King James Version

What Does Leviticus 12:8 Mean?

Leviticus 12:8 in the King James Version says “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 of... — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Leviticus 12:8 · KJV


Context

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


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 Hebrew word kaphar (כָּפַר) means 'to cover' or 'to make atonement.' The sacrificial system provided temporary covering for sin, pointing forward to Christ's perfect, once-for-all sacrifice. 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. Ritual purity laws taught Israel to distinguish between clean and unclean, holy and common, training them in discernment and reverence for God's presence.
Every sacrifice and ritual in Leviticus points forward to Jesus Christ, who fulfills the entire sacrificial system as both perfect sacrifice and eternal high priest.

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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?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
וְאִם1 of 21
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

לֹ֨א2 of 21
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תִמְצָ֣א3 of 21

And if she be not able to bring

H4672

properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present

יָדָהּ֮4 of 21
H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

דֵּ֣י5 of 21
H1767

enough (as noun or adverb), used chiefly with preposition in phrases

שֶׂה֒6 of 21

a lamb

H7716

a member of a flock, i.e., a sheep or goat

וְלָֽקְחָ֣ה7 of 21

then she shall bring

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

שְׁנֵי֙8 of 21

two

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

תֹרִ֗ים9 of 21

turtles

H8449

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

א֤וֹ10 of 21
H176

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

שְׁנֵי֙11 of 21

two

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

בְּנֵ֣י12 of 21

or two 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

יוֹנָ֔ה13 of 21

pigeons

H3123

a dove (apparently from the warmth of their mating)

וְאֶחָ֣ד14 of 21

and the other

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

לְעֹלָ֖ה15 of 21

for the burnt offering

H5930

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

וְאֶחָ֣ד16 of 21

and the other

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

לְחַטָּ֑את17 of 21

for a sin offering

H2403

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

וְכִפֶּ֥ר18 of 21

shall make an atonement

H3722

to cover (specifically with bitumen)

עָלֶ֛יהָ19 of 21
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

הַכֹּהֵ֖ן20 of 21

and the priest

H3548

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

וְטָהֵֽרָה׃21 of 21

for her and she shall be clean

H2891

to be pure (physical sound, clear, unadulterated; levitically, uncontaminated; morally, innocent or holy)


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 12:8 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 12:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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