Leviticus 14:16
New International Version
dip his right forefinger into the oil in his palm, and with his finger sprinkle some of it before the LORD seven times.

New Living Translation
He will dip his right finger into the oil in his palm and sprinkle some of it with his finger seven times before the LORD.

English Standard Version
and dip his right finger in the oil that is in his left hand and sprinkle some oil with his finger seven times before the LORD.

Berean Standard Bible
dip his right forefinger into the oil in his left palm, and sprinkle some of the oil with his finger seven times before the LORD.

Berean Literal Bible
and the priest shall dip his right finger in the oil that is upon his left palm, and he shall sprinkle from the oil with his finger seven times before the face of YHWH.

King James Bible
And the priest shall dip his right finger in the oil that is in his left hand, and shall sprinkle of the oil with his finger seven times before the LORD:

New King James Version
Then the priest shall dip his right finger in the oil that is in his left hand, and shall sprinkle some of the oil with his finger seven times before the LORD.

New American Standard Bible
the priest shall then dip his right-hand finger into the oil that is in his left palm, and with his finger sprinkle some of the oil seven times before the LORD.

NASB 1995
the priest shall then dip his right-hand finger into the oil that is in his left palm, and with his finger sprinkle some of the oil seven times before the LORD.

NASB 1977
the priest shall then dip his right-hand finger into the oil that is in his left palm, and with his finger sprinkle some of the oil seven times before the LORD.

Legacy Standard Bible
the priest shall then dip his right-hand finger into the oil that is in his left palm, and with his finger sprinkle some of the oil seven times before Yahweh.

Amplified Bible
and the priest shall dip his right finger in the oil that is in his left palm, and with his finger sprinkle some of the oil seven times before the LORD.

Berean Annotated Bible
dip his right forefinger into the oil in his left palm, and sprinkle some of the oil with his finger seven times before the LORD {YHWH}.

Christian Standard Bible
The priest will dip his right finger into the oil in his left palm and sprinkle some of the oil with his finger seven times before the LORD.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The priest will dip his right finger into the oil in his left palm and sprinkle some of the oil with his finger seven times before the LORD.

American Standard Version
and the priest shall dip his right finger in the oil that is in his left hand, and shall sprinkle of the oil with his finger seven times before Jehovah.

Contemporary English Version
dip a finger of his right hand into the oil, and sprinkle some of it seven times toward the sacred tent.

English Revised Version
and the priest shall dip his right finger in the oil that is in his left hand, and shall sprinkle of the oil with his finger seven times before the LORD:

GOD'S WORD® Translation
He will dip his right finger in the oil in his left hand, and with his finger sprinkle some of the oil seven times in the LORD's presence.

Good News Translation
dip a finger of his right hand in it, and sprinkle some of it seven times there in the LORD's presence.

International Standard Version
The priest is to dip his right finger in the olive oil that is in his left palm and sprinkle some of the olive oil with his finger seven times in the LORD's presence.

NET Bible
Then the priest is to dip his right forefinger into the olive oil that is in his left hand, and sprinkle some of the olive oil with his finger seven times before the LORD.

New Heart English Bible
The priest shall dip his right finger in the oil that is in his left hand, and shall sprinkle some of the oil with his finger seven times before the LORD.

Webster's Bible Translation
And the priest shall dip his right finger in the oil that is in his left hand, and shall sprinkle of the oil with his finger seven times before the LORD.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
dip his right forefinger into the oil in his left palm, and sprinkle some of the oil with his finger seven times before the LORD.

World English Bible
The priest shall dip his right finger in the oil that is in his left hand, and shall sprinkle some of the oil with his finger seven times before Yahweh.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and the priest has dipped his right finger in the oil which [is] on his left palm, and has sprinkled of the oil with his finger seven times before YHWH.

Berean Literal Bible
and the priest shall dip his right finger in the oil that is upon his left palm, and he shall sprinkle from the oil with his finger seven times before the face of YHWH.

Young's Literal Translation
and the priest hath dipped his right finger in the oil which is on his left palm, and hath sprinkled of the oil with his finger seven times before Jehovah.

Smith's Literal Translation
And the priest dipped his right finger from the oil which upon his left hand, and he sprinkled from the oil with his finger, seven times before Jehovah.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And shall dip his right finger in it, and sprinkle it before the Lord seven times.

Catholic Public Domain Version
and he shall dip his right finger in it, and he shall sprinkle it in the sight of the Lord seven times.

New American Bible
then, dipping his right finger in the oil on his left palm, he shall sprinkle some of it with his finger seven times before the LORD.

New Revised Standard Version
and dip his right finger in the oil that is in his left hand and sprinkle some oil with his finger seven times before the LORD.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Then the priest shall dip his right finger in the oil that is in his left hand and shall sprinkle some of the oil with his finger seven times before the LORD;

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And the Priest shall dip his right finger out of the oil that in his left hand and the Priest shall sprinkle some of the oil on his finger seven times before LORD JEHOVAH:
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And the priest shall dip his right finger in the oil that is in his left hand, and shall sprinkle of the oil with his finger seven times before the LORD.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And he shall dip with the finger of his right hand into some of the oil that is in his left hand, and he shall sprinkle with his finger seven times before the Lord.

Additional Translations ...



Context
Cleansing from Skin Diseases
15Then the priest shall take some of the log of olive oil, pour it into his left palm, 16 dip his right forefinger into the oil in his left palm, and sprinkle some of the oil with his finger seven times before the LORD. 17And the priest is to put some of the oil remaining in his palm on the right earlobe of the one to be cleansed, on the thumb of his right hand, and on the big toe of his right foot, on top of the blood of the guilt offering.…

Cross References
dip his right forefinger into the oil in his left palm,

Leviticus 8:12
He also poured some of the anointing oil on Aaron’s head and anointed him to consecrate him.

Exodus 29:7
Then take the anointing oil and anoint him by pouring it on his head.

Leviticus 21:10
The priest who is highest among his brothers, who has had the anointing oil poured on his head and has been ordained to wear the priestly garments, must not let his hair hang loose or tear his garments.
and sprinkle some of the oil with his finger seven times

Leviticus 4:17
and he is to dip his finger in the blood and sprinkle it seven times before the LORD in front of the veil.

Leviticus 16:14
And he is to take some of the bull’s blood and sprinkle it with his finger on the east side of the mercy seat; then he shall sprinkle some of it with his finger seven times before the mercy seat.

Numbers 19:4
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.
before the LORD.

Leviticus 1:3
If his offering is a burnt offering from the herd, he is to present an unblemished male. He must bring it to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting for its acceptance before the LORD.

Exodus 29:42
For the generations to come, this burnt offering shall be made regularly at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting before the LORD, where I will meet you to speak with you.

Leviticus 3:1
“If one’s offering is a peace offering and he offers an animal from the herd, whether male or female, he must present it without blemish before the LORD.
Exodus 29:20-21
Slaughter the ram, take some of its blood, and put it on the right earlobes of Aaron and his sons, on the thumbs of their right hands, and on the big toes of their right feet. Splatter the remaining blood on all sides of the altar. / And take some of the blood on the altar and some of the anointing oil and sprinkle it on Aaron and his garments, as well as on his sons and their garments. Then he and his garments will be consecrated, as well as his sons and their garments.

Leviticus 8:30
Next, Moses took some of the anointing oil and some of the blood that was on the altar and sprinkled them on Aaron and his garments, and on his sons and their garments. So he consecrated Aaron and his garments, as well as Aaron’s sons and their garments.

Leviticus 4:6
The priest is to dip his finger in the blood and sprinkle some of it seven times before the LORD, in front of the veil of the sanctuary.

Numbers 19:18
Then a man who is ceremonially clean is to take some hyssop, dip it in the water, and sprinkle the tent, all the furnishings, and the people who were there. He is also to sprinkle the one who touched a bone, a grave, or a person who has died or been slain.

1 Samuel 16:13
So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day forward. Then Samuel set out and went to Ramah.

2 Kings 9:3
Then take the flask of oil, pour it on his head, and declare, ‘This is what the LORD says: I anoint you king over Israel.’ Then open the door and run. Do not delay!”

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.


Treasury of Scripture

And the priest shall dip his right finger in the oil that is in his left hand, and shall sprinkle of the oil with his finger seven times before the LORD:

Leviticus 4:6,17
And the priest shall dip his finger in the blood, and sprinkle of the blood seven times before the LORD, before the vail of the sanctuary…

Luke 17:18
There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger.

1 Corinthians 10:31
Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

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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












dip his right forefinger into the oil in his left palm,

The priest used oil from his own left palm as he carried out the prescribed cleansing rite. Oil marked the restored person as set apart for the LORD and prepared for renewed participation in Israel’s worship.

Lev 8:12 He also poured some of the anointing oil on Aaron’s head…
Exo 29:7 Then take the anointing oil and anoint him…
Lev 21:10 The priest who is highest among his brothers,…

and sprinkle some of the oil with his finger seven times

Seven sprinklings before the LORD completed the rite, signifying full cleansing and restoration. The careful repetition showed that recovery from the disease required more than physical healing; the person was formally received again into covenant life.

Lev 4:17 and he is to dip his finger in the blood…
Lev 16:14 And he is to take some of the bull’s blood…
Num 19:4 Eleazar the priest is to take some of its blood…

before the LORD.

The ceremony took place at the sanctuary, where the LORD had placed His name among Israel. Cleansing was therefore recognized as God’s work, and the healed person was restored both to the community and to worship.

Lev 1:3 If his offering is a burnt offering from the herd,…
Exo 29:42 For the generations to come, this burnt offering…
Lev 3:1 If one’s offering is a peace offering…

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Priest
The priest plays a crucial role in the purification process, acting as a mediator between the individual and God. His actions symbolize the cleansing and restoration of the person who was once unclean.

2. The Oil
Oil in the Bible often symbolizes the Holy Spirit, anointing, and consecration. In this context, it is used in the ritual of purification, signifying the restoration of the individual to a state of holiness.

3. The LORD
The ultimate recipient of the ritual actions, representing God's presence and authority. The ritual is performed "before the LORD," emphasizing the divine approval and involvement in the purification process.

4. The Right Finger
The use of the right finger signifies strength and authority, as the right hand is often associated with power and blessing in biblical texts.

5. The Number Seven
The number seven in the Bible often represents completeness or perfection. The sevenfold sprinkling signifies a complete and perfect act of purification.
Teaching Points
Symbolism of Oil
Oil represents the Holy Spirit's work in our lives, bringing healing, anointing, and consecration. Just as the oil was used for purification, we are called to seek the Holy Spirit's cleansing and empowerment.

Role of the Priest
The priest's role as a mediator foreshadows Christ's ultimate mediation for us. We are reminded of our need for a mediator and the access we have to God through Jesus.

Completeness in Christ
The sevenfold sprinkling signifies completeness. In Christ, we find complete purification and restoration, reminding us of the sufficiency of His sacrifice.

Holiness Before the LORD
The ritual is performed before the LORD, emphasizing the importance of living a life that is pleasing to God. We are called to pursue holiness and live in a way that honors Him.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Leviticus 14:16?

2. How does Leviticus 14:16 illustrate the priest's role in purification rituals?

3. What significance does the "right finger" have in Leviticus 14:16?

4. How can Leviticus 14:16's rituals be seen as foreshadowing Christ's atonement?

5. In what ways can we apply Leviticus 14:16's principles of cleansing today?

6. How does Leviticus 14:16 connect to the broader theme of holiness in Leviticus?

7. What is the significance of the priest's actions in Leviticus 14:16 for purification rituals?

8. How does Leviticus 14:16 reflect the holiness required in the Old Testament?

9. Why is the right hand specifically mentioned in Leviticus 14:16?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Leviticus 14?


(16) And the priest shall dip.--The priest did not take the oil into the sanctuary, but, holding it in the hollow of his hand, stood in the court, whilst the officiating priest, turning his face to the Holy of Holies, dipped his right finger in the oil, and sprinkled it seven times upon the floor of the court, which was understood to mean "before the Lord," dipping his finger every time he sprinkled the oil.

Leviticus 14:16 records a literal step in the priestly cleansing of a healed leper: oil poured into the left palm, the right forefinger dipped, then sevenfold sprinkling before the LORD. Each detail—oil, finger, seven, and sacred setting—announces God’s complete, Spirit-empowered restoration. In Christ the symbols become personal reality: His blood cleanses, His Spirit anoints, and believers now live every day “before the LORD” in confident, finished acceptance.

Parallel Commentaries ...


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

his right
הַיְמָנִ֔ית (hay·mā·nîṯ)
Article | Adjective - feminine singular
Strong's 3233: Right hand, right

forefinger
אֶצְבָּע֣וֹ (’eṣ·bā·‘ōw)
Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 676: Something to sieze with, a finger, a toe

into
מִן־ (min-)
Preposition
Strong's 4480: A part of, from, out of

the oil
הַשֶּׁ֕מֶן (haš·še·men)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 8081: Grease, liquid, richness

in
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

his left
הַשְּׂמָאלִ֑ית (haś·śə·mā·lîṯ)
Article | Adjective - feminine singular
Strong's 8042: Situated on the left side

palm,
כַּפּ֖וֹ (kap·pōw)
Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 3709: Hollow or flat of the hand, palm, sole (of the foot), a pan

and sprinkle
וְהִזָּ֨ה (wə·hiz·zāh)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5137: To spurt, spatter, sprinkle

some of
מִן־ (min-)
Preposition
Strong's 4480: A part of, from, out of

the oil
הַשֶּׁ֧מֶן (haš·še·men)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 8081: Grease, liquid, richness

with his finger
בְּאֶצְבָּע֛וֹ (bə·’eṣ·bā·‘ōw)
Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 676: Something to sieze with, a finger, a toe

seven
שֶׁ֥בַע (še·ḇa‘)
Number - feminine singular
Strong's 7651: Seven, seven times, a week, an indefinite number

times
פְּעָמִ֖ים (pə·‘ā·mîm)
Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 6471: A beat, foot, anvil, occurrence

before
לִפְנֵ֥י (lip̄·nê)
Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct
Strong's 6440: The face

the LORD.
יְהוָֽה׃ (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel


Additonal Resources
Leviticus 14:16 Blue Letter Bible
Leviticus 14:16 Bible Gateway
Leviticus 14:16 Bible.com

Leviticus 14:16 NIV
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Leviticus 14:16 Study Bible
Leviticus 14:16 Biblia Paralela
Leviticus 14:16 Chinese Bible
Leviticus 14:16 French Bible
Leviticus 14:16 Catholic Bible

OT Law: Leviticus 14:16 The priest shall dip his right finger (Le Lv Lev.)

Leviticus 14:15
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