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◄ Leviticus 12:8►

New International Version
But if she cannot afford a lamb, she is to bring two doves or two young pigeons, one for a burnt offering and the other for a sin offering. In this way the priest will make atonement for her, and she will be clean.’”

New Living Translation
“If a woman cannot afford to bring a lamb, she must bring two turtledoves or two young pigeons. One will be for the burnt offering and the other for the purification offering. The priest will sacrifice them to purify her, and she will be ceremonially clean.”

English Standard Version
And if she cannot afford a lamb, then she shall take two turtledoves or two pigeons, one for a burnt offering and the other for a sin offering. And the priest shall make atonement for her, and she shall be clean.”

Berean Standard Bible
But if she cannot afford a lamb, she shall bring two turtledoves or two young pigeons, one for a burnt offering and the other for a sin offering. Then the priest will make atonement for her, and she will be clean.’”

King James Bible
And if she be not able to bring a lamb, then she shall bring two turtles, or two young pigeons; the one for the burnt offering, and the other for a sin offering: and the priest shall make an atonement for her, and she shall be clean.

New King James Version
‘And if she is not able to bring a lamb, then she may bring two turtledoves or two young pigeons—one as a burnt offering and the other as a sin offering. So the priest shall make atonement for her, and she will be clean.’ ”

New American Standard Bible
But if she cannot afford a lamb, then she shall take two turtledoves or two young doves, the one as a burnt offering and the other as a sin offering; and the priest shall make atonement for her, and she will be clean.’”

NASB 1995
‘But 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; and the priest shall make atonement for her, and she will be clean.’”

NASB 1977
‘But 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; and the priest shall make atonement for her, and she shall be clean.’”

Legacy Standard Bible
But 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; and the priest shall make atonement for her, and she will be clean.’”

Amplified Bible
If she cannot afford a lamb then she shall take two turtledoves or young pigeons, one as a burnt offering, the other as a sin offering; the priest shall make atonement for her, and she will be clean.’”

Christian Standard Bible
But if she doesn’t have sufficient means for a sheep, she may take two turtledoves or two young pigeons, one for a burnt offering and the other for a sin offering. Then the priest will make atonement on her behalf, and she will be clean.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
But if she doesn’t have sufficient means for a sheep, she may take two turtledoves or two young pigeons, one for a burnt offering and the other for a sin offering. Then the priest will make atonement on her behalf, and she will be clean.”

American Standard Version
And if her means suffice not for a lamb, then she shall take two turtle-doves, or two young pigeons; the one for a burnt-offering, and the other for a sin-offering: and the priest shall make atonement for her, and she shall be clean.

Contemporary English Version
If she cannot afford a lamb, she can offer two doves or two pigeons, one as a sacrifice to please me and the other as a sacrifice for sin.

English Revised Version
And if her means suffice not for 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: and the priest shall make atonement for her, and she shall be clean.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
If she cannot afford a lamb, she must use two mourning doves or two pigeons. One will be the burnt offering and the other the offering for sin. So the priest will make peace with the LORD for her, and she will be clean."

Good News Translation
If the woman cannot afford a lamb, she shall bring two doves or two pigeons, one for a burnt offering and the other for a sin offering, and the priest shall perform the ritual to take away her impurity, and she will be ritually clean.

International Standard Version
If she cannot afford a goat, then two turtledoves or two young doves—one for a burnt offering and the other for a sin offering—will serve for him to make atonement for her, so that she becomes clean."

NET Bible
If she cannot afford a sheep, then she must take two turtledoves or two young pigeons, one for a burnt offering and one for a sin offering, and the priest is to make atonement on her behalf, and she will be clean.'"

New Heart English Bible
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: and the priest shall make atonement for her, and she shall be clean.'"

Webster's Bible Translation
And if she shall not be able to bring a lamb, then she shall bring two turtles, or two young pigeons; the one for the burnt-offering, and the other for a sin-offering: and the priest shall make an atonement for her, and she shall be clean.

Majority Text Translations

Majority Standard Bible
But if she cannot afford a lamb, she shall bring two turtledoves or two young pigeons, one for a burnt offering and the other for a sin offering. Then the priest will make atonement for her, and she will be clean.’”

World English Bible
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.’”

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
And if her hand does not find the sufficiency of a sheep, then she has taken two turtle-doves or two young pigeons, one for a burnt-offering and one for a sin-offering, and the priest has made atonement for her, and she has been cleansed.”

Young's Literal Translation
'And if her hand find not the sufficiency of a sheep, then she hath taken two turtle-doves, or two young pigeons, one for a burnt-offering, and one for a sin-offering, and the priest hath made atonement for her, and she hath been cleansed.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And if her hand shall not find the sufficiency of a sheep, and she took two turtle-doves or two sons of the dove; one for a burnt-offering, and one for sin: and the priest expiated for her, and she was clean.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
And if her hand find not sufficiency, and she is not able to offer a lamb, she shall take two turtles, or two young pigeons, one for a holocaust, and another for sin: and the priest shall pray for her, and so she shall be cleansed.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And if her hand has not obtained or been able to offer a lamb, she shall take two turtledoves or two young pigeons: one as a holocaust, and the other for sin. And the priest shall pray for her, and so she shall be cleansed.

New American Bible
If, however, she cannot afford a lamb, she may take two turtledoves or two pigeons, the one for a burnt offering and the other for a purification offering. The priest shall make atonement for her, and thus she will again be clean.

New Revised Standard Version
If she cannot afford a sheep, she shall take two turtledoves or two pigeons, one for a burnt offering and the other for a sin offering; and the priest shall make atonement on her behalf, and she shall be clean.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
And if she cannot afford a lamb, then she shall bring two pigeons or two young turtledoves; the one for the sin offering and the other for the burnt offering; and the priest shall make an atonement for her and she shall be clean.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And if it does not come into her hands to bring a lamb, she shall take two pigeons or two offspring of doves, one for sin and one for a burnt peace offering, and the Priest shall atone for her and she shall be cleansed."'

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
And if her means suffice not for a lamb, then she shall take two turtle-doves, or two young pigeons: the one for a burnt-offering, and the other for a sin-offering; and the priest shall make atonement for her, and she shall be clean.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And if she cannot afford a lamb, then shall she take two turtle-doves or two young pigeons, one for a whole-burnt-offering, and one for a sin-offering; and the priest shall make atonement for her, and she shall be purified.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Purification after Childbirth
…7And the priest will present them before the LORD and make atonement for her; and she shall be ceremonially cleansed from her flow of blood. This is the law for a woman giving birth, whether to a male or to a female.8But if she cannot afford a lamb,she shall bring two turtledoves or two young pigeons,one for a burnt offering and the other for a sin offering.Then the priest will make atonement for her,and she will be clean.’”

Berean Standard Bible ·Download

Cross References

Luke 2:22-24
And when the time of purification according to the Law of Moses was complete, His parents brought Him to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord / (as it is written in the Law of the Lord: “Every firstborn male shall be consecrated to the Lord”), / and to offer the sacrifice specified in the Law of the Lord: “A pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.”

Leviticus 5:7
If, however, he cannot afford a lamb, he may bring to the LORD as restitution for his sin two turtledoves or two young pigeons—one as a sin offering and the other as a burnt offering.

Leviticus 14:21-22
If, however, the person is poor and cannot afford these offerings, he is to take one male lamb as a guilt offering to be waved to make atonement for him, along with a tenth of an ephah of fine flour mixed with olive oil for a grain offering, a log of olive oil, / and two turtledoves or two young pigeons, whichever he can afford, one to be a sin offering and the other a burnt offering.

Leviticus 1:14
If, instead, one’s offering to the LORD is a burnt offering of birds, he is to present a turtledove or a young pigeon.

Numbers 6:10
On the eighth day he must bring two turtledoves or two young pigeons to the priest at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting.

2 Corinthians 8:12
For if the eagerness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have.

Matthew 8:4
Then Jesus instructed him, “See that you don’t tell anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the gift prescribed by Moses, as a testimony to them.”

Mark 12:42-44
Then one poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which amounted to a small fraction of a denarius. / Jesus called His disciples to Him and said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more than all the others into the treasury. / For they all contributed out of their surplus, but she out of her poverty has put in all she had to live on.”

Luke 21:1-4
Then Jesus looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury, / and He saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins. / “Truly I tell you,” He said, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others. ...

Exodus 13:2
“Consecrate to Me every firstborn male. The firstborn from every womb among the Israelites belongs to Me, both of man and beast.”

Exodus 13:12
you are to present to the LORD the firstborn male of every womb. All the firstborn males of your livestock belong to the LORD.

Exodus 22:29-30
You must not hold back offerings from your granaries or vats. You are to give Me the firstborn of your sons. / You shall do likewise with your cattle and your sheep. Let them stay with their mothers for seven days, but on the eighth day you are to give them to Me.

Exodus 34:19-20
The first offspring of every womb belongs to Me, including all the firstborn males among your livestock, whether cattle or sheep. / You must redeem the firstborn of a donkey with a lamb; but if you do not redeem it, you are to break its neck. You must redeem all the firstborn of your sons. No one shall appear before Me empty-handed.

Numbers 18:15-16
The firstborn of every womb, whether man or beast, that is offered to the LORD belongs to you. But you must surely redeem every firstborn son and every firstborn male of unclean animals. / You are to pay the redemption price for a month-old male according to your valuation: five shekels of silver, according to the sanctuary shekel, which is twenty gerahs.

Psalm 50:5
“Gather to Me My saints, who made a covenant with Me by sacrifice.”

Treasury of Scripture

And if she be not able to bring a lamb, then she shall bring two turtles, or two young pigeons; the one for the burnt offering, and the other for a sin offering: and the priest shall make an atonement for her, and she shall be clean.

she be not able to bring a lamb.

Leviticus 1:14
And if the burnt sacrifice for his offering to the LORDbe of fowls, then he shall bring his offering of turtledoves, or of young pigeons.

Leviticus 5:7
And if he be not able to bring a lamb, then he shall bring for his trespass, which he hath committed, two turtledoves, or two young pigeons, unto the LORD; one for a sin offering, and the other for a burnt offering.

Leviticus 14:22
And two turtledoves, or two young pigeons, such as he is able to get; and the one shall be a sin offering, and the other a burnt offering.

make an atonement

Leviticus 4:26
And he shall burn all his fat upon the altar, as the fat of the sacrifice of peace offerings: and the priest shall make an atonement for him as concerning his sin, and it shall be forgiven him.

Jump to Previous

Able Afford Atonement Burnt Burnt-Offering Clean Cleansed Doves Enough Find Hand Lamb Means Money Offering Pigeons Priest Sheep Sin Sin-Offering Suffice Sufficiency Sufficient Turtledoves Turtle-Doves Turtles Young

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Leviticus 12

1.The purification of a woman after childbirth
6.Her offerings for her purifying

Study Bible

Book ◦ Chapter

But if she cannot afford a lamb,
This phrase acknowledges the economic diversity among the Israelites. The provision for those who could not afford a lamb demonstrates God's compassion and understanding of human circumstances. It reflects the principle that worship and atonement should be accessible to all, regardless of financial status. This inclusivity is echoed in the New Testament, where Jesus commends the widow who gives two small coins (Mark 12:41-44).

she shall bring two turtledoves or two young pigeons,
Turtledoves and pigeons were common and inexpensive birds in ancient Israel, making them a practical alternative for those of lesser means. This provision ensured that everyone could participate in the sacrificial system. The use of birds for sacrifices is also seen inGenesis 15:9, where God instructs Abram to bring birds as part of a covenant ritual. The birds symbolize purity and innocence, fitting for offerings to God.

one for a burnt offering and the other for a sin offering.
The burnt offering signifies complete dedication to God, as the entire animal is consumed by fire (Leviticus 1:9). The sin offering, on the other hand, is for atonement and purification from sin (Leviticus 4:20). Together, these offerings represent both the worshiper's devotion and the need for reconciliation with God. This dual offering foreshadows the comprehensive atonement provided by Jesus Christ, who fulfills both roles as the ultimate sacrifice (Hebrews 10:10-12).

Then the priest will make atonement for her,
The priest acts as a mediator between the individual and God, performing the ritual to restore the woman's ceremonial purity. This role of the priest as an intercessor is a precursor to the high priestly ministry of Jesus, who intercedes for believers (Hebrews 7:25). The concept of atonement is central to the sacrificial system, pointing to the ultimate atonement made by Christ on the cross.

and she will be clean.’”
Being declared clean allowed the woman to re-enter the community and participate fully in religious life. This cleansing is not just physical but also spiritual, symbolizing restoration and acceptance by God. The theme of cleansing is prevalent throughout Scripture, culminating in the cleansing from sin offered through Jesus' sacrifice (1John 1:7). This purification process underscores the holiness required to approach God, a standard ultimately met in Christ.

Persons / Places / Events

1.Moses
The author of Leviticus, who received the laws from God on Mount Sinai. He is the central figure in delivering God's commandments to the Israelites.

2.Israelites
The chosen people of God to whom the laws in Leviticus were given. They are the community that is expected to follow these laws as part of their covenant relationship with God.

3.Priests
The religious leaders responsible for performing sacrifices and rituals as outlined in Leviticus. They serve as mediators between God and the people.

4.Temple/Tabernacle
The sacred place where sacrifices and offerings were made. It represents God's presence among His people.

5.Mary, the mother of Jesus
In the New Testament, she follows the purification law after the birth of Jesus, highlighting the continuity of these practices into the New Testament era.

Teaching Points

Understanding the Law's Purpose
The laws in Leviticus, including those about purification, were given to set the Israelites apart as holy and to maintain a relationship with God. They point to the need for purity and holiness in our lives.

Provision for All
Leviticus 12:8 shows God's provision for those who are poor, allowing them to offer a less costly sacrifice. This reflects God's compassion and inclusivity, reminding us that He values the heart over material wealth.

Fulfillment in Christ
The sacrificial system in Leviticus points forward to Jesus Christ, the ultimate sacrifice. Understanding this helps us appreciate the depth of Christ's work on the cross and the freedom we have in Him.

Obedience and Worship
The laws remind us of the importance of obedience in our worship. True worship involves a heart aligned with God's will, not just external compliance.

Community and Support
The communal aspect of the law encourages us to support one another in our spiritual journeys, recognizing that we all have different resources and abilities.

Bible Study Questions and Answers

1.What is the meaning of Leviticus 12:8?

2.How does Leviticus 12:8 demonstrate God's provision for the poor in sacrifices?

3.What does the offering in Leviticus 12:8 signify about purification and atonement?

4.How does Leviticus 12:8 connect to Luke 2:24 regarding Jesus' family?

5.How can we apply the principle of provision for the needy today?

6.What does Leviticus 12:8 teach about God's inclusivity in worship practices?

7.Why does Leviticus 12:8 allow for a lesser sacrifice for the poor?

8.How does Leviticus 12:8 reflect God's view on economic inequality?

9.What is the significance of offering two turtledoves or pigeons in Leviticus 12:8?

10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Leviticus 12?

11.Was Jesus financially wealthy during his lifetime?

12.In Leviticus 12:8, how does the prescribed offering for atonement reconcile with the idea that childbirth is not a moral wrongdoing?

13.Given that other Old Testament laws have been revised or replaced, why does Leviticus 12:6-7 still treat normal biological processes as sources of impurity?

14.Numbers 6:9-12 -- Why would accidental defilement require repeating the entire vow and new sacrifices, suggesting a severe ritual focus that seems excessive?

What Does Leviticus 12:8 Mean

But if she cannot afford a lamb

God builds mercy into His law. He knows not every new mother can present an expensive animal, so He provides a lower-cost path that still honors Him. •Leviticus 5:7 gives the same concession for other offerings. •Leviticus 14:21 shows the pattern repeated for cleansing a leper. •Psalm 72:12 reminds us that the LORD “delivers the needy who cry out.” From the beginning, the Lord’s commands have never favored the wealthy; they invite every heart, regardless of means, to come near.

she shall bring two turtledoves or two young pigeons

Turtledoves and pigeons were plentiful around Israelite homes and could even be trapped without cost. •Leviticus 1:14 permits birds for burnt offerings in general. •Luke 2:24 records Mary and Joseph bringing “a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons” after Jesus’ birth, confirming this was the humble option chosen by faithful believers. The accessibility of these birds underlines that worship is never closed off to the poor.

one for a burnt offering and the other for a sin offering

Each bird had a distinct purpose:

• Burnt offering (Leviticus 1:3-9) – completely consumed, symbolizing total surrender to God.

• Sin offering (Leviticus 4:27-31) – blood applied to secure forgiveness for impurity.

Placing the two side by side teaches that devotion (“burnt”) and forgiveness (“sin”) always travel together.Romans 12:1 calls believers to “present your bodies as a living sacrifice,” echoing the burnt offering’s whole-hearted dedication, whileHebrews 10:18 celebrates the once-for-all forgiveness secured in Christ, foreshadowed by the sin offering.

Then the priest will make atonement for her

The priest stands as mediator, applying the blood so God’s forgiveness is counted to the mother. •Leviticus 4:26 repeatedly states, “the priest will make atonement for him, and he will be forgiven.” •Hebrews 2:17 points to Jesus as the ultimate High Priest who had “to make atonement for the sins of the people.” Earthly priests anticipated the perfect work Christ would later accomplish on the cross.

and she will be clean

The result is full restoration. Her ceremonial impurity ends; she can return to the sanctuary and normal fellowship. •Leviticus 12:7 already promised, “after that she will be clean.” •Leviticus 15:28 shows the same language for other bodily discharges. •Hebrews 9:14 says the blood of Christ “purifies our conscience from dead works to serve the living God.” God’s goal is always cleansing that leads to worship, not condemnation.

summary

Leviticus 12:8 reveals a compassionate God who opens the door of worship to rich and poor alike. He provides an affordable sacrifice, assigns clear purposes to each offering, appoints a priest to mediate, and guarantees cleansing. The verse ultimately points ahead to Jesus, the perfect and final sacrifice and High Priest, through whom every believer—whatever his or her station—finds complete atonement and welcome before God.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(8)And if she be not able.--As a merciful provision for those who were too poor to bring a lamb, the law permits them to bring a turtle-dove or a pigeon for a burnt offering, provided only it is the same kind of bird as the one brought for a sin offering; that is, they must either be both turtle-doves or both pigeons, and not one turtle-dove and one pigeon. Turtle-doves and pigeons were plentiful and cheap in Palestine (seeLeviticus 1:14). It was therefore the poor woman's sacrifice which the mother of our Lord offered, when, in accordance with this commutation, she offered a pair of turtle-doves or two young pigeons, on presenting herself for purification at the Temple with the child Jesus, on the expiration of the prescribed term of uncleanness (Luke 2:24), and the priest, after sprinkling her with the blood of the humble sacrifice, declared her cleansed.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 8. -If she be not able to bring a lamb. A concession is made to poverty, which in later times appears to have been largely acted on. It was, as we know, taken advantage of by the mother of our Lord (Luke 2:24).

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

But if
וְאִם־(wə·’im-)
Conjunctive waw | Conjunction
Strong's 518:Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not

she cannot
לֹ֨א(lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808:Not, no

afford
תִמְצָ֣א(ṯim·ṣā)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 4672:To come forth to, appear, exist, to attain, find, acquire, to occur, meet, be present

a lamb,
שֶׂה֒(śeh)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7716:A member of a, flock, a sheep, goat

she shall bring
וְלָקְחָ֣ה(wə·lā·qə·ḥāh)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 3947:To take

two
שְׁתֵּֽי־(šə·tê-)
Number - fdc
Strong's 8147:Two (a cardinal number)

turtledoves
תֹרִ֗ים(ṯō·rîm)
Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 8449:A ring-dove, a term of endearment

or
א֤וֹ(’ōw)
Conjunction
Strong's 176:Desire, if

two
שְׁנֵי֙(šə·nê)
Number - mdc
Strong's 8147:Two (a cardinal number)

young
בְּנֵ֣י(bə·nê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121:A son

pigeons,
יוֹנָ֔ה(yō·w·nāh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 3123:A dove

one
אֶחָ֥ד(’e·ḥāḏ)
Number - masculine singular
Strong's 259:United, one, first

for a burnt offering
לְעֹלָ֖ה(lə·‘ō·lāh)
Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5930:Whole burnt offering

and the other
וְאֶחָ֣ד(wə·’e·ḥāḏ)
Conjunctive waw | Number - masculine singular
Strong's 259:United, one, first

for a sin offering.
לְחַטָּ֑את(lə·ḥaṭ·ṭāṯ)
Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 2403:An offence, its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, expiation, an offender

Then the priest
הַכֹּהֵ֖ן(hak·kō·hên)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3548:Priest

will make atonement
וְכִפֶּ֥ר(wə·ḵip·per)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3722:To cover, to expiate, condone, to placate, cancel

for her,
עָלֶ֛יהָ(‘ā·le·hā)
Preposition | third person feminine singular
Strong's 5921:Above, over, upon, against

and she will be clean.’”
וְטָהֵֽרָה׃(wə·ṭā·hê·rāh)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 2891:To be clean or pure

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OT Law: Leviticus 12:8 If she cannot afford a lamb then (Le Lv Lev.)