Leviticus 14 30

Leviticus 14:30 kjv

And he shall offer the one of the turtledoves, or of the young pigeons, such as he can get;

Leviticus 14:30 nkjv

And he shall offer one of the turtledoves or young pigeons, such as he can afford?

Leviticus 14:30 niv

Then he shall sacrifice the doves or the young pigeons, such as the person can afford,

Leviticus 14:30 esv

And he shall offer, of the turtledoves or pigeons, whichever he can afford,

Leviticus 14:30 nlt

"Then the priest will offer the two turtledoves or the two young pigeons, whichever the person can afford.

Leviticus 14 verses

Leviticus 14 30 Meaning

Leviticus 14:30 outlines a specific provision within the elaborate purification ritual for a person cleansed of tzara'at (a severe skin condition). This verse allows for an alternative, more affordable sacrifice: instead of a lamb for the sin offering, the individual could present one of two turtledoves or young pigeons, based on their financial capability. This demonstrates God's profound compassion and grace, ensuring that financial limitations would not prevent someone from completing the required ritual for full restoration and re-entry into the community.

Leviticus 14 30 Context

Leviticus Chapter 14 details the elaborate ritual purification for an individual cured of tzara'at, a severe skin affliction often considered a manifestation of spiritual impurity, which led to ritual exclusion from the community. The purification involved two phases: initial cleansing (vv. 1-9) outside the camp, and then full restoration (vv. 10-32) at the Tabernacle entrance. The verses immediately preceding 14:30 (vv. 21-29) lay out the standard offerings for purification and then introduce a special provision for the poor. The standard ritual involved two male lambs, one female lamb, fine flour, and oil. However, acknowledging varying financial situations, God's law provided a compassionate alternative in verses 21-32, where, if the person was poor, less expensive bird offerings (turtledoves or young pigeons) could substitute for the lambs of the sin and burnt offerings. Leviticus 14:30 specifically details this bird substitute for the sin offering. This highlights the foundational principle that God desires all, regardless of socio-economic status, to access cleansing and reintegration into His covenant community. Historically, tzara'at was deeply feared and required priestly diagnosis, demonstrating a theocratic system where spiritual purity and physical health were interconnected and under divine purview.

Leviticus 14 30 Word analysis

• And he shall offer (wəhiqrîb): This verb qârab (קָרַב) means "to draw near," "to bring," or "to offer." It consistently describes the act of bringing an offering to God through the priest, emphasizing that the priest facilitates the atonement on behalf of the individual. It's an active, priestly action essential for the ritual's efficacy.

• the one (’ehad) of the turtledoves (tôr), or of the young pigeons (ben yônâh):

  • ’ehad (אֶחָד) means "one," indicating a single bird chosen from the pair designated for the burnt offering (see Lev 14:22).
  • tôr (תּוֹר) refers to the turtledove, a common, easily available, and therefore affordable bird in ancient Israel. They were often used for purification rites (Lev 1:14).
  • ben yônâh (בֶּן־יוֹנָה) literally means "son of a dove," referring to a young pigeon. Like turtledoves, pigeons were ubiquitous and inexpensive, making them accessible to the poor. Their inclusion emphasizes God's practical concern for every Israelite, allowing them to fulfill the law without undue financial burden. This shows a compassionate deviation from the more costly lamb requirement, highlighting divine grace and understanding of human circumstances.

• such as he can get (‘asher taśśîg yādô): This Hebrew phrase means "what his hand can reach" or "what his means enable him to acquire."

  • taśśîg (תַּשִּׂג) is from the root nâgag (נָגַג), meaning "to reach, attain, obtain."
  • yād (יָד) means "hand," idiomatically representing means or resources.This clause is crucial. It underscores God's acceptance of an offering proportionate to one's financial ability, rather than demanding an impossible standard. It removes economic barriers to spiritual cleansing and re-entry into the covenant community, demonstrating God's justice and mercy.

• Words-group analysis:

  • "And he shall offer the one... such as he can get": This phrase encapsulates the essence of the "poor man's offering." The priestly action is necessary, but the object of the offering is determined by the worshipper's economic status, underscoring God's accommodating nature and accessibility of atonement to all segments of society, irrespective of wealth. This principle of proportionate giving reflects divine wisdom.
  • "turtledoves, or... young pigeons": These specific birds were not merely symbolic but were the most common and inexpensive sacrificial birds, distinguishing them from the more costly sheep or goats. Their provision underlines the law's adaptability and grace for those in financial hardship, demonstrating that the heart's intent and obedience were more important than the material value of the offering.

Leviticus 14 30 Bonus section

The allowance for birds as an alternative sacrifice in Leviticus 14:30 and other contexts (like Lev 5:7, 12:8) stands as a profound theological statement against the notion that only the wealthy could achieve full standing before God. It dismantled any potential spiritual hierarchy based on material prosperity. Furthermore, this meticulous detailing of substitute offerings subtly highlighted God's sovereignty over every aspect of life, even the personal finances of His people, and His design for justice and equity within the covenant community. It prepared the way for an understanding of atonement that transcended material worth, ultimately pointing towards a sacrifice not dependent on earthly possessions but on ultimate humility and divine love, as fully revealed in Christ's offering of Himself, available freely to all, rich or poor (Rom 5:8; 2 Cor 8:9).

Leviticus 14 30 Commentary

Leviticus 14:30 vividly illustrates the compassionate and inclusive nature of God's law. In the intricate rituals for tzara'at purification, while demanding a standard of precious lambs, God graciously provided a readily accessible alternative for the poor. This detail ensures that no one was denied cleansing or restoration into the community due to economic limitations. It teaches that God prioritizes obedience, sincere desire for purity, and accessibility over the financial value of a sacrifice. The substitution of common birds for a lamb, therefore, did not diminish the efficacy of the atonement, but rather amplified divine mercy. This principle echoes throughout Scripture, seen notably in Mary and Joseph's offering at Jesus' dedication (Luke 2:24), further affirming that God meets humanity where it is, requiring not what is impossible, but what can be offered in faithfulness.