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Book of Leviticus - Chapter 14 - Verse 9

14:9
But it shall be on the seventh day, that he shall shave all his hair off his head and his beard and his eyebrows, even all his hair he shall shave off: and he shall wash his clothes, also he shall wash his flesh in water, and he shall be clean.

Meaning

Leviticus 14:9 outlines a ritual purification process for someone who has been healed of a skin disease. This verse emphasizes the importance of cleanliness and hygiene in ancient Israelite society. The act of shaving off all hair from the head, beard, and eyebrows symbolizes a fresh start and a new beginning after being healed. Washing one's clothes and body in water further emphasizes the cleansing aspect of this ritual. In the context of the Bible, physical cleanliness often symbolizes spiritual purity and renewal. By following these specific instructions, the individual is declared clean and fit to re-enter society, free from the stigma of their previous skin disease. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of both physical and spiritual cleanliness in the eyes of God.

Theological Overview

According to theological interpretation, this passage from Leviticus 14:8-9 describes a purification ritual for a person who has been healed from a skin disease. The shaving of all hair, including the head, beard, and eyebrows, symbolizes a fresh start and the removal of impurity. It signifies a new beginning and a cleansing of both the physical and spiritual self. The washing of clothes and body in water further emphasizes the importance of purification and cleanliness in the eyes of God. This ritual was meant to demonstrate obedience to God's laws and to show gratitude for healing. Word studies on this verse reveal that the act of shaving and washing was not merely a physical act but a symbolic gesture of surrender and repentance before God. It underscores the significance of outward actions reflecting inner transformation and renewal.

American Standard Version

And it shall be on the seventh day, that he shall shave all his hair off his head and his beard and his eyebrows, even all his hair he shall shave off: and he shall wash his clothes, and he shall bathe his flesh in water, and he shall be clean.
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