King James Version

What Does Leviticus 5:7 Mean?

Leviticus 5:7 in the King James Version says “And if he be not able to bring a lamb, then he shall bring for his trespass, which he hath committed, two turtledoves, o...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And if he be not able to bring a lamb, then he shall bring for his trespass, which he hath committed, two turtledoves, or two young pigeons, unto the LORD; one for a sin offering, and the other for a burnt offering. he be: Heb. his hand cannot reach to the sufficiency of a lamb”

Leviticus 5:7 · KJV

Context

5

And it shall be, when he shall be guilty in one of these things, that he shall confess that he hath sinned in that thing:

6

And he shall bring his trespass offering unto the LORD for his sin which he hath sinned, a female from the flock, a lamb or a kid of the goats, for a sin offering; and the priest shall make an atonement for him concerning his sin.

7

And if he be not able to bring a lamb, then he shall bring for his trespass, which he hath committed, two turtledoves, or two young pigeons, unto the LORD; one for a sin offering, and the other for a burnt offering. he be: Heb. his hand cannot reach to the sufficiency of a lamb

8

And he shall bring them unto the priest, who shall offer that which is for the sin offering first, and wring off his head from his neck, but shall not divide it asunder:

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.

Read Leviticus 5 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And if he be not able to bring a lamb, then he shall bring for his trespass, which he hath committed, two turtledoves, or two young pigeons, unto the LORD; one for a sin offering, and the other for a burnt 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 New Testament reveals that Christ's sacrifice accomplishes what the Levitical system could only symbolize—complete forgiveness and restoration of relationship with 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 can you use this verse to worship God more fully, obey Him more faithfully, or love others more sacrificially?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 22 words
וְאִם1 of 22
H518

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

לֹ֨א2 of 22
H3808

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

תַגִּ֣יע3 of 22

“to bring”

H5060

properly, to touch, i.e., lay the hand upon (for any purpose; euphemistically, to lie with a woman); by implication, to reach (figuratively, to arrive

יָדוֹ֮4 of 22

“And 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

דֵּ֣י5 of 22

“be not able”

H1767

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

שֶׂה֒6 of 22

“a lamb”

H7716

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

וְהֵבִ֨יא7 of 22

“then he shall bring”

H935

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

אֶת8 of 22
H853

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

אֲשָׁמ֜וֹ9 of 22

“his trespass”

H817

guilt; by implication, a fault; also a sin-offering

אֲשֶׁ֣ר10 of 22
H834

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

חָטָ֗א11 of 22

“which he hath committed”

H2398

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

שְׁנֵ֥י12 of 22

“or two”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

תֹרִ֛ים13 of 22

“turtledoves”

H8449

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

אֽוֹ14 of 22
H176

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

שְׁנֵ֥י15 of 22

“or two”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

בְנֵֽי16 of 22

“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

יוֹנָ֖ה17 of 22

“pigeons”

H3123

a dove (apparently from the warmth of their mating)

לַֽיהוָ֑ה18 of 22

“unto the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

וְאֶחָ֥ד19 of 22

“and the other”

H259

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

לְחַטָּ֖את20 of 22

“for a sin offering”

H2403

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

וְאֶחָ֥ד21 of 22

“and the other”

H259

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

לְעֹלָֽה׃22 of 22

“for a burnt offering”

H5930

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

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 5:7 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 5:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 12:8Leviticus 14:21-22Leviticus 5:8-9Matthew 3:16Hebrews 10:6-10Matthew 10:16

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