This verse shows that God’s provision for cleansing, atonement, and restored fellowship extends to all who approach Him in faith.
“He shall offer what he can afford, the one for a sin offering and the other for a burnt offering, together with the grain offering. So the priest shall make atonement before the LORD on behalf of the one to be cleansed.” (Leviticus 14:31) (v.31) presents a concluding note on the ritual for cleansing an individual who has been healed of a serious skin disease. These laws were given during the time of Moses, who, according to many scholars, lived around 1526-1406 BC, leading the Israelites out of Egypt in about 1446 BC. Although Moses is not explicitly mentioned in this particular verse, the entire set of purity instructions in Leviticus arises from his leadership period in Israel’s history. This passage follows a string of detailed procedures that outline how the priest was to accept a person back into the community once they were declared free of disease.
In this verse, the reference to “what he can afford” underscores the merciful nature of God’s Law, which provided for believers in various economic circumstances. The sin offering, burnt offering, and grain offering each represent different facets of worship and atonement, evidencing both contrition and dedication. The priest, serving as a mediator between the individual and God, completes the ritual by making atonement with these offerings. Such a system of sacrifices foreshadows the ultimate sacrificial work of Jesus in the New Testament, where His crucifixion accomplishes once-for-all atonement for sin (Hebrews 10:10).
By specifying offerings linked to both repentance (the sin offering) and worship (the burnt offering), the passage highlights the importance of turning from impurity and remembering God’s holiness in every aspect of life. This dual focus is mirrored in New Testament teachings, which combine repentance (Luke 24:46-47) with reverent devotion (Romans 12:1). Through these ancient practices, we discover a consistent principle showing that the grace extended in the Old Testament is fulfilled in Christ’s ultimate sacrifice, enabling a deeper, renewed relationship with God.
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Leviticus 14:31 meaning
“He shall offer what he can afford, the one for a sin offering and the other for a burnt offering, together with the grain offering. So the priest shall make atonement before the LORD on behalf of the one to be cleansed.” (Leviticus 14:31) (v.31) presents a concluding note on the ritual for cleansing an individual who has been healed of a serious skin disease. These laws were given during the time of Moses, who, according to many scholars, lived around 1526-1406 BC, leading the Israelites out of Egypt in about 1446 BC. Although Moses is not explicitly mentioned in this particular verse, the entire set of purity instructions in Leviticus arises from his leadership period in Israel’s history. This passage follows a string of detailed procedures that outline how the priest was to accept a person back into the community once they were declared free of disease.
In this verse, the reference to “what he can afford” underscores the merciful nature of God’s Law, which provided for believers in various economic circumstances. The sin offering, burnt offering, and grain offering each represent different facets of worship and atonement, evidencing both contrition and dedication. The priest, serving as a mediator between the individual and God, completes the ritual by making atonement with these offerings. Such a system of sacrifices foreshadows the ultimate sacrificial work of Jesus in the New Testament, where His crucifixion accomplishes once-for-all atonement for sin (Hebrews 10:10).
By specifying offerings linked to both repentance (the sin offering) and worship (the burnt offering), the passage highlights the importance of turning from impurity and remembering God’s holiness in every aspect of life. This dual focus is mirrored in New Testament teachings, which combine repentance (Luke 24:46-47) with reverent devotion (Romans 12:1). Through these ancient practices, we discover a consistent principle showing that the grace extended in the Old Testament is fulfilled in Christ’s ultimate sacrifice, enabling a deeper, renewed relationship with God.