Leviticus 6:27

Anything that touches its flesh will become holy, and if any of the blood is spattered on a garment, you must wash it in a holy place.

Study Bible

Whatever touches its flesh
The phrase "whatever touches its flesh" refers to the sanctity and holiness of the sacrificial offerings. In the Hebrew context, the word for "touches" (נָגַע, naga) implies a physical contact that results in a transfer of holiness. This reflects the belief that holiness is not just a spiritual state but can be transmitted through physical means. The sacrificial system in Leviticus underscores the idea that holiness is contagious, and anything that comes into contact with the holy sacrifice becomes set apart for God. This concept is foundational in understanding the nature of holiness in the Old Testament, where physical objects and spaces could be sanctified through contact with the divine.

will become holy
The transformation to "become holy" (קָדַשׁ, qadash) signifies a change in status from common to sacred. In the ancient Israelite context, holiness was a state of being set apart for God's purposes. This transformation is not merely symbolic but is seen as a real change in the object's or person's status. The idea that holiness can be imparted through contact with the sacrificial flesh highlights the pervasive nature of God's holiness and the call for His people to be holy as He is holy (Leviticus 11:44-45). This reflects the broader biblical theme of sanctification, where believers are called to live lives that are distinct and dedicated to God.

if any of its blood is spattered on a garment
The mention of "blood" (דָּם, dam) is significant in the sacrificial system, as blood represents life (Leviticus 17:11). The spattering of blood on a garment indicates the seriousness and sacredness of the sacrificial act. In ancient Israel, blood was a powerful symbol of atonement and purification. The act of blood being spattered signifies the pervasive reach of the sacrificial atonement, affecting even the garments of those involved in the ritual. This imagery foreshadows the New Testament understanding of Christ's blood as the ultimate atonement for sin, cleansing believers and setting them apart for God.

you must wash the garment
The command to "wash the garment" (כִּבֵּס, kabas) in a holy place emphasizes the need for purity and cleanliness in the presence of God. Washing is a common biblical metaphor for purification, both physically and spiritually. In the Levitical system, washing garments that have come into contact with sacrificial blood ensures that the holiness of the sacrifice is respected and maintained. This act of washing symbolizes the removal of impurity and the restoration of holiness, pointing to the need for continual cleansing in the life of a believer.

in a holy place
The requirement to wash "in a holy place" (בְּמָקוֹם קָדוֹשׁ, b'makom kadosh) underscores the sanctity of the tabernacle and later the temple, where God's presence dwelt among His people. The holy place is not just a physical location but a space set apart for divine encounters. This requirement highlights the importance of maintaining the sanctity of spaces dedicated to God, ensuring that all actions related to worship and sacrifice are conducted with reverence and respect. It serves as a reminder of the holiness of God and the call for His people to approach Him with clean hands and pure hearts (Psalm 24:3-4).

Persons / Places / Events

1. Priests
The primary individuals responsible for performing the sacrifices and maintaining the holiness of the tabernacle.

2. Tabernacle
The holy place where sacrifices were made and where garments would be washed if they were spattered with blood.

3. Sacrificial Offerings
The context of this verse is within the laws concerning offerings, specifically the sin offering, which was considered most holy.

Teaching Points

Holiness in Contact
The verse emphasizes that whatever touches the flesh of the sacrifice becomes holy. This principle underscores the transformative power of holiness and the need for purity in our interactions with the divine.

The Significance of Blood
Blood, as a symbol of life and atonement, requires careful handling. The instruction to wash garments in a holy place signifies the need for reverence and purity in dealing with matters of atonement.

Sacred Spaces and Actions
The requirement to wash garments in a holy place highlights the importance of maintaining sacredness in our actions and environments, reminding us to treat our places of worship and service with respect.

Symbolism of Cleansing
The act of washing garments symbolizes spiritual cleansing. Just as the priests were required to cleanse physically, we are called to seek spiritual cleansing through repentance and faith in Christ.

Holiness in Daily Life
The principles of holiness and purity extend beyond the tabernacle to our daily lives. We are called to live in a way that reflects God's holiness, impacting our actions, words, and thoughts.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the concept of holiness in Leviticus 6:27 relate to our understanding of personal holiness today?

2. In what ways does the handling of blood in the Old Testament sacrificial system foreshadow the sacrifice of Jesus Christ?

3. How can we apply the principle of maintaining sacred spaces in our modern context, both physically and spiritually?

4. What are some practical steps we can take to ensure that our interactions with others reflect the holiness of God?

5. How does the requirement to wash garments in a holy place challenge us to consider the importance of spiritual cleansing in our lives?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 29
Discusses the consecration of priests and the sanctity of the tabernacle, emphasizing the holiness required in service to God.

Hebrews 9
Explains the significance of blood in the context of atonement and purification, drawing parallels between Old Testament sacrifices and the sacrifice of Christ.

1 Peter 1
Calls believers to be holy in all conduct, reflecting the holiness required in the Old Testament sacrificial system.