King James Version

What Does Leviticus 5:11 Mean?

Leviticus 5:11 in the King James Version says “But if he be not able to bring two turtledoves, or two young pigeons, then he that sinned shall bring for his offering t... — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

But if he be not able to bring two turtledoves, or two young pigeons, then he that sinned shall bring for his offering the tenth part of an ephah of fine flour for a sin offering; he shall put no oil upon it, neither shall he put any frankincense thereon: for it is a sin offering.

Leviticus 5:11 · KJV


Context

9

And he shall sprinkle of the blood of the sin offering upon the side of the altar; and the rest of the blood shall be wrung out at the bottom of the altar: it is a sin offering.

10

And he shall offer the second for a burnt offering, according to the manner: and the priest shall make an atonement for him for his sin which he hath sinned, and it shall be forgiven him. manner: or, ordinance

11

But if he be not able to bring two turtledoves, or two young pigeons, then he that sinned shall bring for his offering the tenth part of an ephah of fine flour for a sin offering; he shall put no oil upon it, neither shall he put any frankincense thereon: for it is a sin offering.

12

Then shall he bring it to the priest, and the priest shall take his handful of it, even a memorial thereof, and burn it on the altar, according to the offerings made by fire unto the LORD: it is a sin offering.

13

And the priest shall make an atonement for him as touching his sin that he hath sinned in one of these, and it shall be forgiven him: and the remnant shall be the priest's, as a meat offering.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But if he be not able to bring two turtledoves, or two young pigeons, then he that sinned shall bring for his offering the tenth part of an ephah of fine flour for a sin offering; he shall put no oil upon it, neither shall he put any frankincense thereon: for it is a sin offering.

This verse falls within the section on Guilt Offerings. The guilt offering (אָשָׁם, asham) addressed specific trespasses requiring both sacrifice and restitution, emphasizing sin's relational damage.

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

The guilt offering (אָשָׁם, asham) addressed specific trespasses requiring both sacrifice and restitution, emphasizing sin's relational damage. Leviticus was given to Israel at Mount Sinai, shortly after the tabernacle's construction described in Exodus. The name 'Leviticus' (from Latin Leviticus, referring to the Levites) reflects its focus on priestly duties, though the Hebrew title Wayyiqra ('And He called') emphasizes God's initiative in revealing these laws. The first seven chapters detail the five main offerings, providing both worshiper instructions and priestly procedures. Ancient Near Eastern cultures had various sacrificial systems, but Israel's sacrificial worship was unique in its ethical foundation, monotheistic framework, and emphasis on atonement rather than appeasement. Unlike pagan rituals focused on manipulating deities, Israel's sacrifices acknowledged God's sovereignty and sought reconciliation based on His gracious provision. 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. In what ways does this verse deepen your appreciation for Christ's atoning sacrifice and the seriousness of sin?
  2. What does this verse teach about the costliness of true worship and dedication to God?
  3. How does this verse point to Christ, and how does that deepen your faith and gratitude?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 30 words
וְאִם1 of 30
H518

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

לֹא֩2 of 30
H3808

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

תַשִּׂ֨יג3 of 30

be not able to bring

H5381

to reach (literally or figuratively)

יָד֜וֹ4 of 30

But if he

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

לִשְׁנֵ֣י5 of 30

or two

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

תֹרִ֗ים6 of 30

turtledoves

H8449

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

אוֹ֮7 of 30
H176

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

לִשְׁנֵ֣י8 of 30

or two

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

בְנֵֽי9 of 30

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

יוֹנָה֒10 of 30

pigeons

H3123

a dove (apparently from the warmth of their mating)

וְהֵבִ֨יא11 of 30

shall bring

H935

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

אֶת12 of 30
H853

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

קָרְבָּנ֜וֹ13 of 30

for his offering

H7133

something brought near the altar, i.e., a sacrificial present

אֲשֶׁ֣ר14 of 30
H834

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

חָטָ֗א15 of 30

then he that sinned

H2398

properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn

עֲשִׂירִ֧ת16 of 30

the tenth

H6224

tenth; by abbreviation, tenth month or (feminine) part

הָֽאֵפָ֛ה17 of 30

part of an ephah

H374

an ephah or measure for grain; hence, a measure in general

סֹ֖לֶת18 of 30

of fine flour

H5560

flour (as chipped off)

חַטָּ֖את19 of 30

for a sin offering

H2403

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

לֹֽא20 of 30
H3808

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

יָשִׂ֨ים21 of 30

he shall put

H7760

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

עָלֶ֜יהָ22 of 30
H5921

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

שֶׁ֗מֶן23 of 30

no oil

H8081

grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness

וְלֹֽא24 of 30
H3808

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

יִתֵּ֤ן25 of 30

upon it neither shall he put

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

עָלֶ֙יהָ֙26 of 30
H5921

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

לְבֹנָ֔ה27 of 30

any frankincense

H3828

frankincense (from its whiteness or perhaps that of its smoke)

כִּ֥י28 of 30
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

חַטָּ֖את29 of 30

for a sin offering

H2403

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

הִֽוא׃30 of 30
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo


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 5:11 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 5:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study