Leviticus 15:29

KJV

And on the eighth day she shall take unto her two turtles, or two young pigeons, and bring them unto the priest, to the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.

KJV (with Strong's)

And on the eighth {H8066} day {H3117} she shall take {H3947} unto her two {H8147} turtles {H8449}, or two {H8147} young {H1121} pigeons {H3123}, and bring {H935} them unto the priest {H3548}, to the door {H6607} of the tabernacle {H168} of the congregation {H4150}.

Complete Jewish Bible

On the eighth day, she is to take for herself two doves or two young pigeons and bring them to the cohen at the entrance to the tent of meeting.

Berean Standard Bible

On the eighth day she is to take two turtledoves or two young pigeons and bring them to the priest at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting.

American Standard Version

And on the eighth day she shall take unto her two turtle-doves, or two young pigeons, and bring them unto the priest, to the door of the tent of meeting.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 15:29 meticulously outlines a crucial stage in a woman's purification ritual following an irregular bodily discharge. On the eighth day after her discharge ceases, she is commanded to bring two specific birds—either turtledoves or young pigeons—to the priest at the entrance of the Tabernacle. This prescribed offering, detailed further in the subsequent verse, served as a divine provision for atonement, signifying her complete restoration to ritual purity and enabling her full re-engagement with the community and participation in corporate worship, thereby upholding God's foundational demand for holiness within the Israelite covenant.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 15:29 is embedded within a significant block of purity laws (Leviticus 11-15) that delineate various forms of ritual impurity and the prescribed means of purification. More specifically, it concludes the regulations concerning a woman with an irregular, prolonged flow of blood (Leviticus 15:25-30), distinguishing this condition from her regular menstrual cycle (Leviticus 15:19-24). The preceding verse, [Leviticus 15:28](/leviticus/15-28 "Leviticus 15:28 - The Seven-Day Waiting Period"), establishes a mandatory seven-day waiting period after the cessation of the discharge before the woman is considered clean. The act described in [Leviticus 15:29-30](/leviticus/15-29-30 "Leviticus 15:29-30 - The Purification Offering")—the bringing of the birds and the priest's actions—completes this purification process, culminating in a sacrifice that makes atonement for her before the Lord. The entire chapter, [Leviticus 15](/leviticus/15 "Leviticus 15 - Laws of Bodily Discharges"), underscores the pervasive nature of ritual impurity and the divine provision for cleansing, ensuring the sanctity of the Tabernacle and the community.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, ritual purity was not merely a ceremonial nicety but a fundamental theological concept reflecting the absolute holiness of Yahweh, who condescended to dwell among His people in the Tabernacle. Bodily discharges, whether regular or irregular, were not inherently sinful but rendered an individual ritually impure, temporarily separating them from full participation in the community's religious life and potentially defiling holy spaces. This intricate system of purity laws, meticulously detailed throughout [the book of Leviticus](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus - Laws of Holiness"), served to inculcate in the Israelites a profound understanding of God's holiness and the necessary distinction between the sacred and the profane. The "eighth day" held deep symbolic resonance, frequently associated with new beginnings, completion, and covenant renewal, as exemplified by circumcision on the [eighth day](/genesis/17-12 "Genesis 17:12 - Circumcision on the Eighth Day") or the dedication of the Tabernacle (see [Leviticus 9:1](/leviticus/9-1 "Leviticus 9:1 - Eighth Day of Consecration")). The specified offerings—turtledoves or young pigeons—were common and affordable, demonstrating God's gracious provision for all, regardless of socioeconomic status, to fulfill the requirements for purification (compare with [Leviticus 12:8](/leviticus/12-8 "Leviticus 12:8 - Offerings for Childbirth Purification")). The "door of the tabernacle of the congregation" was the divinely appointed point of access for all offerings and a sacred place of encounter with the divine, emphasizing the structured and ordered nature of Israelite worship.
* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 15:29 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Leviticus and the Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **Holiness and Purity**, emphasizing God's absolute separateness and His demand for His people to reflect that holiness in their lives and communal interactions. The laws of impurity, though not moral, underscored the pervasive nature of anything that could defile the holy space where God dwelt. Closely related is the theme of **Atonement and Reconciliation**, as the prescribed offerings provided a means for the impure to be made clean and reconciled to the community and to God's presence. The act of bringing the offering to the priest at the Tabernacle's door highlights the theme of **Mediated Access to God**, where the priestly system and sacrificial rituals were the divinely ordained channels through which sinful and impure humanity could approach a holy God. Finally, the provision of affordable birds reinforces the theme of **Divine Grace and Accessibility**, demonstrating God's compassionate desire for all His people to be able to fulfill the requirements for purity and maintain fellowship with Him, regardless of their material wealth, a principle also seen in [Leviticus 14:21-22](/leviticus/14-21-22 "Leviticus 14:21-22 - Offering for the Poor Leper").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Day (Hebrew, _yôwm'_):** From an unused root meaning "to be hot," this term refers to a day, whether literal (sunrise to sunset, or one sunset to the next) or figurative (a space of time defined by an associated term). In Leviticus 15:29, it specifically refers to the "eighth day," marking a precise temporal transition from a period of impurity to the commencement of purification rituals, symbolizing a new beginning.
* **Pigeons (Hebrew, _yôwnâh'_):** Probably from a root related to the warmth of mating, this word refers to a dove or pigeon. The specification of "young pigeons" (along with "turtles") as an acceptable offering highlights God's gracious provision, making the purification ritual accessible to all socioeconomic classes, as these birds were common and affordable.
* **Priest (Hebrew, _kôhên'_):** An active participle literally meaning "one officiating," a priest. This term denotes the divinely appointed intermediary responsible for performing the sacrificial rituals, declaring individuals clean, and facilitating their restoration to fellowship with God and the community. The priest's role was indispensable in the purification process.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And on the eighth day she shall take unto her":** This clause precisely establishes the timing for the purification offering. The "eighth day" is significant, indicating the completion of the seven-day waiting period after the cessation of the bodily discharge. This timing signals a new beginning, a transition from a state of impurity to ritual cleanness and readiness for restoration.
* **"two turtles, or two young pigeons":** This specifies the type and quantity of the animals required for the offering. The provision of either turtledoves or young pigeons underscores the accessibility of the offering, as these birds were readily available and inexpensive. This ensured that individuals from all economic strata could fulfill the requirements for purification, with one bird typically designated for a sin offering and the other for a burnt offering, as detailed in the subsequent verse.
* **"and bring them unto the priest":** This highlights the mandatory role of the priest in the purification process. The priest, acting as God's designated representative, was essential for receiving the offering, performing the necessary atoning rituals, and formally declaring the individual clean. This mediation was crucial for the woman's restoration to full fellowship with God and the Israelite community.
* **"to the door of the tabernacle of the congregation":** This specifies the sacred location for the offering. The "door of the tabernacle" served as the primary point of entry into the holy space, symbolizing access to God's presence. Bringing the offering here underscored the gravity of the ritual and the necessity of approaching God's dwelling place in a prescribed and purified manner, emphasizing the ordered nature of Israelite worship.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 15:29 employs several literary devices that enhance its meaning and reinforce the chapter's overarching themes. **Formulaic Language** is prominently featured in the precise, step-by-step instructions for purification, which are characteristic of the legal sections of the Pentateuch. The repetition of specific timing ("eighth day"), required offerings ("two turtles, or two young pigeons"), and designated location ("door of the tabernacle") underscores the divine order, the non-negotiable nature of these rituals, and the meticulousness required for approaching a holy God. **Symbolism** is deeply embedded within the text: the "eighth day" profoundly symbolizes new beginnings, completion, and spiritual renewal, marking a transition from impurity to cleanness; the birds symbolize an acceptable and accessible sacrifice, representing the individual's life offered to God in atonement; and the "door of the tabernacle" symbolizes the gateway to God's presence, emphasizing that access to the divine requires ritual purity and proper mediation. The passage also utilizes **Metonymy**, where "the tabernacle of the congregation" stands for the entire system of Israelite worship, the tangible presence of God among His people, and the communal life centered around the divine dwelling place.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 15:29, though dealing with ritual impurity rather than moral sin, profoundly communicates God's unchanging nature as holy and His desire for His people to live in a manner that reflects His holiness. It underscores the pervasive impact of impurity, even non-moral impurity, on one's ability to draw near to God and participate fully in the community. The prescribed offering, particularly the provision of affordable birds, reveals God's gracious and merciful provision for cleansing and restoration, ensuring that all could find a path back to purity and fellowship. This system of ritual purification, while distinct from moral transgression, consistently pointed to the overarching need for atonement and the re-establishment of a right relationship with a holy God, foreshadowing a more complete and ultimate cleansing.

* [Leviticus 12:8](/leviticus/12-8 "Offering for the Poor after Childbirth")
* [Leviticus 14:21-22](/leviticus/14-21-22 "Offering for the Poor Leper")
* [Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Without the Shedding of Blood There is No Forgiveness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific ritual laws of Leviticus are no longer binding for believers under the New Covenant, Leviticus 15:29 offers enduring spiritual lessons for contemporary Christians. It powerfully reminds us of God's absolute holiness and His unyielding demand for purity in the lives of His people. The meticulous attention to cleansing, even from non-moral impurities, highlights the pervasive nature of anything that separates us from God's perfect standard and His desire for unhindered fellowship. This verse calls us to a deeper appreciation for the ultimate and complete cleansing provided by Jesus Christ, whose perfect sacrifice purifies us not merely ritually, but spiritually and morally, making us truly fit to approach a holy God. It also speaks to God's incredible grace and compassionate provision, always making a way for reconciliation and restoration, even when we are unable to fully meet His demands. Our appropriate response should be one of profound gratitude for such a Savior and a commitment to live lives that honor the holiness of the God who has, by His grace, purified us and brought us into His presence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of "ritual purity" in Leviticus 15:29 deepen your understanding of God's holiness and His desire for purity in our lives?**
* **In what ways does this verse, with its provision of affordable offerings, demonstrate God's grace and accessibility to all people, regardless of their circumstances?**
* **How does the Old Testament's emphasis on cleansing from impurity point to our ongoing need for spiritual purification and sanctification in our lives today?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the "eighth day" in this purification ritual?**

Answer: The "eighth day" holds profound symbolic meaning in biblical contexts, frequently representing a new beginning, completion, or resurrection. In the context of Leviticus 15:29, after a seven-day period of waiting for the bodily discharge to cease and for the woman to be considered ritually clean, the eighth day marks the culmination of the purification process. It signifies her full restoration to a state of ritual purity, allowing her to re-enter the community and participate in worship at the Tabernacle. This pattern of "eighth day" newness is seen elsewhere, such as in the circumcision of male infants on the [eighth day](/genesis/17-12 "Genesis 17:12 - Circumcision on the Eighth Day") and the dedication of the Tabernacle and priests, which also involved an [eighth day](/leviticus/9-1 "Leviticus 9:1 - Eighth Day of Consecration") of special offerings and the beginning of their ministry.

**Why were "turtles or young pigeons" specified as the offering?**

Answer: The specification of "two turtles, or two young pigeons" for the purification offering underscores God's gracious provision and accessibility for all people, regardless of their economic status. These birds were common and relatively inexpensive, making it possible for even the poor to fulfill the requirements of the law without undue financial burden. This principle of divine provision for the poor is a recurring theme in the Mosaic Law, ensuring that no one was excluded from the means of atonement and restoration due to financial hardship. A similar provision for the poor is found in the laws concerning offerings after childbirth, as detailed in [Leviticus 12:8](/leviticus/12-8 "Leviticus 12:8 - Offering for the Poor after Childbirth"), and for the cleansing of a leper in [Leviticus 14:21-22](/leviticus/14-21-22 "Leviticus 14:21-22 - Offering for the Poor Leper"). This demonstrates God's desire for all His people to be able to approach Him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 15:29, with its detailed ritual for purification and restoration, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament system of animal sacrifices and ritual cleansing, including the offering of birds for impurity, served as a shadow pointing to the perfect and final sacrifice of the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). While the woman in Leviticus required a physical offering to be ritually clean and access the Tabernacle, believers in Christ are purified from all sin and defilement—moral, spiritual, and ritual—through His shed blood. The "eighth day" of new beginning symbolized in the Levitical ritual is profoundly realized in the new creation we become in Christ ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")), and supremely in His resurrection on the first day of the week (the "eighth day" after creation week), ushering in a new covenant and a new way of life. We no longer need earthly priests to mediate our access to God, for Christ is our [Great High Priest](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest"), who has entered the true Tabernacle in heaven, not made with human hands ([Hebrews 9:24](/hebrews/9-24 "Hebrews 9:24 - Christ's Heavenly Tabernacle Ministry")). Through Him, we have direct and confident access to the [throne of grace](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace with Confidence"), not based on ritual purity or animal sacrifice, but on His perfect, once-for-all atoning work ([Hebrews 10:10](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Sanctified Through Christ's Sacrifice")). Thus, the temporary and symbolic cleansing of Leviticus is eternally and completely fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who makes us truly holy and acceptable before God.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.