New International Version Then he is to release the live bird in the open fields outside the town. In this way he will make atonement for the house, and it will be clean.” New Living Translation he will release the live bird in the open fields outside the town. Through this process, the priest will purify the house, and it will be ceremonially clean. English Standard Version And he shall let the live bird go out of the city into the open country. So he shall make atonement for the house, and it shall be clean.” Berean Standard Bible Finally, he is to release the live bird into the open fields outside the city. In this way he will make atonement for the house, and it will be clean. Berean Literal Bible And he shall send away the living bird to the outside of the city to the face of the field, and he shall make atonement upon the house, and it shall be clean. King James Bible But he shall let go the living bird out of the city into the open fields, and make an atonement for the house: and it shall be clean. New King James Version Then he shall let the living bird loose outside the city in the open field, and make atonement for the house, and it shall be clean. New American Standard Bible However, he shall let the live bird go free outside the city into the open field. So he shall make atonement for the house, and it will be clean.” NASB 1995 “However, he shall let the live bird go free outside the city into the open field. So he shall make atonement for the house, and it will be clean.” NASB 1977 “However, he shall let the live bird go free outside the city into the open field. So he shall make atonement for the house, and it shall be clean.” Legacy Standard Bible However, he shall let the live bird go free outside the city into the open field. So he shall make atonement for the house, and it will be clean.” Amplified Bible But he shall let the live bird go free outside the city into the open field. So he shall make atonement for the house, and it will be clean.” Berean Annotated Bible Finally, he is to release the live bird into the open fields outside the city. In this way he will make atonement for the house, and it will be clean. Christian Standard Bible Then he is to release the live bird into the open countryside outside the city. In this way he will make atonement for the house, and it will be clean. Holman Christian Standard Bible Then he is to release the live bird into the open countryside outside the city. In this way he will make atonement for the house, and it will be clean.” American Standard Version but he shall let go the living bird out of the city into the open field: so shall he make atonement for the house; and it shall be clean. Contemporary English Version Finally, he will release the bird and let it fly away, ending the ceremony for purifying the house. English Revised Version but he shall let go the living bird out of the city into the open field: so shall he make atonement for the house: and it shall be clean. GOD'S WORD® Translation Then he will let the living bird fly from the city into the open country. He will make peace with the LORD for the house, and it will be clean. Good News Translation Then he shall let the live bird fly away outside the city over the open fields. In this way he shall perform the ritual of purification for the house, and it will be ritually clean. International Standard Version Then he is to send the bird away, outside the city, facing the fields, to make atonement for the house. Then it is to be considered clean. NET Bible and he is to send the live bird away outside the city into the open countryside. So he is to make atonement for the house and it will be clean. New Heart English Bible but he shall let the living bird go out of the city into the open field. So shall he make atonement for the house; and it shall be clean." Webster's Bible Translation But he shall let go the living bird out of the city into the open fields, and make an atonement for the house: and it shall be clean. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleFinally, he is to release the live bird into the open fields outside the city. In this way he will make atonement for the house, and it will be clean. World English Bible but he shall let the living bird go out of the city into the open field. So shall he make atonement for the house; and it shall be clean.” Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand he has sent the living bird away to the outside of the city to the face of the field, and has made atonement for the house, and it has been clean. Berean Literal Bible And he shall send away the living bird to the outside of the city to the face of the field, and he shall make atonement upon the house, and it shall be clean. Young's Literal Translation and he hath sent away the living bird unto the outside of the city unto the face of the field, and hath made atonement for the house, and it hath been clean. Smith's Literal Translation And he sent away the living bird without the city to the face of the field, and he expiated for the house: and it was clean. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd when he hath let go the sparrow to fly freely away into the field, he shall pray for the house, and it shall be rightly cleansed. Catholic Public Domain Version And when he has released the sparrow to fly freely away into the field, he shall pray for the house, and it shall be justly cleansed. New American Bible He shall then let the living bird fly away over the countryside outside the city. Thus he shall make atonement for the house, and it will be clean. New Revised Standard Version and he shall let the living bird go out of the city into the open field; so he shall make atonement for the house, and it shall be clean. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleBut he shall let the live bird fly out of the town into the open field and make an atonement for the house; and it shall be clean. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And the living bird shall fly outside of the town before the face of the field and shall atone for the house and it shall be clean. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917But he shall let go the living bird out of the city into the open field; so shall he make atonement for the house; and it shall be clean. Brenton Septuagint Translation And he shall let the living bird go out of the city into the field, and shall make atonement for the house, and it shall be clean. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible (Voice ▾ Musical ▾) Context Cleansing a Home…52And he shall cleanse the house with the bird’s blood, the fresh water, the live bird, the cedar wood, the hyssop, and the scarlet yarn. 53Finally, he is to release the live bird into the open fields outside the city. In this way he will make atonement for the house, and it will be clean. 54This is the law for any infectious skin disease, for a scaly outbreak,… Cross References Finally, he is to release the live bird into the open fields outside the city. Leviticus 16:21-22 Then he is to lay both hands on the head of the live goat and confess over it all the iniquities and rebellious acts of the Israelites in regard to all their sins. He is to put them on the goat’s head and send it away into the wilderness by the hand of a man appointed for the task. / The goat will carry on itself all their iniquities into a solitary place, and the man will release it into the wilderness. Hebrews 13:12 And so Jesus also suffered outside the city gate, to sanctify the people by His own blood. Genesis 8:8-12 Then Noah sent out a dove to see if the waters had receded from the surface of the ground. / But the dove found no place to rest her foot, and she returned to him in the ark, because the waters were still covering the surface of all the earth. So he reached out his hand and brought her back inside the ark. / Noah waited seven more days and again sent out the dove from the ark. … In this way he will make atonement for the house, Leviticus 17:11 For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you to make atonement for your souls upon the altar; for it is the blood that makes atonement for the soul. Hebrews 9:22 According to the law, in fact, nearly everything must be purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness. 1 John 2:2 He Himself is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world. and it will be clean. Leviticus 13:13 the priest shall examine him, and if the disease has covered his entire body, he is to pronounce the infected person clean. Since it has all turned white, he is clean. 2 Kings 5:14 So Naaman went down and dipped himself in the Jordan seven times, according to the word of the man of God, and his flesh was restored and became like that of a little child, and he was clean. Ezekiel 36:25 I will also sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean. I will cleanse you from all your impurities and all your idols. Matthew 8:4 Then Jesus instructed him, “See that you don’t tell anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the gift prescribed by Moses, as a testimony to them.” Mark 1:44 “See that you don’t tell anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest and present the offering Moses prescribed for your cleansing, as a testimony to them.” Luke 5:14 “Do not tell anyone,” Jesus instructed him. “But go, show yourself to the priest and present the offering Moses prescribed for your cleansing, as a testimony to them.” Hebrews 10:1-4 For the law is only a shadow of the good things to come, not the realities themselves. It can never, by the same sacrifices offered year after year, make perfect those who draw near to worship. / If it could, would not the offerings have ceased? For the worshipers would have been cleansed once for all, and would no longer have felt the guilt of their sins. / Instead, those sacrifices are an annual reminder of sins, … Romans 3:25 God presented Him as an atoning sacrifice in His blood through faith, in order to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance He had passed over the sins committed beforehand. 1 John 1:7 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. Ephesians 1:7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace Treasury of Scripture But he shall let go the living bird out of the city into the open fields, and make an atonement for the house: and it shall be clean. Leviticus 14:20 And the priest shall offer the burnt offering and the meat offering upon the altar: and the priest shall make an atonement for him, and he shall be clean. Jump to Previous Atonement Bird City Clean Country Face Field Fields Free House However Live Open Outside Release Sin WayJump to Next Atonement Bird City Clean Country Face Field Fields Free House However Live Open Outside Release Sin WayLeviticus 14 1. The rites and sacrifices in cleansing the leper33. The signs of leprosy in a house 48. The cleansing of that house Finally, he is to release the live bird into the open fields outside the city. The living bird carried away from the cleansed house the symbolic burden of its former defilement. Its flight into the open country portrayed freedom from uncleanness and the complete removal of contamination from Israel’s dwelling place. The action recalls the bird released in the cleansing of a person healed from a skin disease (Leviticus 14:4–7) and anticipates the sending away of the scapegoat on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:10, 21–22). God’s holiness extended to the homes of His people, since their land and community belonged to Him. Lev 16:21-22 Then he is to lay both hands on the head of the live goat… In this way he will make atonement for the house, The priest’s prescribed service removed ritual defilement and restored the house for covenant use. Atonement did not imply that the building had committed moral sin; rather, it addressed the uncleanness that threatened the holiness of the community. The blood, water, cedarwood, scarlet yarn, and hyssop all testified that cleansing came through God’s appointed means. The priest served as mediator, pointing forward to Christ, whose own blood secures final cleansing for those who draw near to God (Hebrews 9:11–14). Lev 17:11 For the life of the flesh is in the blood… and it will be clean. The house could again be occupied without bringing impurity into the life of Israel. Such cleansing showed that fellowship with the holy God required more than outward order; it required the removal of what defiles. The restored house also directs attention to the deeper cleansing God provides for the human heart. Believers, as God’s dwelling place through the Holy Spirit, are called to holiness in every part of life (1 Corinthians 6:19–20; 1 Peter 1:15–16). Lev 13:13 the priest shall examine him, and if the disease has… Persons / Places / Events 1. PriestThe priest is the central figure in the purification process, responsible for performing the rituals and declaring the house clean. 2. Live Bird Represents the element of life and freedom, symbolizing the removal of impurity and the restoration of purity. 3. Open Field The place where the live bird is released, symbolizing the removal of impurity from the community. 4. House Represents the dwelling place of individuals, which can become unclean and in need of purification. 5. City The community context in which the purification takes place, emphasizing the communal aspect of purity and holiness. Teaching Points Symbolism of PurificationThe release of the live bird symbolizes the complete removal of impurity, reminding us of the thoroughness of God's cleansing power. Role of the Priest The priest's role in the purification process points to the mediating work of Christ, our High Priest, who intercedes for us. Community and Holiness The purification of the house within the city underscores the importance of communal holiness and the impact of individual impurity on the community. Spiritual Cleansing Just as the house needed physical cleansing, we need spiritual cleansing from sin, which is available through Christ. Freedom in Christ The release of the bird into the open field symbolizes the freedom we have in Christ, free from the bondage of sin and impurity. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Leviticus 14:53?2. How does Leviticus 14:53 illustrate God's provision for purification and restoration? 3. What role does the bird play in the cleansing process in Leviticus 14:53? 4. How can we apply the principles of cleansing in Leviticus 14:53 today? 5. What connections exist between Leviticus 14:53 and New Testament teachings on purification? 6. How does Leviticus 14:53 reflect God's desire for holiness among His people? 7. What is the significance of the bird ritual in Leviticus 14:53 for purification? 8. How does Leviticus 14:53 relate to the concept of atonement in the Old Testament? 9. Why are birds specifically used in the cleansing process described in Leviticus 14:53? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Leviticus 14? What Does Leviticus 14:53 Mean FinallyThe word signals the last step in a carefully ordered ritual (Leviticus 14:1–52). God never treats cleansing casually; He directs a process that builds toward a decisive conclusion. Similar divine sequencing appears when Noah “finally” exits the ark (Genesis 8:18-19) and when Israel “finally” leaves Egypt after Passover (Exodus 12:51). Each ending marks a fresh start that God Himself authorizes. he is to release the live bird • Two birds were taken (Leviticus 14:4-7). One died; this one lives—an unmistakable picture of substitution. • The living bird, dipped in the slain bird’s blood, carries the proof of sacrifice as it rises into freedom. It mirrors the scapegoat set free on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:21-22) and anticipates the risen Christ who “bore our sins in His body on the tree” (1 Peter 2:24). • Life after sacrifice highlights resurrection hope. What dies for cleansing also guarantees restored life (John 11:25-26). into the open fields outside the city • “Outside” is deliberate distance: impurity and judgment are removed from where God’s people live (Numbers 5:2-3). • Open fields picture limitless separation; sin is carried “as far as the east is from the west” (Psalm 103:12). • The location foreshadows Christ, who “suffered outside the city gate to sanctify the people by His own blood” (Hebrews 13:12). What the bird enacted symbolically, Jesus accomplished fully. In this way he will make atonement for the house • Atonement (covering, reconciliation) is achieved not by the bird’s freedom but by the blood already applied to the house (Leviticus 14:51-52). The release simply confirms that the price has been paid. • Hebrews 9:22 affirms, “Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.” The ritual points forward to the once-for-all sacrifice of the Son (Hebrews 10:10). • Even a dwelling place matters to God; He desires every sphere of life to be under the cleansing power of the blood (Joshua 24:15). and it will be clean • God pronounces the verdict. What was defiled is now declared pure—no lingering probation. • “The blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin” (1 John 1:7). The same certainty that covered a leprous house covers repentant hearts today. • Cleanness restores fellowship and security: the family may re-enter and live without fear (Isaiah 32:18). summary Leviticus 14:53 portrays a vivid drama: after blood is shed, a living bird—marked by that blood—soars free outside the city, carrying impurity far away. This final act confirms that atonement has been made and the house stands clean. The scene anticipates Jesus, whose death and resurrection remove our sin and declare us pure before God. Hebrew Finally, he is to releaseוְשִׁלַּ֞ח (wə·šil·laḥ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 7971: To send away, for, out the live הַֽחַיָּ֛ה (ha·ḥay·yāh) Article | Adjective - feminine singular Strong's 2416: Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life bird הַצִּפֹּ֧ר (haṣ·ṣip·pōr) Article | Noun - common singular Strong's 6833: A little bird into אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to the open פְּנֵ֣י (pə·nê) Noun - common plural construct Strong's 6440: The face fields הַשָּׂדֶ֑ה (haś·śā·ḏeh) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 7704: Field, land outside מִח֥וּץ (mi·ḥūṣ) Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 2351: Separate by a, wall, outside, outdoors the city. לָעִ֖יר (lā·‘îr) Preposition-l, Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 5892: Excitement In this way he will make atonement וְכִפֶּ֥ר (wə·ḵip·per) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 3722: To cover, to expiate, condone, to placate, cancel for עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against the house, הַבַּ֖יִת (hab·ba·yiṯ) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 1004: A house and it will be clean. וְטָהֵֽר׃ (wə·ṭā·hêr) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 2891: To be clean or pure Additonal Resources Leviticus 14:53 Blue Letter BibleLeviticus 14:53 Bible Gateway Leviticus 14:53 Bible.com Leviticus 14:53 NIV |
    |