Numbers 6:10

KJV

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:

KJV (with Strong's)

And on the eighth {H8066} day {H3117} he shall bring {H935} two {H8147} turtles {H8449}, or two {H8147} young {H1121} pigeons {H3123}, to the priest {H3548}, to the door {H6607} of the tabernacle {H168} of the congregation {H4150}:

Complete Jewish Bible

On the eighth day he is to bring two doves or two young pigeons to the cohen at the entrance to the tent of meeting.

Berean Standard Bible

On the eighth day he must bring two turtledoves or two young pigeons to the priest at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting.

American Standard Version

And on the eighth day he shall bring two turtle-doves, or two young pigeons, to the priest, to the door of the tent of meeting:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 6:10 details a critical step in the purification ritual for a Nazirite who has been accidentally defiled, specifying the precise offerings required on the eighth day following their defilement. This provision allowed the Nazirite to undergo ritual cleansing and present the necessary sacrifices, thereby enabling them to resume their sacred vow of separation and dedication to the Lord, underscoring God's meticulous requirements for holiness and His gracious provision for restoration.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 6:10 is embedded within the comprehensive legislation concerning the Nazirite vow, outlined in [Numbers 6:1-21](/numbers/6 "Numbers 6 - The Law of the Nazirite"). This chapter meticulously describes the voluntary, temporary vow of separation to the Lord, which involved abstinence from wine, not cutting hair, and avoiding contact with the dead. Specifically, verses [Numbers 6:9-12](/numbers/6-9 "Numbers 6:9-12 - Nazirite Defilement and Purification") address the contingency of accidental defilement. If a Nazirite unexpectedly came into contact with a corpse, their vow was broken, and they had to undergo a prescribed purification process. Verse 6:9 outlines the immediate actions (shaving the head), and 6:10 then specifies the offerings to be brought on the "eighth day" to the priest at the Tabernacle, initiating the process of re-consecration and enabling them to restart their vow from that point. This verse, therefore, acts as a pivotal moment in the Nazirite's journey from defilement back to purity and renewed dedication.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Nazirite vow was a unique expression of devotion in ancient Israel, setting an individual apart for a period of heightened holiness. Ritual purity was paramount in Israelite worship and daily life, particularly in the presence of the holy God. Contact with a dead body was a severe source of ritual impurity, requiring specific cleansing rituals, as detailed in [Numbers 19](/numbers/19 "Numbers 19 - The Law of Purification from Uncleanness"). The "eighth day" held significant symbolic and practical importance in Israelite purification rituals, often marking the completion of a cleansing cycle and the beginning of a new, pure state (e.g., circumcision on the eighth day, or purification for skin diseases in [Leviticus 14](/leviticus/14 "Leviticus 14 - Laws Concerning Cleansing from Skin Diseases")). The offerings of "two turtles, or two young pigeons" were significant because they were the most common and affordable sacrifices, often prescribed for purification rituals for those of limited means, such as after childbirth ([Leviticus 12:8](/leviticus/12-8 "Leviticus 12:8 - Offerings for Purification after Childbirth")) or for a poor person who had sinned ([Leviticus 5:7](/leviticus/5-7 "Leviticus 5:7 - Sin Offering for the Poor")). This detail highlights God's gracious provision and the accessibility of atonement and purification for all Israelites, regardless of their economic status. The offerings were brought "to the door of the tabernacle of the congregation," emphasizing the centrality of the Tabernacle ([Exodus 40:34](/exodus/40-34 "Exodus 40:34 - The Glory of the Lord Fills the Tabernacle")) as the dwelling place of God and the focal point for all sacrificial and purification rites administered by the priests.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Eighth Day (Hebrew, _yom hashmini_):** This phrase is highly significant in biblical purification rituals. The "eighth day" consistently marks the completion of a cycle of impurity and the commencement of a new, purified state. For instance, circumcision occurred on the eighth day ([Genesis 17:12](/genesis/17-12 "The Covenant of Circumcision")), and many cleansing rites, such as those for skin diseases ([Leviticus 14:10](/leviticus/14-10 "Offerings for Cleansing from Skin Disease")) or bodily discharges, culminated on the eighth day with offerings. It symbolizes a fresh start, a new beginning, and a renewal of covenant relationship after a period of separation due to impurity.
* **Turtles, or Young Pigeons (Hebrew, _torim o bnei yonah_):** These specific birds, turtledoves and young pigeons, were common and readily available throughout ancient Israel. Their inclusion as permissible offerings, particularly for purification rituals, underscores God's mercy and the accessibility of atonement for all economic strata of society. Unlike more expensive animals, these birds ensured that even the poor could fulfill the requirements for purification and re-consecration, demonstrating that God's laws were designed to be inclusive and not burdensome based on wealth.
* **Tabernacle of the Congregation (Hebrew, _ohel mo'ed_):** Also known as the Tent of Meeting, this was the central sanctuary where God met with His people. Bringing the offerings "to the door" of the Tabernacle emphasized the necessity of approaching God through His appointed means and in His designated place. It highlighted the priest's mediatorial role and the divine order for worship and reconciliation, signifying that purification and restoration were not merely personal acts but communal and divinely sanctioned processes.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And on the eighth day he shall bring":** This phrase establishes the precise timing for the Nazirite's next step in the purification process. The "eighth day" is not arbitrary; it signifies the completion of the seven-day period of uncleanness and the transition to a state where re-entry into sacred space and activity is possible. It underscores the meticulous nature of God's law regarding purity and the orderly progression required for restoration.
* **"two turtles, or two young pigeons":** This specifies the exact nature and quantity of the offerings. The provision of either turtledoves or young pigeons highlights God's compassionate allowance for affordability, ensuring that the purification ritual was accessible to all, regardless of their financial standing. These birds were typically used for sin offerings and burnt offerings in purification contexts, indicating that the Nazirite's defilement required both atonement for the impurity and a re-dedication of self to God.
* **"to the priest":** This indicates the essential role of the Aaronic priesthood in facilitating the purification and sacrificial system. The priest acted as God's appointed representative, receiving the offerings, performing the necessary rituals (as detailed in [Numbers 6:11-12](/numbers/6-11 "Numbers 6:11-12 - Priest's Role in Nazirite Purification")), and declaring the Nazirite clean. This underscores the mediatorial nature of the Old Covenant system, where access to God and forgiveness of sin were channeled through the priestly office.
* **"to the door of the tabernacle of the congregation":** This specifies the sacred location where the ritual was to take place. The "door of the tabernacle" was the primary entry point to God's dwelling place among His people, symbolizing the place of encounter, sacrifice, and divine presence. Bringing the offerings here emphasized that the purification and re-consecration were acts performed in the immediate presence of God, signifying a return to fellowship and a renewed standing before Him.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 6:10 employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological and practical messages. **Legal Precision** is evident in the meticulous detail regarding the timing ("eighth day"), the specific offerings ("two turtles, or two young pigeons"), and the designated location ("to the door of the tabernacle of the congregation"). This precision emphasizes the divine origin and authority of the law, leaving no room for ambiguity in the performance of sacred rituals. **Symbolism** is rich throughout the verse: the "eighth day" symbolizes a new beginning and complete purification, transcending the week of defilement. The humble birds symbolize God's grace and the accessibility of atonement for all, regardless of wealth. The Tabernacle, as the dwelling place of God, symbolizes His holy presence and the necessity of approaching Him on His terms. The verse also implicitly uses **Contrast** by juxtaposing the state of defilement (from Numbers 6:9) with the prescribed path to purity and restoration, highlighting God's provision for overcoming impurity and re-establishing a consecrated state.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 6:10 profoundly illustrates God's unwavering demand for holiness, even in the face of accidental defilement, while simultaneously revealing His gracious provision for restoration. It teaches that impurity, whether moral or ritual, separates one from a state of full consecration, but God, in His mercy, provides a clear, accessible pathway back. The affordability of the offerings highlights God's desire for all His people to be able to approach Him and find cleansing, demonstrating that His grace is not limited by economic status. This passage underscores the themes of atonement, purification, and the possibility of renewed dedication, emphasizing that even when a dedicated person stumbles or is defiled, there is a divinely ordained process for cleansing and continuing their commitment to the Lord.

* [Leviticus 12:6-8](/leviticus/12-6 "Leviticus 12:6-8 - Offerings for Purification after Childbirth")
* [Leviticus 14:10-11](/leviticus/14-10 "Leviticus 14:10-11 - Offerings for Cleansing from Skin Disease")
* [Hebrews 9:13-14](/hebrews/9-13 "Hebrews 9:13-14 - The Superiority of Christ's Sacrifice")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 6:10, though rooted in Old Covenant ritual, offers timeless spiritual lessons for believers today. It reminds us that our walk with God, even in sincere dedication, can be interrupted by "defilement"—sin, whether intentional or accidental, that breaks our communion and consecration. Just as the Nazirite required a specific, divinely ordained process for cleansing and restoration, so too do we need God's provision for spiritual purification. This verse encourages us that God always provides a way back to Him, a path to renewed fellowship and commitment, even when we stumble. It underscores the accessibility of God's grace, symbolized by the humble offerings, reminding us that our spiritual restoration is not contingent on our wealth or status, but on God's abundant mercy and the provision He has made. We are called to recognize our need for cleansing, to humbly approach God through the means He has provided, and to embrace the opportunity for renewed dedication to His purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I experience "accidental defilement" in my spiritual walk today, hindering my consecrated walk with God?**
* **How does the provision of "turtles or young pigeons" for purification encourage me about God's accessibility and grace in my own life?**
* **What steps do I need to take to pursue spiritual cleansing and renew my dedication to the Lord when I recognize defilement?**
* **How does the "eighth day" symbolism encourage me about God's desire for new beginnings and complete restoration?**

### FAQ
**Why was the "eighth day" so important for this purification ritual?**

Answer: The "eighth day" is a recurring motif in biblical purification and covenant rituals, symbolizing a new beginning, completion, and renewal. After a period of seven days of uncleanness or separation, the eighth day marked the transition to a state of ritual purity, allowing for re-entry into sacred activities or community life. It signifies the completion of a cycle of defilement and the commencement of a fresh, clean start, often associated with new life or renewed covenant standing before God. This timing underscored the thoroughness of God's cleansing process and His desire for complete restoration.

**Why did God specify "two turtles, or two young pigeons" as the offering?**

Answer: The specification of these particular birds highlights God's mercy and the accessibility of His purification laws to all people, regardless of their economic status. Turtledoves and young pigeons were common and affordable birds, unlike more expensive animals like sheep or goats. This provision ensured that even the poorest Nazirite could fulfill the requirements for purification and atonement, demonstrating that God's grace and the path to restoration were open to everyone in Israel. It reflects a divine principle that the ability to be cleansed and restored to God's favor should not be limited by one's material wealth. One bird was for a sin offering (for the defilement), and the other for a burnt offering (for re-consecration), as detailed in [Numbers 6:11](/numbers/6-11 "Numbers 6:11 - The Nazirite's Offerings").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 6:10, with its detailed requirements for the defiled Nazirite, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate purification and restoration found in Jesus Christ. The Nazirite's accidental defilement and subsequent need for atonement and cleansing serve as a vivid type of humanity's universal defilement by sin ([Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned")). Just as the Nazirite brought humble offerings to the priest at the Tabernacle door, so too does humanity, spiritually bankrupt and defiled, come to God through the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus Christ. He is the true [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), the ultimate and accessible offering for all who believe, far surpassing the temporary efficacy of "turtles or young pigeons" ([Hebrews 10:4](/hebrews/10-4 "Hebrews 10:4 - The Inadequacy of Animal Sacrifices")). The "eighth day" symbolism, representing a new beginning and complete purification, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ's resurrection on the first day of the week (which can be seen as an "eighth day" after the seven days of creation and the Sabbath), ushering in a new creation and a new covenant of grace ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")). Through His shed blood, Christ, our eternal [High Priest](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest"), enables us to draw near to God with full assurance, providing not just ritual cleansing but complete spiritual purification and the power to live a renewed life of dedication to God, no longer needing repeated sacrifices or rituals ([Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Cleansing by Christ's Blood")).

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.

Cross-References

Leviticus 1:14

And if the burnt sacrifice for his offering to the LORD [be] of fowls, then he shall bring his offering of turtledoves, or of young pigeons.

Leviticus 15:14

And on the eighth day he shall take to him two turtledoves, or two young pigeons, and come before the LORD unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and give them unto the priest:

Leviticus 15:29

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.

Leviticus 14:22

And two turtledoves, or two young pigeons, such as he is able to get; and the one shall be a sin offering, and the other a burnt offering.

Leviticus 14:23

And he shall bring them on the eighth day for his cleansing unto the priest, unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, before the LORD.

Leviticus 14:31

[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.

Leviticus 5:7

¶ 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.