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Leviticus 14:14 - Purification through blood rituals.

Leviticus 14:14 - ויקרא 14:14

Hebrew Text

וְלָקַח הַכֹּהֵן מִדַּם הָאָשָׁם וְנָתַן הַכֹּהֵן עַל־תְּנוּךְ אֹזֶן הַמִּטַּהֵר הַיְמָנִית וְעַל־בֹּהֶן יָדוֹ הַיְמָנִית וְעַל־בֹּהֶן רַגְלוֹ הַיְמָנִית׃

English Translation

and the priest shall take some of the blood of the guilt offering, and the priest shall put it upon the tip of the right ear of him that is to be cleansed, and upon the thumb of his right hand, and upon the great toe of his right foot:

Transliteration

Velakach hakohen midam ha'asham venatan hakohen al-tenuch ozen hamitaher hayemanit ve'al-bohen yado hayemanit ve'al-bohen raglo hayemanit.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְלָקַ֣ח הַכֹּהֵן֮ מִדַּ֣ם הָאָשָׁם֒ וְנָתַן֙ הַכֹּהֵ֔ן עַל־תְּנ֛וּךְ אֹ֥זֶן הַמִּטַּהֵ֖ר הַיְמָנִ֑ית וְעַל־בֹּ֤הֶן יָדוֹ֙ הַיְמָנִ֔ית וְעַל־בֹּ֥הֶן רַגְל֖וֹ הַיְמָנִֽית׃
וְלָקַ֣ח הַכֹּהֵן֮ מִדַּ֣ם הָאָשָׁם֒ וְנָתַן֙ הַכֹּהֵ֔ן עַל־תְּנ֛וּךְ אֹ֥זֶן הַמִּטַּהֵ֖ר הַיְמָנִ֑ית וְעַל־בֹּ֤הֶן יָדוֹ֙ הַיְמָנִ֔ית וְעַל־בֹּ֥הֶן רַגְל֖וֹ הַיְמָנִֽית׃

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Parasha Commentary

The Process of Purification for a Metzora

The verse (Vayikra 14:14) describes part of the purification process for a metzora (one afflicted with tzara'at, often mistranslated as leprosy). According to Rashi, this ritual symbolizes atonement for specific sins that may have caused the affliction, particularly lashon hara (evil speech), arrogance, or misuse of one's faculties.

Symbolism of the Three Applications

  • Right Ear: The blood is placed on the tip of the right ear to atone for hearing improper speech (Rashi, based on Torat Kohanim). The ear that listened to slander or participated in gossip must be sanctified.
  • Right Thumb: The thumb of the right hand represents actions—specifically, the hands that may have been used to harm others or engage in theft (Rambam, Hilchot Tumat Tzara'at 16:10).
  • Right Big Toe: The big toe of the right foot signifies one's path in life—where the person walked to engage in sinful behavior (Midrash Tanchuma, Metzora 3).

The Role of the Kohen

The kohen administers the ritual, emphasizing that spiritual purity requires the guidance of Torah authority (Rambam, Hilchot Tumat Tzara'at 11:1). The blood of the asham (guilt offering) underscores the need for repentance and restitution for sins committed.

Connection to Right Side

The right side is emphasized because it represents strength and primary function (Talmud Yoma 15b). By focusing on the right ear, hand, and foot, the Torah teaches that one must redirect their most dominant faculties toward holiness.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Keritot 9a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the procedures for guilt offerings and the purification process, particularly focusing on the application of blood to specific parts of the body.
📖 Zevachim 19b
The verse is cited in the context of detailing the priestly duties and the proper methods for performing sacrifices, emphasizing the ritual significance of the blood application.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does the blood placement on the ear, thumb, and toe symbolize in Leviticus 14:14?
A: According to Rashi and other commentaries, the blood on the right ear, thumb, and toe symbolizes purification of a person's actions. The ear represents listening to improper speech, the thumb represents wrongful deeds done by the hand, and the toe represents walking toward sinful places. This teaches that repentance requires correcting all aspects of behavior.
Q: Why is the right side specifically mentioned in Leviticus 14:14?
A: The right side is emphasized because it represents strength and primary function in Jewish thought (based on Talmud Yoma 19b). Since most people are right-handed, the right side symbolizes a person's main faculties that must be sanctified during the purification process.
Q: What practical lesson can we learn from the purification ritual in Leviticus 14:14?
A: The Midrash teaches that this ritual reminds us that spiritual cleansing requires conscious effort in how we listen (ear), what we do (hand/thumb), and where we go (foot/toe). Even today, we can apply this by being mindful of what we hear, how we act, and the paths we choose in life.
Q: Why does the priest perform this ritual rather than the person being purified?
A: The Rambam explains in Mishneh Torah (Hilchot Mechusrei Kapparah) that the priest serves as an intermediary in the purification process, representing the community's role in helping individuals return to spiritual wholeness. This teaches the importance of spiritual guidance and communal support in repentance.
Q: How does this verse relate to modern Jewish practice without the Temple?
A: While we no longer have the Temple service, the Talmud (Berachot 15a) teaches that prayer, Torah study, and acts of kindness serve as substitutes for sacrifices. The message of this verse - purifying our faculties - remains relevant through introspection and improving our actions in daily life.