In the ongoing discussion surrounding the Seventh-day Adventist doctrine of the Investigative Judgment, critics often raise a particular objection: Is the cleansing of the sanctuary in Daniel 8:14 the same as the cleansing described in Leviticus 16? This question lies at the heart of the sanctuary doctrine and directly impacts how Adventists understand atonement, sin, and judgment.

In this article, we explore this theological challenge and clarify why these two references to “cleansing” are indeed different—but in a way that actually strengthens, rather than undermines, the Adventist position.

Daniel 8:14 and leviticus 16:19

The key text under discussion reads:

"And he said unto me, Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed." – Daniel 8:14 (KJV)

Seventh-day Adventists hold that this cleansing refers to a heavenly event, that was foreshadowed by the cleansing of the earthly sanctuary described in Leviticus which reads:

"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 (KJV)

This Cleansing of the Sanctuary was known as the Day of Atonement. And although both texts contain the word "cleanse," this view is under fire because in the original Hebrew, both words carry different meanings. 

The Challenge: Different Hebrew Words

Critics point out that the Hebrew word for "cleanse" in Leviticus 16 is taher (טָהֵר), while in Daniel 8:14, "cleansed" is tsadaq (צָדַק). Because the words are different, opponents argue that the cleansing of Daniel 8:14 cannot be a cleansing from sin, as Daniel then would have used the same term as Leviticus. Our detractors believe that this difference in verbiage proves that the Cleansing of the Sanctuary as taught by Adventists is false doctrine.

At first glance, this seems like a reasonable objection. However, a closer examination of the Hebrew terms and their contexts reveals a more nuanced picture. Once you undertand these two terms in their proper context, you will see that the different terminology used, not only confirms our position, but if Daniel 8:14 used the same language for cleanse as Leviticus 16:19, it would disqualify our view of the Sanctuary doctrine!

Leviticus 16: A Ritualistic Cleansing

Taher is defined by the Strongs Definition as "Levitically, uncontaminated." Thus, in the context of the sanctuary, the common usage of this word in the Hebrew language reveals a cermonially or ritualistic cleansing that was often pronounced or by the priest. This is confirmed when we look at a few texts that contain "taher":

And the priest shall see him: and, behold, if the plague be turned into white; then the priest shall pronounce him clean that hath the plague: he is clean. Leviticus 13:17

And the priest that maketh him clean shall present the man that is to be made clean, and those things, before the LORD, at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation: Leviticus 14:11

And after that shall the Levites go in to do the service of the tabernacle of the congregation: and thou shalt cleanse them, and offer them for an offering. Numbers 8:15

Thus, the cleansing (taher) of the earthly sanctuary in Leviticus 16, is a ceremonial or ritualistic cleansing carried out by the high priest. This ritual removed the symbolic sins that had been transferred to the sanctuary throughout the year via various sacrifices.

“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

The key point is that this cleansing was ritual in nature, not actual removal of sin in the ultimate sense. The high priest played a central role in this ritual, and the word taher is used extensively in the Old Testament in the context of ceremonial purification.

Daniel 8:14: A Judicial Justification

By contrast, the Hebrew word used in Daniel 8:14—tsadaq—has a different meaning entirely. Rather than referring to a ritual cleansing, tsadaq is a judicial term meaning to make right, justify, or pronounce righteous. It is the same word used in passages such as:

• Isaiah 53:11 – "My righteous servant shall justify many."
• Exodus 23:7 – "I will not justify the wicked."
• Isaiah 50:8 – "He is near that justifieth me."

This is a significant distinction. In Daniel 8:14, the "cleansing" of the sanctuary is better translated as a declaration of righteousness, a pronouncement of justice. In fact, several modern Bible translations reflect this idea:

• LSB: "...then the holy place will be made righteous."
• YLT: "...then is the holy place declared right."

Why This Strengthens the SDA Position

Surprisingly to some, this difference in vocabulary doesn't weaken the SDA understanding—it strengthens it.

Why?

Because the earthly sanctuary could never truly remove sin. Hebrews 10:1-4 makes this crystal clear:

“For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats should take away sins.”

The rituals pointed forward to something greater—a heavenly reality where sin would be truly dealt with. The fact that tsadaq is used in Daniel 8:14 confirms that the cleansing in question is not a ritual cleansing by a human priest, but a divine act of judgment and justification carried out by God Himself in the heavenly sanctuary.

Earthly vs. Heavenly Cleansing

Let’s summarize the contrast:

AspectLeviticus 16 (Taher)Daniel 8:14 (Tsadaq)Hebrew Wordטָהֵר (taher)צָדַק (tsadaq)NatureRitualistic, ceremonialJudicial, declarativePerformed byEarthly high priestGod aloneCleansing fromSymbolic sinActual sin, through judgmentSanctuary TypeEarthlyHeavenly

Thus, the difference in Hebrew words actually reflects the different roles of the earthly and heavenly sanctuaries. One pointed forward to the other; it was a type, a shadow—not the ultimate solution.

Historical Context: The Maccabean Revolt?

Another common counterpoint is that Daniel 8:14 refers not to a heavenly judgment, but to the cleansing of the temple during the Maccabean revolt after its desecration by Antiochus Epiphanes. However, history shows that this cleansing was also ritualistic in nature—it was a taher cleansing, not a tsadaq declaration.

Even in earlier Old Testament history, such as the cleansing of the temple under King Hezekiah (2 Chronicles 29:15–16), the word taher is used. In every recorded case, the earthly sanctuary is cleansed using rituals, and never pronounced righteous (tsadaq). This reinforces the idea that tsadaq is uniquely appropriate for a heavenly, divine act of judgment and justification.

Conclusion: One Concept, Two Realities

Yes, the words for “cleanse” in Leviticus 16 and Daniel 8:14 are different—but for good reason. They point to two connected but distinct realities:

• A ritualistic cleansing of the earthly sanctuary by a human priest.
• A judicial justification of the heavenly sanctuary by God Himself.

Both involve cleansing. But one was symbolic, the other is real. One was temporary, the other is eternal. The earthly service pointed forward to the heavenly judgment.

So, when critics ask, "How can Daniel 8:14 refer to the same cleansing if the words are different?", the answer is: It’s because the heavenly cleansing is greater.

This difference in language confirms, rather than contradicts, the Adventist teaching of the Investigative Judgment.