shall take it together with the cedar wood and the scarlet string and the hyssop, and shall dip them and the live bird in the blood of the bird sacrificed over the running water.

Christian Standard Bible
He is to take the live bird together with the cedar wood, scarlet yarn, and hyssop, and dip them all into the blood of the bird that was slaughtered over the fresh water.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
He is to take the live bird together with the cedar wood, scarlet yarn, and hyssop, and dip them all into the blood of the bird that was slaughtered over the fresh water.

American Standard Version
As for the living bird, he shall take it, and the cedar wood, and the scarlet, and the hyssop, and shall dip them and the living bird in the blood of the bird that was killed over the running water:

Contemporary English Version
Then he will dip the other bird, the cedar, the red yarn, and the hyssop in the blood of the dead bird.

English Revised Version
as for the living bird, he shall take it, and the cedar wood, and the scarlet, and the hyssop, and shall dip them and the living bird in the blood of the bird that was killed over the running water:

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The priest will take the living bird, the cedar wood, the red yarn, and the hyssop sprig and dip them and the living bird in the blood of the bird that was killed over the fresh water.

Good News Translation
He shall take the other bird and dip it, together with the cedar wood, the red cord, and the hyssop, in the blood of the bird that was killed.

International Standard Version
He is to take the live bird, the cedar wood, the crimson thread, and the hyssop, and dip them together in the blood of the bird that had been slaughtered over the flowing water.

Majority Standard Bible
And he is to take the live bird together with the cedar wood, scarlet yarn, and hyssop, and dip them into the blood of the bird that was slaughtered over the fresh water.

NET Bible
Then he is to take the live bird along with the piece of cedar wood, the scrap of crimson fabric, and the twigs of hyssop, and he is to dip them and the live bird in the blood of the bird slaughtered over the fresh water,

New Heart English Bible
As for the living bird, he shall take it, and the cedar wood, and the scarlet, and the hyssop, and shall dip them and the living bird in the blood of the bird that was killed over the running water.

Webster's Bible Translation
As for the living bird, he shall take it, and the cedar-wood, and the scarlet, and the hyssop, and shall dip them, and the living bird, in the blood of the bird that was killed over the running water.

World English Bible
As for the living bird, he shall take it, the cedar wood, the scarlet, and the hyssop, and shall dip them and the living bird in the blood of the bird that was killed over the running water.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
[as for] the living bird, he takes it, and the cedar wood, and the scarlet, and the hyssop, and has dipped them and the living bird in the blood of the slaughtered bird, over the running water,

Young's Literal Translation
as to the living bird, he taketh it, and the cedar wood, and the scarlet, and the hyssop, and hath dipped them and the living bird in the blood of the slaughtered bird, over the running water,

Smith's Literal Translation
The living bird he will take it, and the cedar wood and the double scarlet, and the hyssop, and he dipped them and the living bird in the blood of the bird slain over the living water.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
But the other that is alive he shall dip, with the cedar wood, and the scarlet and the hyssop, in the blood of the sparrow that is immolated:

Catholic Public Domain Version
But the other living one, with the cedar wood, and the scarlet, and the hyssop, he shall dip in the blood of the immolated sparrow.

New American Bible
Taking the living bird with the cedar wood, the scarlet yarn and the hyssop, the priest shall dip them, including the live bird, in the blood of the bird that was slaughtered over the fresh water,

New Revised Standard Version
He shall take the living bird with the cedarwood and the crimson yarn and the hyssop, and dip them and the living bird in the blood of the bird that was slaughtered over the fresh water.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Then he shall take the living bird and the cedar wood and the scarlet dye and the hyssop, and shall dip them and the living bird in the blood of the bird that was killed over the running water;

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And he shall take that other living sparrow and wood of cedar and dye of scarlet and hyssop and he shall dye them and the living sparrow in the blood of the sparrow that was slain above the waters of the fountain:
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
As for the living bird, he shall take it, and the cedar-wood, and the scarlet, and the hyssop, and shall dip them and the living bird in the blood of the bird that was killed over the running water.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And as for the living bird he shall take it, and the cedar wood, and the spun scarlet, and the hyssop, and he shall dip them and the living bird into the blood of the bird that was slain over running water.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Cleansing from Skin Diseases
5Then the priest shall command that one of the birds be slaughtered over fresh water in a clay pot. 6 And he is to take the live bird together with the cedar wood, scarlet yarn, and hyssop, and dip them into the blood of the bird that was slaughtered over the fresh water. 7Seven times he shall sprinkle the one to be cleansed of the skin disease. Then he shall pronounce him clean and release the live bird into the open field.…

Cross References
Hebrews 9:19-22
For when Moses had proclaimed every commandment of the law to all the people, he took the blood of calves and goats, along with water, scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled the scroll and all the people, / saying, “This is the blood of the covenant, which God has commanded you to keep.” / In the same way, he sprinkled with blood the tabernacle and all the vessels used in worship. ...

Numbers 19:6
The priest is to take cedar wood, hyssop, and scarlet wool and throw them onto the burning heifer.

Matthew 8:4
Then Jesus instructed him, “See that you don’t tell anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the gift prescribed by Moses, as a testimony to them.”

Mark 1:44
“See that you don’t tell anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest and present the offering Moses prescribed for your cleansing, as a testimony to them.”

Luke 5:14
“Do not tell anyone,” Jesus instructed him. “But go, show yourself to the priest and present the offering Moses prescribed for your cleansing, as a testimony to them.”

Hebrews 9:13-14
For if the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that their bodies are clean, / how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself unblemished to God, purify our consciences from works of death, so that we may serve the living God!

Numbers 19:2-4
“This is the statute of the law that the LORD has commanded: Instruct the Israelites to bring you an unblemished red heifer that has no defect and has never been placed under a yoke. / Give it to Eleazar the priest, and he will have it brought outside the camp and slaughtered in his presence. / Eleazar the priest is to take some of its blood on his finger and sprinkle it seven times toward the front of the Tent of Meeting.

Psalm 51:7
Purify me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.

Isaiah 52:15
so He will sprinkle many nations. Kings will shut their mouths because of Him. For they will see what they have not been told, and they will understand what they have not heard.

John 19:34
Instead, one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water flowed out.

1 John 5:6-8
This is the One who came by water and blood, Jesus Christ—not by water alone, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit who testifies to this, because the Spirit is the truth. / For there are three that testify: / the Spirit, the water, and the blood—and these three are in agreement.

Exodus 12:22
Take a cluster of hyssop, dip it into the blood in the basin, and brush the blood on the top and sides of the doorframe. None of you shall go out the door of his house until morning.

1 Peter 1:2
according to the foreknowledge of God the Father and sanctified by the Spirit for obedience to Jesus Christ and sprinkling by His blood: Grace and peace be yours in abundance.

Numbers 8:7
This is what you must do to cleanse them: Sprinkle them with the water of purification. Have them shave their whole bodies and wash their clothes, and so purify themselves.

Ezekiel 36:25
I will also sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean. I will cleanse you from all your impurities and all your idols.


Treasury of Scripture

As for the living bird, he shall take it, and the cedar wood, and the scarlet, and the hyssop, and shall dip them and the living bird in the blood of the bird that was killed over the running water:

the living bird

John 14:19
Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also.

Romans 4:25
Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.

Romans 5:10
For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.

dip them

Leviticus 14:51-53
And he shall take the cedar wood, and the hyssop, and the scarlet, and the living bird, and dip them in the blood of the slain bird, and in the running water, and sprinkle the house seven times: …

Zechariah 13:1
In that day there shall be a fountain opened to the house of David and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem for sin and for uncleanness.

Revelation 1:5
And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,

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Bird Blood Cedar Cedarwood Cedar-Wood Death Dip Dipped Fresh Hyssop Killed Live Red Running Scarlet Slain Slaughtered String Stuff Thread Together Water Wood Yarn
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Bird Blood Cedar Cedarwood Cedar-Wood Death Dip Dipped Fresh Hyssop Killed Live Red Running Scarlet Slain Slaughtered String Stuff Thread Together Water Wood Yarn
Leviticus 14
1. The rites and sacrifices in cleansing the leper
33. The signs of leprosy in a house
48. The cleansing of that house














And he is to take the live bird
In the purification ritual for a person healed of a skin disease, two birds are used. The live bird represents the new life and freedom from impurity. Birds, often seen as symbols of freedom and transcendence, are used here to signify the release from the bondage of disease. This act foreshadows the resurrection and ascension of Christ, who brings new life.

together with the cedar wood
Cedar wood is known for its durability and resistance to decay, symbolizing purification and longevity. In biblical times, cedar was used in the construction of the temple (1 Kings 6:9-10), representing strength and permanence. It signifies the enduring nature of God's covenant and the purification process.

scarlet yarn
Scarlet yarn, or thread, is often associated with sin and redemption. Isaiah 1:18 mentions, "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow." The color red symbolizes both sin and the blood required for atonement, pointing to the sacrificial blood of Christ.

and hyssop
Hyssop is a plant used for purification and cleansing. It was used during the Passover to apply the lamb's blood to the doorposts (Exodus 12:22) and in purification rites (Psalm 51:7). Hyssop represents cleansing from sin and is a type of the cleansing power of Christ's sacrifice.

and dip them into the blood of the bird that was slaughtered
The act of dipping the live bird, cedar wood, scarlet yarn, and hyssop into the blood signifies the application of the sacrificial blood for purification. This prefigures the necessity of Christ's blood for the cleansing of sin, as seen in Hebrews 9:22, "without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness."

over the fresh water
Fresh water, or living water, symbolizes life and purification. In John 4:10, Jesus refers to Himself as the source of living water, offering eternal life. The combination of blood and water in this ritual points to the dual aspects of Christ's sacrifice: cleansing and life-giving.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Priest
In Leviticus 14, the priest plays a crucial role in the purification process for someone healed of a skin disease. The priest acts as a mediator between God and the people, ensuring that the laws of cleanliness are upheld.

2. Cleansed Person
This refers to the individual who has been healed of a skin disease and is undergoing the purification process as outlined in Leviticus 14.

3. Live Bird
One of the two birds used in the purification ritual. The live bird is released into the open field after being dipped in the blood of the bird that was sacrificed, symbolizing the removal of impurity.

4. Cedar Wood, Scarlet Yarn, and Hyssop
These items are used in the purification ritual. Cedar wood and hyssop have symbolic meanings of purification and cleansing, while scarlet yarn may represent the blood and sacrifice involved in atonement.

5. Open Field
The place where the live bird is released, symbolizing freedom and the complete removal of impurity from the community.
Teaching Points
Symbolism of Cleansing
The ritual in Leviticus 14:6 symbolizes the complete cleansing and removal of sin. Just as the live bird is set free, we are set free from sin through Christ.

Role of the Priest
The priest's role in the purification process highlights the need for a mediator. In the New Testament, Jesus is our High Priest who mediates on our behalf.

Importance of Obedience
The detailed instructions for purification emphasize the importance of obedience to God's commands. Our obedience reflects our faith and trust in God's plan for our lives.

Spiritual Cleansing
The physical act of cleansing in Leviticus points to the deeper need for spiritual cleansing. We are called to seek purity in our hearts and lives through repentance and faith in Jesus.

Community Restoration
The ritual not only cleanses the individual but also restores them to the community. Similarly, our spiritual cleansing restores our relationship with God and others.(6) And shall dip them and the living bird.--With the crimson thread the priest tied together lengthwise the bundle of hyssop and the cedar wood, extended about them the wings and the tail of the living bird, and then dipped all the four in the mixture of blood and water which was in the earthen vessel.

Verse 6. - As for the living bird, he shall take it. The wings and tail of the bird were extended, and in this position it was dipped into the blood and water in the earthenware dish, and with it, the bunch made up of cedar, hyssop, and scarlet wool.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
And he is to take
יִקַּ֣ח (yiq·qaḥ)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3947: To take

the live
הַֽחַיָּה֙ (ha·ḥay·yāh)
Article | Adjective - feminine singular
Strong's 2416: Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life

bird
הַצִּפֹּ֤ר (haṣ·ṣip·pōr)
Article | Noun - common singular
Strong's 6833: A little bird

together with the cedar
הָאֶ֛רֶז (hā·’e·rez)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 730: A cedar tree

wood,
עֵ֥ץ (‘êṣ)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 6086: Tree, trees, wood

scarlet yarn,
שְׁנִ֥י (šə·nî)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 8144: Crimson, the insect, its color, stuff dyed with it

and hyssop,
הָאֵזֹ֑ב (hā·’ê·zōḇ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 231: Hyssop

and dip
וְטָבַ֨ל (wə·ṭā·ḇal)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 2881: To dip, to immerse

them
וְאֵ֣ת ׀ (wə·’êṯ)
Conjunctive waw | Direct object marker
Strong's 853: Untranslatable mark of the accusative case

into the blood
בְּדַם֙ (bə·ḏam)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1818: Blood, of man, an animal, the juice of the grape, bloodshed

of the bird
הַצִּפֹּ֣ר (haṣ·ṣip·pōr)
Article | Noun - common singular
Strong's 6833: A little bird

that was slaughtered
הַשְּׁחֻטָ֔ה (haš·šə·ḥu·ṭāh)
Article | Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - feminine singular
Strong's 7819: To slaughter, beat

over
עַ֖ל (‘al)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

the fresh
הַֽחַיָּ֗ה (ha·ḥay·yāh)
Article | Adjective - feminine singular
Strong's 2416: Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life

water.
הַמַּ֥יִם (ham·ma·yim)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 4325: Water, juice, urine, semen


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OT Law: Leviticus 14:6 As for the living bird he shall (Le Lv Lev.)
Leviticus 14:5
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