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Leviticus 14:8 - Purification through water, hair, patience

Leviticus 14:8 - ויקרא 14:8

Hebrew Text

וְכִבֶּס הַמִּטַּהֵר אֶת־בְּגָדָיו וְגִלַּח אֶת־כָּל־שְׂעָרוֹ וְרָחַץ בַּמַּיִם וְטָהֵר וְאַחַר יָבוֹא אֶל־הַמַּחֲנֶה וְיָשַׁב מִחוּץ לְאָהֳלוֹ שִׁבְעַת יָמִים׃

English Translation

And he that is to be cleansed shall wash his clothes, and shave off all his hair, and bathe himself in water, and be clean: and after that he shall come into the camp, but he shall remain outside his tent seven days.

Transliteration

Ve'khibes ha'mitaher et-b'gadav ve'gilach et-kol-se'aro ve'rachatz ba'mayim ve'taher ve'achar yavo el-ha'machane ve'yeshev michutz le'ohalo shiv'at yamim.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְכִבֶּס֩ הַמִּטַּהֵ֨ר אֶת־בְּגָדָ֜יו וְגִלַּ֣ח אֶת־כׇּל־שְׂעָר֗וֹ וְרָחַ֤ץ בַּמַּ֙יִם֙ וְטָהֵ֔ר וְאַחַ֖ר יָב֣וֹא אֶל־הַֽמַּחֲנֶ֑ה וְיָשַׁ֛ב מִח֥וּץ לְאׇהֳל֖וֹ שִׁבְעַ֥ת יָמִֽים׃
וְכִבֶּס֩ הַמִּטַּהֵ֨ר אֶת־בְּגָדָ֜יו וְגִלַּ֣ח אֶת־כׇּל־שְׂעָר֗וֹ וְרָחַ֤ץ בַּמַּ֙יִם֙ וְטָהֵ֔ר וְאַחַ֖ר יָב֣וֹא אֶל־הַֽמַּחֲנֶ֑ה וְיָשַׁ֛ב מִח֥וּץ לְאׇהֳל֖וֹ שִׁבְעַ֥ת יָמִֽים׃

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Parasha Commentary

Verse Context: Purification from Tzara'at

This verse (Vayikra 14:8) details the purification process for a metzora (one afflicted with tzara'at, often mistranslated as "leprosy") after being declared clean by a Kohen. The purification involves washing clothes, shaving all hair, immersion in water, and a seven-day waiting period outside one's tent before full reintegration into the camp.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Vayikra 14:8) emphasizes the sequence of purification:

  • Washing clothes: This mirrors the initial impurity of the metzora, who had to rend their garments (Vayikra 13:45).
  • Shaving all hair: A complete removal, symbolizing rebirth and renewal, as hair growth is associated with the passage of time in impurity.
  • Immersion in water: A universal purification rite, as seen in other contexts (e.g., converts, vessels).

Rambam's Perspective

In Hilchot Tumat Tzara'at (11:2), Rambam codifies this process as halacha, noting that the seven-day waiting period outside the tent serves as a final precaution to ensure the tzara'at does not return. This reflects the severity of the spiritual malady associated with tzara'at, traditionally linked to sins like lashon hara (evil speech).

Midrashic Insight

The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 16:3) compares the metzora's shaving to a newborn's hairlessness, symbolizing a fresh start. The seven-day period parallels the seven days of mourning or the seven days of a nazir's shaving (Bamidbar 6:9), suggesting a transition between states of spiritual status.

Practical Halachic Considerations

  • The shaving must include all hair, even hidden hair (Sifra, Metzora 3).
  • The immersion requires a kosher mikveh (Mishneh Torah, Hilchot Mikvaot 1:1).
  • The "camp" refers to the Israelite encampment in the wilderness; later, this applied to walled cities in Eretz Yisrael (Rambam, Hilchot Tumat Tzara'at 11:4).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Moed Katan 7b
The verse is referenced in the discussion about the laws of mourning and the impurity of a metzora (leper), comparing the seven-day period of impurity to other similar halachic periods.
📖 Niddah 34b
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the purification process and the shaving of hair as part of the purification rituals.
📖 Arachin 16a
The verse is mentioned in the discussion about the various types of impurities and the procedures for purification, particularly focusing on the metzora.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Leviticus 14:8 mean about washing clothes and shaving hair?
A: This verse describes part of the purification process for someone who had tzara'at (a spiritual skin affliction often translated as leprosy). According to Rashi, washing clothes and shaving all hair symbolizes a fresh start, removing all traces of impurity. The Rambam explains these are physical actions representing spiritual cleansing.
Q: Why did the person have to stay outside their tent for 7 days after purification?
A: The Talmud (Arachin 16b) teaches that even after physical cleansing, the person needed a 7-day waiting period before full reintegration. This served as both a spiritual transition period and a practical precaution, ensuring the tzara'at wouldn't return. The Midrash notes this mirrors the 7 days of creation, symbolizing rebirth.
Q: How does the purification process in Leviticus 14:8 apply today without the Temple?
A: While we can't perform the exact Temple rituals today, the verse teaches important spiritual lessons. The Chofetz Chaim explains we learn about: 1) The seriousness of spiritual impurities, 2) The need for proper repentance processes, and 3) That returning to community requires both inner change and outward actions. Many see this as teaching about personal growth and rehabilitation.