King James Version

What Does Numbers 6:10 Mean?

Numbers 6:10 in the King James Version says “And on the eighth day he shall bring two turtles, or two young pigeons, to the priest, to the door of the tabernacle of ...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And on the eighth day he shall bring two turtles, or two young pigeons, to the priest, to the door of the tabernacle of the congregation:”

Numbers 6:10 · KJV

Context

8

All the days of his separation he is holy unto the LORD.

9

And if any man die very suddenly by him, and he hath defiled the head of his consecration; then he shall shave his head in the day of his cleansing, on the seventh day shall he shave it.

10

And on the eighth day he shall bring two turtles, or two young pigeons, to the priest, to the door of the tabernacle of the congregation:

11

And the priest shall offer the one for a sin offering, and the other for a burnt offering, and make an atonement for him, for that he sinned by the dead, and shall hallow his head that same day.

12

And he shall consecrate unto the LORD the days of his separation, and shall bring a lamb of the first year for a trespass offering: but the days that were before shall be lost, because his separation was defiled. be lost: Heb. fall

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The requirement of 'two turtles, or two young pigeons' for purification shows God's gracious accommodation. These were the poorest acceptable offerings (Leviticus 5:7), allowing even impoverished Nazirites to complete purification. This demonstrates that God's provision enables obedience—He commands nothing impossible (1 Corinthians 10:13). The double offering may signify completeness of cleansing. This grace-infused law foreshadows the gospel principle that God provides what He requires, ultimately supplying Christ as both requirement and provision.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Turtledoves and pigeons were the offerings Mary and Joseph brought at Jesus' presentation (Luke 2:24), indicating their poverty. These birds were abundant in Palestine and affordable for the poor, ensuring that ritual purity remained accessible regardless of economic status. God's law did not price the poor out of holiness.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's accommodation for the poor in worship challenge economic barriers in churches today?
  2. What does it mean that God provides what He requires for obedience?
  3. How is Christ both God's requirement for us and God's provision to us?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וּבַיּ֣וֹם1 of 15

“day”

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

הַשְּׁמִינִ֗י2 of 15

“And on the eighth”

H8066

eight

יָבִא֙3 of 15

“he shall bring”

H935

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

שְׁנֵ֖י4 of 15

“or two”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

תֹרִ֔ים5 of 15

“turtles”

H8449

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

א֥וֹ6 of 15
H176

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

שְׁנֵ֖י7 of 15

“or two”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

בְּנֵ֣י8 of 15

“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

יוֹנָ֑ה9 of 15

“pigeons”

H3123

a dove (apparently from the warmth of their mating)

אֶל10 of 15
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַכֹּהֵ֔ן11 of 15

“to the priest”

H3548

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

אֶל12 of 15
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

פֶּ֖תַח13 of 15

“to the door”

H6607

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

אֹ֥הֶל14 of 15

“of the tabernacle”

H168

a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)

מוֹעֵֽד׃15 of 15

“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

Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Numbers 6:10 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 Numbers 6:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 1:14Leviticus 15:29Leviticus 15:14Romans 4:25Leviticus 12:6Leviticus 14:31

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