Leviticus 14:30

And he shall offer the one of the turtledoves, or of the young pigeons, such as he can get;

And he shall offer {H6213} the one {H259} of the turtledoves {H8449}, or of the young {H1121} pigeons {H3123}, such as {H834} he can get {H3027}{H5381};

He is to offer one of the doves or young pigeons, such as the person can afford,

Then he must sacrifice the turtledoves or young pigeons, whichever he can afford,

And he shall offer one of the turtle-doves, or of the young pigeons, such as he is able to get,

Commentary

Leviticus 14:30 is part of the intricate laws concerning the purification ritual for someone cleansed of a severe skin disease, often translated as "leprosy" (Hebrew: tzara'at). This specific verse addresses the offerings required on the eighth day of the purification process, particularly focusing on the provisions made for those of lesser means.

Context

Chapter 14 of Leviticus meticulously outlines the two-part process for a person declared clean from tzara'at. The first part involves a ritual outside the camp, signifying restoration to the community, and the second, on the eighth day, involves a series of sacrifices at the tabernacle. The standard offerings for the wealthy or average Israelite included a male lamb for a trespass offering, another male lamb for a sin offering, and a ewe lamb for a burnt offering, along with fine flour and oil (see Leviticus 14:10). However, recognizing that not everyone could afford such costly animals, God, in His mercy, provided an alternative for the poor. Verses Leviticus 14:21-22 specify that if a person was poor, they could offer one lamb for the trespass offering, and then two turtledoves or two young pigeons for the sin offering and burnt offering. Verse 30 directly refers to this alternative, stating, "And he shall offer the one of the turtledoves, or of the young pigeons, such as he can get," emphasizing that the offering should be one of the two birds, depending on which was designated for the specific sacrifice (sin or burnt offering), and crucially, that the type of bird was flexible based on availability.

Key Themes

  • Divine Provision and Mercy: This verse highlights God's compassionate nature. He understood the economic realities of His people and made sure that the path to purification and fellowship was not barred by poverty. The phrase "such as he can get" underscores God's grace and flexibility within His law.
  • Equality in Atonement: Regardless of social or economic standing, all Israelites had access to the cleansing rituals necessary for full restoration to the community and to God. The value of the offering was not in its cost but in the obedient heart of the worshiper and the atoning work it represented.
  • Specificity of the Law: Even with provisions for the poor, the Mosaic Law maintained strict guidelines. The offering still had to be a specific type of bird (turtledoves or young pigeons), ensuring the integrity of the sacrificial system.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "such as he can get" (KJV) or "as he is able to afford" (NIV) is a direct translation of the Hebrew phrase מֵאֲשֶׁר תַּשִּׂיג יָדוֹ (me'asher tassig yado), literally "from what his hand can reach/obtain." This emphasizes the principle of offering according to one's ability, a concept echoed elsewhere in scripture regarding giving and service.

Practical Application

Leviticus 14:30 offers timeless lessons for believers today:

  • God's Grace is Universal: Just as God provided for the poor in the Old Testament sacrificial system, His ultimate provision, salvation through Jesus Christ, is accessible to all, rich or poor, without cost to us. Christ's sacrifice is the perfect and final atonement, fulfilling the need for these animal sacrifices (see Hebrews 10:10).
  • Give According to Your Ability: The principle of offering "such as he can get" reminds us that God values our willingness and obedience more than the size or monetary value of our gifts. Whether in finances, time, or talent, we are called to offer our best, recognizing that our "best" may vary.
  • Compassion and Inclusivity: This verse serves as a model for how God's community should operate—with compassion for the less fortunate and ensuring that no one is excluded from spiritual participation due to their economic status.
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Cross-References

  • Leviticus 14:22 (3 votes)

    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.

  • Romans 8:3 (2 votes)

    For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:

  • Luke 2:24 (2 votes)

    And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.

  • Leviticus 15:14 (2 votes)

    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 15:15 (2 votes)

    And the priest shall offer them, the one [for] a sin offering, and the other [for] a burnt offering; and the priest shall make an atonement for him before the LORD for his issue.

  • Leviticus 12:8 (2 votes)

    And if she be not able to bring a lamb, then she shall bring two turtles, or two young pigeons; the one for the burnt offering, and the other for a sin offering: and the priest shall make an atonement for her, and she shall be clean.