Leviticus 14:31 kjv
Even such as he is able to get, the one for a sin offering, and the other for a burnt offering, with the meat offering: and the priest shall make an atonement for him that is to be cleansed before the LORD.
Leviticus 14:31 nkjv
such as he is able to afford, the one as a sin offering and the other as a burnt offering, with the grain offering. So the priest shall make atonement for him who is to be cleansed before the LORD.
Leviticus 14:31 niv
one as a sin offering and the other as a burnt offering, together with the grain offering. In this way the priest will make atonement before the LORD on behalf of the one to be cleansed."
Leviticus 14:31 esv
one for a sin offering and the other for a burnt offering, along with a grain offering. And the priest shall make atonement before the LORD for him who is being cleansed.
Leviticus 14:31 nlt
One of them is for a sin offering and the other for a burnt offering, to be presented along with the grain offering. Through this process, the priest will purify the person before the LORD.
Leviticus 14 31 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Lev 5:7 | "If he cannot afford a lamb, then he shall bring to the LORD as his compensation... two turtledoves or two young pigeons..." | Provision for the poor for sin offering |
| Lev 5:11 | "But if he cannot afford even two turtledoves or two young pigeons, then he shall bring as his offering... a tenth of an ephah of fine flour..." | Further accommodation for extreme poverty |
| Lev 1:14 | "If his offering to the LORD is a burnt offering of birds, then he shall bring his offering of turtledoves or young pigeons." | Bird offerings for burnt offerings |
| Lev 4:27-28 | "If anyone of the common people sins unintentionally... he shall bring for his offering a female goat without blemish for his sin..." | Sin offering for common person |
| Exod 30:15 | "The rich shall not pay more, and the poor shall not pay less, than half a shekel when giving the LORD’s offering..." | Impartiality in sacred duties |
| Deut 15:7-11 | "If among you a poor man, one of your brothers, gets into poverty... you shall open your hand to him and lend him sufficient for his need." | Compassion and provision for the poor |
| Prov 22:2 | "The rich and the poor meet together; the LORD is the Maker of them all." | God's impartial relationship with humanity |
| Matt 8:2-4 | "And behold, a leper came... 'Lord, if you will, you can make me clean.' And Jesus stretched out his hand... and immediately his leprosy was cleansed." | Jesus' authority over ritual impurity |
| Luke 2:22-24 | "And when the days for their purification according to the Law of Moses were completed, they brought him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord... and a pair of turtledoves..." | Mary and Joseph’s poor-person offering for Jesus |
| Acts 10:34 | "So Peter opened his mouth and said: 'Truly I understand that God shows no partiality...'" | God's non-discrimination |
| Gal 3:28 | "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." | Equality in Christ's covenant |
| Col 3:11 | "Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all." | Christ removes human distinctions |
| Heb 9:11-14 | "But when Christ appeared as a high priest... he entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood..." | Christ's superior, perfect sacrifice |
| Heb 10:4 | "For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins." | Limitation of animal sacrifices |
| John 1:29 | "The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, 'Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!'" | Jesus as the ultimate Sin Offering |
| Rom 3:23-25 | "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation..." | Justification by grace through Christ |
| 2 Cor 8:12 | "For if the eagerness is there, it is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have." | Principle of generous giving according to ability |
| Phil 4:18 | "...a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God." | Acceptable offering as fragrant aroma |
| 1 Pet 1:18-19 | "knowing that you were ransomed... with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot." | Redemption through Christ's perfect blood |
| Eph 2:8-9 | "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works..." | Salvation by grace, not works |
Leviticus 14 verses
Leviticus 14 31 Meaning
Leviticus 14:31 prescribes an alternative, less expensive set of offerings for the poor individual cleansing from ritual impurity due to tzaraat. It emphasizes God's gracious provision and acceptance of sacrifices according to one's ability, ensuring that economic status does not hinder reconciliation or restoration to the community and to God. This provision included one turtledove or young pigeon for a burnt offering, another for a sin offering, and a third for a grain offering, differing from the more costly sheep previously specified for those who could afford them.
Leviticus 14 31 Context
Leviticus chapters 13 and 14 deal comprehensively with the laws concerning tzaraat, a severe skin condition that rendered a person ritually unclean and separated them from the Israelite community and worship. Chapter 14 outlines the detailed purification ritual for one declared healed from tzaraat. This lengthy process involved various sacrifices and offerings performed by a priest at the tabernacle.
Verse 31 falls within the section describing the required offerings for the individual's re-entry into full communal life. Earlier verses (Lev 14:10-20) describe the ideal offerings for someone who could afford them, typically involving two male lambs, one female lamb, and fine flour. However, sensing that not all Israelites would have the same economic capacity, the LORD provides an explicit concession for the poor in verses 21-32. Leviticus 14:31, alongside verse 30, specifically defines the substitution for those who cannot afford the sheep, allowing for much less expensive birds and less flour, thereby ensuring that economic disadvantage would not bar anyone from achieving ritual purity and reconciliation. This demonstrated God's desire for all His people to be clean and included.
Leviticus 14 31 Word Analysis
He shall bring what he can afford / Even such as he can get: This phrase (Hebrew: וְאֵת אֲשֶׁר תַּשִּׂיג יָדוֹ, v'et asher tasig yado, lit. "and that which his hand reaches/attains") highlights the divine principle of accepting offerings based on a person's capability rather than a fixed, high standard that might exclude the poor. It reflects God's compassionate understanding of varying economic situations. This contrasts with systems where value of offering correlated with perceived divine favor, asserting that the Lord valued obedience and an obedient heart over mere material cost.
One turtledove or one young pigeon: These specific birds were common and readily available in ancient Israel, serving as the designated substitute for more expensive animals like sheep or goats in offerings for the less affluent (Lev 5:7, Luke 2:24). Their inclusion underscores God's mercy and accessibility of purification for all, regardless of wealth.
For a burnt offering: Hebrew: עוֹלָה (olah). This type of offering was completely consumed by fire on the altar. It represented complete surrender, dedication, and atonement for general, unintentional sin. Its smoke ascending signified prayer and devotion reaching God.
And another for a sin offering: Hebrew: חַטָּאת (chatta't). This offering was specifically for atoning for unintentional sins and purifying ritual uncleanness. It restored one to a clean state before God and the community, allowing re-entry into communal worship.
With the third for a grain offering / With the third a meat offering: Hebrew: מִנְחָה (minchah). This offering, typically of flour or bread, was a thank offering, a token of devotion, or an acknowledgment of God's provision. It involved no shedding of blood, signifying different aspects of the relationship with God, often relating to commitment and sustained relationship after reconciliation.
Words-group by words-group analysis:
"He shall bring what he can afford, one turtledove or one young pigeon": This grouping clearly defines the alternative sacrifice, demonstrating God's condescension and compassion. It establishes a pathway for purification for the poor, emphasizing equity and eliminating socio-economic barriers to worship and reconciliation. This teaches that true piety and willingness to obey are more significant to God than material wealth.
"for a burnt offering and another for a sin offering, with the third for a grain offering": This enumerates the required components of the purification offering, specifically linking the type of offering to its theological purpose. The combination of burnt, sin, and grain offerings ensured comprehensive restoration – covering general devotion/atonement, specific cleansing from impurity/sin, and acknowledgment/thankfulness for God's sustaining grace. This tripartite offering represented the totality of reconciliation.
Leviticus 14 31 Bonus section
This provision for the poor highlights a significant theological truth often seen throughout Scripture: God's justice is always tempered with mercy. Unlike many pagan systems that often demanded exorbitant sacrifices proportionate to one's wealth, the God of Israel made Himself accessible to all, demonstrating that His primary concern was not the quantity of the offering but the quality of the heart bringing it in obedience and faith. This law would have fostered a sense of belonging and divine care among the less privileged, reaffirming their value in God's eyes. It stands as a timeless principle that spiritual standing is not determined by earthly possessions or lack thereof. The ultimate fulfillment of this concept is seen in Christ Jesus, whose atoning sacrifice is of infinite value and yet freely available to all who believe, regardless of their background or earthly possessions.
Leviticus 14 31 Commentary
Leviticus 14:31 is a profound expression of God's grace and impartiality within the Mosaic Law. It illustrates that divine expectations are calibrated to human capacity, ensuring that no one is barred from covenant blessings or participation in the community due to their economic status. While the precise details of the offerings (burnt, sin, grain) varied, the underlying principle remained consistent across all offerings: acknowledging God's holiness, confessing sin (even unwitting), seeking atonement, and offering thanksgiving. The accommodation for the poor underlines that the heart of the worshipper and their obedient spirit were of paramount importance, not the material cost of the sacrifice itself. This principle foreshadows the New Covenant, where salvation is freely offered through Christ's ultimate sacrifice, accessible to all, irrespective of social standing or wealth, highlighting grace over legalistic burdens or financial contributions. The humble offering accepted by God for the cleansing of the leper anticipates Mary and Joseph's offering of two doves for Jesus' purification, subtly connecting the Lord of purity to a simple offering by His parents.