King James Version

What Does Leviticus 12:6 Mean?

Leviticus 12:6 in the King James Version says “And when the days of her purifying are fulfilled, for a son, or for a daughter, she shall bring a lamb of the first year...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And when the days of her purifying are fulfilled, for a son, or for a daughter, she shall bring a lamb of the first year for a burnt offering, and a young pigeon, or a turtledove, for a sin offering, unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, unto the priest: of the first: Heb. a son of his year”

Leviticus 12:6 · King James Version

Context

4

And she shall then continue in the blood of her purifying three and thirty days; she shall touch no hallowed thing, nor come into the sanctuary, until the days of her purifying be fulfilled.

5

But if she bear a maid child, then she shall be unclean two weeks, as in her separation: and she shall continue in the blood of her purifying threescore and six days.

6

And when the days of her purifying are fulfilled, for a son, or for a daughter, she shall bring a lamb of the first year for a burnt offering, and a young pigeon, or a turtledove, for a sin offering, unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, unto the priest: of the first: Heb. a son of his year

7

Who shall offer it before the LORD, and make an atonement for her; and she shall be cleansed from the issue of her blood. This is the law for her that hath born a male or a female.

8

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: Heb. her hand find not sufficiency of

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Commentaries4 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
And when the days of her purifying are fulfilled, for a son, or for a daughter, she shall bring a lamb of the first year for a burnt offering, and a young pigeon, or a turtledove, for a sin offering, unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, unto the priest:

This verse falls within the section on Purification After Childbirth. Regulations for ritual purification following childbirth, acknowledging both the blessing of life and effects of the fall.

The Aaronic priesthood mediated between God and Israel, offering sacrifices and maintaining the tabernacle. This prefigured Christ's superior priesthood after the order of Melchizedek. The five main offerings (burnt, grain, peace, sin, and guilt) addressed different aspects of relationship with God, all fulfilled in Christ's comprehensive sacrifice.
The access to God's presence that Leviticus carefully regulated is now freely available through Christ's blood, tearing the veil and opening the way to God.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Regulations for ritual purification following childbirth, acknowledging both the blessing of life and effects of the fall. Chapters 11-15 address ritual purity, teaching Israel to distinguish clean from unclean. These laws served multiple purposes: promoting health, teaching spiritual lessons about sin's defilement, and separating Israel from pagan practices. Archaeological evidence shows Canaanite worship involved practices Israel's laws explicitly prohibited. Israel received these laws while encamped at Sinai, before entering Canaan. The laws prepared them for life in the promised land, distinguishing them from Canaanite practices and establishing their identity as God's holy nation. The portable tabernacle, central to Levitical worship, accompanied them through wilderness wanderings and eventually found permanent form in Solomon's temple. The tabernacle's design parallels ancient Near Eastern temple architecture, yet its portable nature and absence of divine images distinguished it from pagan temples.

Reflection Questions

  1. In what ways does this verse deepen your appreciation for Christ's atoning sacrifice and the seriousness of sin?
  2. How does Christ's superior priesthood, prefigured in this verse, assure you of access to God and effective intercession?
  3. What does this verse teach about the costliness of true worship and dedication to God?

Compare 4 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 22 words
וּבִמְלֹ֣את׀1 of 22

“are fulfilled”

H4390

to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)

יְמֵ֣י2 of 22

“And when the days”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

טָֽהֳרָ֗הּ3 of 22
H2893

ceremonial purification; moral purity

וּבֶן4 of 22

“and a young”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

א֣וֹ5 of 22
H176

desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if

לְבַת֒6 of 22

“or for a daughter”

H1323

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

תָּבִ֞יא7 of 22

“she shall bring”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

כֶּ֤בֶשׂ8 of 22

“a lamb”

H3532

a ram (just old enough to butt)

וּבֶן9 of 22

“and a young”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

שְׁנָתוֹ֙10 of 22

“year”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

לְעֹלָ֔ה11 of 22

“for a burnt offering”

H5930

a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)

וּבֶן12 of 22

“and a young”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

יוֹנָ֥ה13 of 22

“pigeon”

H3123

a dove (apparently from the warmth of their mating)

אוֹ14 of 22
H176

desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if

תֹ֖ר15 of 22

“or a turtledove”

H8449

a ring-dove, often (figuratively) as a term of endearment

לְחַטָּ֑את16 of 22

“for a sin offering”

H2403

an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender

אֶל17 of 22
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

פֶּ֥תַח18 of 22

“unto the door”

H6607

an opening (literally), i.e., door (gate) or entrance way

אֹֽהֶל19 of 22

“of the tabernacle”

H168

a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)

מוֹעֵ֖ד20 of 22

“of the congregation”

H4150

properly, an appointment, i.e., a fixed time or season; specifically, a festival; conventionally a year; by implication, an assembly (as convened for

אֶל21 of 22
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַכֹּהֵֽן׃22 of 22

“unto the priest”

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Leviticus. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Leviticus 12:6 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Leviticus 12:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 2:221 Peter 1:18-192 Corinthians 5:21John 1:29Leviticus 15:29Leviticus 5:6-10

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