King James Version

What Does Leviticus 14:30 Mean?

Leviticus 14:30 in the King James Version says “And he shall offer the one of the turtledoves, or of the young pigeons, such as he can get ;” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Leviticus 14:30 · KJV

Context

28

And the priest shall put of the oil that is in his hand upon the tip of the right ear of him that is to be cleansed, and upon the thumb of his right hand, and upon the great toe of his right foot, upon the place of the blood of the trespass offering:

29

And the rest of the oil that is in the priest's hand he shall put upon the head of him that is to be cleansed, to make an atonement for him before the LORD.

30

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

31

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.

32

This is the law of him in whom is the plague of leprosy, whose hand is not able to get that which pertaineth to his cleansing.

Read Leviticus 14 full chapter

Commentary

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

This verse falls within the section on Cleansing from Skin Diseases. Elaborate cleansing ritual for healed lepers, involving birds, blood, and multiple offerings, symbolizing restoration.


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.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Elaborate cleansing ritual for healed lepers, involving birds, blood, and multiple offerings, symbolizing restoration. 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. Archaeological discoveries at sites like Ugarit reveal Canaanite religious practices Israel's laws explicitly rejected, confirming the Bible's historical reliability and the distinctiveness of Israelite worship.

Reflection Questions

  1. What practical steps can you take this week to apply the principles taught in this verse?
  2. In what practical ways should this verse influence your church life, family relationships, or personal integrity?
  3. In what ways does this verse challenge contemporary cultural values or your personal attitudes?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וְעָשָׂ֤ה1 of 12

“And he shall offer”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

אֶת2 of 12
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הָֽאֶחָד֙3 of 12

“the one”

H259

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

מִן4 of 12
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הַתֹּרִ֔ים5 of 12

“of the turtledoves”

H8449

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

א֖וֹ6 of 12
H176

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

מִן7 of 12
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

בְּנֵ֣י8 of 12

“or of the 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

הַיּוֹנָ֑ה9 of 12

“pigeons”

H3123

a dove (apparently from the warmth of their mating)

מֵֽאֲשֶׁ֥ר10 of 12

“such as”

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

תַּשִּׂ֖יג11 of 12
H5381

to reach (literally or figuratively)

יָדֽוֹ׃12 of 12

“he can get”

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

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 14:30 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 14:30 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 14:22Leviticus 15:14-15Romans 8:3Leviticus 12:8Luke 2:24

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