Two Turtledoves, or two young Pigeons

Published on Updated on Poor People, Woman

In ancient times, after a woman gave birth, she was to bring an offering to the temple for her purification. Mary’s offering was that of a poor person.

 

 

OVERVIEW

 

In ancient times, after a woman gave birth, the Law required several things to happen.

First, if the child was male, he needed to be circumcised.

Second, the woman needed to travel to the temple. On the 33rd day, she would present her infant as well as make an offering.

The normal purification offering was a lamb. However if the woman could not afford a lamb, her offering could be a pair of doves or pigeons. This was a special provision for poor people.

One bird was to be a sin offering. The other bird was to be a burnt offering. The result was atonement and forgiveness.

 

After Mary gave birth to Jesus, she traveled to the temple. She presented her infant. And she made an offering.

What was her offering? It was either a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons. That was all she could afford. Those were the offerings of a poor person.

This small detail gives us a glimpse into the life of the Holy Family.

They were poor.

 

BIBLE VERSES

 

Leviticus 1:14. If his offering to the LORD is a burnt offering of birds, then he shall offer his offering from turtledoves or of young pigeons.

Leviticus 5:7. If he can’t afford a lamb, then he shall bring his trespass offering for that in which he has sinned, two turtledoves, or two young pigeons, to the LORD; one for a sin offering, and the other for a burnt offering.

Leviticus 12:8. If she cannot afford a lamb, then she shall take two turtledoves or two young pigeons: the one for a burnt offering, and the other for a sin offering. The priest shall make atonement for her, and she shall be clean.

Luke 2:24. and to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, “A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.”

 

Unless otherwise noted, all Bible quotations on this page are from the World English Bible and the World Messianic Edition. These translations have no copyright restrictions. They are in the Public Domain.