share torah logo

Leviticus 14:7 - Purification through sprinkling and release

Leviticus 14:7 - ויקרא 14:7

Hebrew Text

וְהִזָּה עַל הַמִּטַּהֵר מִן־הַצָּרַעַת שֶׁבַע פְּעָמִים וְטִהֲרוֹ וְשִׁלַּח אֶת־הַצִּפֹּר הַחַיָּה עַל־פְּנֵי הַשָּׂדֶה׃

English Translation

and he shall sprinkle upon him that is to be cleansed from the żara῾at seven times, and shall pronounce him clean, and shall let the living bird loose into the open field.

Transliteration

Vehiza al hammitaher min-hatzara'at sheva pe'amim vetiharo veshalach et-hatzipor hachaya al-pnei hassadeh.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְהִזָּ֗ה עַ֧ל הַמִּטַּהֵ֛ר מִן־הַצָּרַ֖עַת שֶׁ֣בַע פְּעָמִ֑ים וְטִ֣הֲר֔וֹ וְשִׁלַּ֛ח אֶת־הַצִּפֹּ֥ר הַֽחַיָּ֖ה עַל־פְּנֵ֥י הַשָּׂדֶֽה׃
וְהִזָּ֗ה עַ֧ל הַמִּטַּהֵ֛ר מִן־הַצָּרַ֖עַת שֶׁ֣בַע פְּעָמִ֑ים וְטִ֣הֲר֔וֹ וְשִׁלַּ֛ח אֶת־הַצִּפֹּ֥ר הַֽחַיָּ֖ה עַל־פְּנֵ֥י הַשָּׂדֶֽה׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Purification from Tzara'at

The verse (Vayikra 14:7) describes part of the purification process for a metzora (one afflicted with tzara'at, often translated as leprosy). According to Rashi, the sprinkling seven times symbolizes completeness, as the number seven represents wholeness in the natural order (e.g., seven days of creation). The metzora requires this thorough purification because tzara'at is traditionally understood as a physical manifestation of spiritual failings, particularly lashon hara (evil speech), as discussed in the Talmud (Arachin 15b).

The Symbolism of the Living Bird

The release of the living bird into the open field is interpreted by the Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 16:6) as a symbolic act of freedom, contrasting with the confinement the metzora endured during their impurity. Rambam (Hilchot Tumat Tzara'at 11:1) explains that this act signifies the person's return to a state of purity and reintegration into society. The bird, which is free to roam, represents the metzora's renewed ability to move freely after isolation.

Seven Sprinklings and Spiritual Renewal

  • Seven as a Symbol: The seven sprinklings parallel the seven days of creation, emphasizing a "rebirth" of the metzora into purity (Sforno).
  • Connection to Repentance: The Talmud (Moed Katan 7a) links the purification process to teshuvah (repentance), as the affliction was a consequence of sin.
  • Role of the Kohen: The Kohen's involvement underscores that purity is not automatic but requires divine acknowledgment through the priestly service (Ramban).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Nega'im 14:4
The verse is referenced in the Mishnah discussing the purification process for a metzora (person afflicted with leprosy), specifically detailing the sprinkling and the release of the live bird as part of the ritual.
📖 Arakhin 16b
The verse is cited in a discussion about the laws of leprosy and the procedures for purification, emphasizing the symbolic act of releasing the live bird into the open field.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does the sprinkling seven times symbolize in Leviticus 14:7?
A: According to Rashi and other commentators, the sprinkling seven times symbolizes completeness and purification. Seven is a recurring number in the Torah representing wholeness (like the seven days of creation). Here, it signifies the complete removal of the spiritual impurity associated with tzara'at (often mistranslated as leprosy).
Q: Why was a live bird released in the purification process for tzara'at?
A: The Talmud (Arachin 16b) explains that tzara'at often came as a consequence for lashon hara (evil speech). Just as the bird chirps constantly, the metzora (afflicted person) spoke excessively. Releasing the bird symbolizes letting go of harmful speech and returning to proper behavior. Rambam (Hilchot Tumat Tzara'at) also connects this to renewal and freedom from sin.
Q: Does the purification process in Leviticus 14:7 have any relevance today?
A: While we no longer have the phenomenon of tzara'at today, the Torah's lessons remain relevant. The Sages teach that tzara'at served as a physical manifestation of spiritual flaws, particularly pride and harmful speech. The purification process reminds us to rectify our character traits and seek atonement, especially through improving our speech (Chofetz Chaim emphasizes this in his works).
Q: What is the significance of the open field where the bird is released?
A: The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 16:6) explains that the open field represents a return to normal life. The metzora was isolated during their affliction (Leviticus 13:46), and releasing the bird into an open, unbounded space symbolizes their reintegration into society after repentance and purification.