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Leviticus 14:17 - Purification through oil's sacred touch

Leviticus 14:17 - ויקרא 14:17

Hebrew Text

וּמִיֶּתֶר הַשֶּׁמֶן אֲשֶׁר עַל־כַּפּוֹ יִתֵּן הַכֹּהֵן עַל־תְּנוּךְ אֹזֶן הַמִּטַּהֵר הַיְמָנִית וְעַל־בֹּהֶן יָדוֹ הַיְמָנִית וְעַל־בֹּהֶן רַגְלוֹ הַיְמָנִית עַל דַּם הָאָשָׁם׃

English Translation

and of the rest of the oil that is in his hand shall the priest put 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, upon the blood of the guilt offering:

Transliteration

Umi'yeter hashemen asher al-kapo yiten hakohen al-t'nuch ozen hamitaher hay'manit v'al-bohen yado hay'manit v'al-bohen raglo hay'manit al dam ha'asham.

Hebrew Leining Text

וּמִיֶּ֨תֶר הַשֶּׁ֜מֶן אֲשֶׁ֣ר עַל־כַּפּ֗וֹ יִתֵּ֤ן הַכֹּהֵן֙ עַל־תְּנ֞וּךְ אֹ֤זֶן הַמִּטַּהֵר֙ הַיְמָנִ֔ית וְעַל־בֹּ֤הֶן יָדוֹ֙ הַיְמָנִ֔ית וְעַל־בֹּ֥הֶן רַגְל֖וֹ הַיְמָנִ֑ית עַ֖ל דַּ֥ם הָאָשָֽׁם׃
וּמִיֶּ֨תֶר הַשֶּׁ֜מֶן אֲשֶׁ֣ר עַל־כַּפּ֗וֹ יִתֵּ֤ן הַכֹּהֵן֙ עַל־תְּנ֞וּךְ אֹ֤זֶן הַמִּטַּהֵר֙ הַיְמָנִ֔ית וְעַל־בֹּ֤הֶן יָדוֹ֙ הַיְמָנִ֔ית וְעַל־בֹּ֥הֶן רַגְל֖וֹ הַיְמָנִ֑ית עַ֖ל דַּ֥ם הָאָשָֽׁם׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Vayikra 14:17) is part of the Torah's detailed instructions regarding the purification process of a metzora (one afflicted with tzara'at, often translated as leprosy). The purification involves multiple steps, including sacrifices, the use of cedar wood, scarlet thread, hyssop, and oil. Here, the Kohen applies the remaining oil to specific body parts of the individual being purified.

Symbolism of the Application Points

Rashi (Vayikra 14:14) explains that the oil is applied to the right ear, thumb, and big toe because these represent key aspects of human behavior:

  • Right Ear: Symbolizes listening—whether to improper speech (which may have caused the tzara'at) or to Torah and mitzvot.
  • Right Thumb: Represents one's actions, as the hand is the primary tool for doing mitzvot or aveirot (transgressions).
  • Right Big Toe: Signifies one's path in life—whether walking toward sin or righteousness.

The Connection to the Guilt Offering

The verse specifies that the oil is placed "upon the blood of the guilt offering" (dam ha'asham). The Ramban (Vayikra 14:17) notes that this emphasizes the atonement aspect of the process. The asham (guilt offering) addresses specific sins, and the oil—symbolizing divine favor—completes the purification by sanctifying the individual's faculties.

Spiritual Lessons from the Midrash

The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 16:6) connects this process to repentance and renewal:

  • The oil represents the light of Torah and mitzvot, counteracting the spiritual impurity that led to tzara'at.
  • By applying it to the extremities, the Kohen signifies that the individual must redirect their entire being—thoughts, actions, and direction—toward holiness.

Halachic Insights from the Talmud

The Talmud (Sotah 15a) discusses the precision required in this mitzvah:

  • The Kohen must apply the oil specifically to the tips of the ear, thumb, and toe, teaching that even small details in mitzvot matter.
  • The right side is emphasized, as it traditionally represents strength and favor in Jewish thought (see Rambam, Hilchot Temidin U'Musafin 7:11).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sotah 15b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the purification process of a metzora (leper), particularly regarding the application of oil on the right ear, thumb, and toe.
📖 Keritot 9a
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the procedures for guilt offerings and the role of the priest in the purification process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the meaning of putting oil on the ear, thumb, and toe in Leviticus 14:17?
A: According to Rashi and other commentators, the oil is placed on the right ear, thumb, and toe of the person being purified from tzara'at (a spiritual skin affliction). The ear represents listening to improper speech (which may have caused the affliction), the thumb represents wrongful actions, and the toe represents improper paths taken. The oil symbolizes purification and dedication to improving one's ways.
Q: Why is the right side specifically mentioned in Leviticus 14:17?
A: The right side is emphasized because it represents strength and importance in Jewish tradition (as seen in many rituals). The Rambam explains that using the right side signifies that the purification process requires the person's full commitment and best efforts to rectify their spiritual state.
Q: What is the significance of using oil in this purification process?
A: Oil (shemen) in Torah often represents wisdom, purity, and consecration (as seen in anointing kings and sanctifying vessels). Here, it symbolizes the person's renewed spiritual state after repentance. The Midrash notes that just as oil illuminates, this ritual represents the person returning to the 'light' of proper conduct.
Q: How does this verse connect to the concept of repentance?
A: The Talmud (Arachin 16a) teaches that tzara'at comes as a consequence of specific sins like lashon hara (evil speech). The placement of oil on body parts associated with sin (hearing, doing, walking toward sin) shows that complete repentance requires conscious correction in all areas of life. The oil's placement over the guilt-offering blood emphasizes that atonement requires both sacrifice and personal change.
Q: Does this ritual have any relevance today without the Temple?
A: While we cannot perform this ritual today, the Sages derive enduring lessons: 1) Spiritual purity requires addressing the root causes of wrongdoing (ears, hands, feet), 2) Repentance must be as detailed as the sin (hence the precise placements), and 3) External rituals must reflect internal change—a principle that applies to all mitzvot. The Sefer HaChinuch explains that such rituals teach us about the seriousness of ethical behavior.