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Leviticus 16:19

And he shall sprinkle of the blood upon it with his finger seven times, and cleanse it, and hallow it from the uncleanness of the children of Israel.

Leviticus 16:19 · King James Version

Meaning

This verse comes from the book of Leviticus in the Old Testament and is part of the instructions given by God to the Israelites on how to cleanse and purify items used in religious ceremonies. In this specific passage, the high priest is instructed to sprinkle blood on an object seven times to cleanse it and make it holy. The act of sprinkling the blood symbolizes the removal of impurity and sin, allowing the object to be set apart for sacred use. This ritual was considered essential for restoring purity and sanctity to objects that had been defiled by the sins of the people. The number seven is significant in the Bible as a symbol of completion or perfection, emphasizing the thoroughness of the cleansing process. By following these instructions, the Israelites were able to maintain their relationship with God and ensure that their religious practices were conducted in a state of holiness and purity. Overall, this verse highlights the importance of ritual cleansing and obedience to God's commands in the religious life of the Israelites.

Theological Overview

In this verse, the action of sprinkling blood is significant as it symbolizes the atonement of sin. The act of sprinkling the blood on the altar seven times emphasizes completion and perfection in the cleansing process. The number seven is often used in the Bible to signify divine perfection or completion. The blood being sprinkled with the priest's finger points to the personal and intimate nature of the atonement. The blood is not just poured out in a general manner but is specifically applied by the priest, indicating a deliberate and purposeful act of purification. This act of cleansing and sanctifying the altar from the uncleanness of the Israelites foreshadows the ultimate cleansing and sanctification that would come through the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ. Through his blood, believers are cleansed from sin and made holy in the sight of God.

Leviticus 16:19 in other translations

American Standard Version

And he shall sprinkle of the blood upon it with his finger seven times, and cleanse it, and hallow it from the uncleannesses of the children of Israel.

World English Bible

He shall sprinkle some of the blood on it with his finger seven times, and cleanse it, and make it holy from the uncleanness of the children of Israel.

Douay-Rheims

And sprinkling with his finger seven times, let him expiate, and sanctify it from the uncleanness of the children of Israel.

Geneva Bible (1599)

So shall hee sprinkle of the blood vpon it with his finger seuen times, and clense it, and halowe it from the vncleannes of the children of Israel.