Definition: And the priest shall offer the burnt offering and the meat offering upon the altar: and the priest shall make an atonement for him, and he shall be clean.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Leviticus 14:20. It’s a really important part of Jewish tradition about animals and how they are treated. Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, this verse says that a specific animal – the lamb – is considered holy and must be offered to God in a certain way. Let's unpack it further: “And the priest shall offer…” : This tells us that only priests are allowed to participate in this ritual. It’s about a sacred act, not just any person. “…the burnt offering and the meat offering upon the altar:” This means the animal must be presented to God on a special altar. It's not just a regular meal; it’s a dedicated offering. “And the priest shall make an atonement for him, and he shall be clean.” This is the core of the verse. “Atonement” means to make things right or to be forgiven. The priest’s job is to make sure the animal is clean enough to be offered. If the animal is deemed unclean (due to a certain condition), it's not allowed to be offered. What does this all mean in practical terms? Historically, this verse was part of a system for keeping animals separate from humans and preventing contamination. It was a way of honoring God’s holiness by acknowledging that certain creatures were specifically designated as sacred. It emphasizes the importance of reverence and ritual purity. Important Note: This is a complex passage with layers of meaning and interpretations throughout Jewish history. --- Do you want me to explain anything in more detail? For example, would you like me to: Explain the historical context behind this verse? Discuss its significance within Judaism? Compare it to other concepts related to animal sacrifice (like the Passover ritual)?