Bible Strands
Leviticus 14:18
The rest of the oil in his palm, the priest is to put on the head of the one to be cleansed, to make atonement for him before the LORD.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The priest applies the remaining oil to the head of the person undergoing ritual cleansing as the final anointing step before completing the atonement rites.
The words — The Hebrew phrase אֲשֶׁר עַל־כַּף (asher al-kaf) literally means "which is on the palm," identifying the specific portion of oil retained for this final application.
The thread — This anointing action echoes the oil application in Exodus 29:7, the atonement language of Leviticus 4:26, and Paul's theological reference to divine anointing in 2 Corinthians 1:21.
Why it lands — The text establishes a concrete ritual sequence where physical oil placement precedes formal atonement, requiring the reader to distinguish the prescribed ceremonial act from later theological interpretations.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
And the remnant of the oil that is in the priest’s hand he shall pour upon the head of him that is to be cleansed: and the priest shall make an atonement for him before the Lord.
Cross-references
- Leviticus 4:26 He must burn all its fat on the altar, like the fat of the peace offerings; thus the priest will make atonement for that man’s sin, and he will be forgiven.
- 2 Corinthians 1:21 Now it is God who establishes both us and you in Christ. He anointed us,
- Exodus 29:7 Then take the anointing oil and anoint him by pouring it on his head.
- Leviticus 4:31 Then he is to remove all the fat, just as it is removed from the peace offering, and the priest is to burn it on the altar as a pleasing aroma to the LORD. In this way the priest will make atonement for him, and he will be forgiven.
- Leviticus 5:16 Regarding any holy thing he has harmed, he must make restitution by adding a fifth of its value to it and giving it to the priest, who will make atonement on his behalf with the ram as a guilt offering, and he will be forgiven.
- Leviticus 8:12 He also poured some of the anointing oil on Aaron’s head and anointed him to consecrate him.
- Ephesians 1:17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in your knowledge of Him.