Leviticus 5:11
New International Version
“’If, however, they cannot afford two doves or two young pigeons, they are to bring as an offering for their sin a tenth of an ephah of the finest flour for a sin offering. They must not put olive oil or incense on it, because it is a sin offering.

New Living Translation
“If you cannot afford to bring two turtledoves or two young pigeons, you may bring two quarts of choice flour for your sin offering. Since it is an offering for sin, you must not moisten it with olive oil or put any frankincense on it.

English Standard Version
“But if he cannot afford two turtledoves or two pigeons, then he shall bring as his offering for the sin that he has committed a tenth of an ephah of fine flour for a sin offering. He shall put no oil on it and shall put no frankincense on it, for it is a sin offering.

Berean Standard Bible
But if he cannot afford two turtledoves or two young pigeons, he may bring a tenth of an ephah of fine flour as a sin offering. He must not put olive oil or frankincense on it, because it is a sin offering.

King James Bible
But if he be not able to bring two turtledoves, or two young pigeons, then he that sinned shall bring for his offering the tenth part of an ephah of fine flour for a sin offering; he shall put no oil upon it, neither shall he put any frankincense thereon: for it is a sin offering.

New King James Version
‘But if he is not able to bring two turtledoves or two young pigeons, then he who sinned shall bring for his offering one-tenth of an ephah of fine flour as a sin offering. He shall put no oil on it, nor shall he put frankincense on it, for it is a sin offering.

New American Standard Bible
‘But if his means are insufficient for two turtledoves or two young doves, then for his offering for that which he has sinned, he shall bring the tenth of an ephah of fine flour as a sin offering; he shall not put oil on it or place incense on it, for it is a sin offering.

NASB 1995
‘But if his means are insufficient for two turtledoves or two young pigeons, then for his offering for that which he has sinned, he shall bring the tenth of an ephah of fine flour for a sin offering; he shall not put oil on it or place incense on it, for it is a sin offering.

NASB 1977
‘But if his means are insufficient for two turtledoves or two young pigeons, then for his offering for that which he has sinned, he shall bring the tenth of an ephah of fine flour for a sin offering; he shall not put oil on it or place incense on it, for it is a sin offering.

Legacy Standard Bible
‘But if his means are insufficient for two turtledoves or two young pigeons, then for his offering for that which he has sinned, he shall bring the tenth of an ephah of fine flour for a sin offering; he shall not place oil on it or put frankincense on it, for it is a sin offering.

Amplified Bible
‘But if he cannot afford to bring two turtledoves or two young pigeons, then he shall bring as his offering for his sin the tenth part of an ephah of fine flour as a sin offering; he shall not put [olive] oil or incense on it, for it is a sin offering.

Christian Standard Bible
“But if he cannot afford two turtledoves or two young pigeons, he may bring two quarts of fine flour as an offering for his sin. He must not put olive oil or frankincense on it, for it is a sin offering.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
But if he cannot afford two turtledoves or two young pigeons, he may bring two quarts of fine flour as an offering for his sin. He must not put olive oil or frankincense on it, for it is a sin offering.

American Standard Version
But if his means suffice not for two turtle-doves, or two young pigeons, then he shall bring his oblation for that wherein he hath sinned, the tenth part of an ephah of fine flour for a sin-offering: he shall put no oil upon it, neither shall he put any frankincense thereon; for it is a sin-offering.

Contemporary English Version
If you are so poor that you cannot afford doves or pigeons, you may bring one kilogram of your finest flour. This is a sacrifice to ask my forgiveness, so don't sprinkle olive oil or sweet-smelling incense on it.

English Revised Version
But if his means suffice not for two turtledoves, or two young pigeons, then he shall bring his oblation for that wherein he hath sinned, the tenth part of an ephah of fine flour for a sin offering; he shall put no oil upon it, neither shall he put any frankincense thereon: for it is a sin offering.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
"But if you cannot afford two mourning doves or two pigeons, then bring eight cups of flour as an offering for the sin you committed. Never put olive oil on it or add incense to it, because it is an offering for sin.

Good News Translation
If you cannot afford two doves or two pigeons, you shall bring two pounds of flour as a sin offering. You shall not put any olive oil or any incense on it, because it is a sin offering, not a grain offering.

International Standard Version
"If he can't afford two turtledoves or two young doves, then he is to bring as his offering a tenth of an ephah of fine flour as a sin offering for what he has committed. He is to put no olive oil or frankincense on it, since it's a sin offering.

Majority Standard Bible
But if he cannot afford two turtledoves or two young pigeons, he may bring a tenth of an ephah of fine flour as a sin offering. He must not put olive oil or frankincense on it, because it is a sin offering.

NET Bible
"'If he cannot afford two turtledoves or two young pigeons, he must bring as his offering for his sin which he has committed a tenth of an ephah of choice wheat flour for a sin offering. He must not place olive oil on it and he must not put frankincense on it, because it is a sin offering.

New Heart English Bible
"'But if he can't afford two turtledoves, or two young pigeons, then he shall bring his offering for that in which he has sinned, the tenth part of an ephah of fine flour for a sin offering. He shall put no oil on it, neither shall he put any frankincense on it, for it is a sin offering.

Webster's Bible Translation
But if he shall not be able to bring two turtle-doves, or two young pigeons; then he that sinned shall bring for his offering the tenth part of an ephah of fine flour for a sin-offering; he shall put no oil upon it, neither shall he put any frankincense upon it: for it is a sin-offering.

World English Bible
“‘But if he can’t afford two turtledoves or two young pigeons, then he shall bring as his offering for that in which he has sinned, one tenth of an ephah of fine flour for a sin offering. He shall put no oil on it, and he shall not put any frankincense on it, for it is a sin offering.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And if his hand does not reach to two turtle-doves, or to two young pigeons, then he has brought in his offering—he who has sinned—a tenth of an ephah of flour for a sin-offering; he puts no oil on it, nor does he put frankincense on it, for it [is] a sin-offering,

Young's Literal Translation
And if his hand reach not to two turtle-doves, or to two young pigeons, then he hath brought in his offering -- he who hath sinned -- a tenth of an ephah of flour for a sin-offering; he putteth no oil on it, nor doth he put on it frankincense, for it is a sin-offering,

Smith's Literal Translation
And if his hand shall not reach to the two turtle-doves, or to the two sons of a dove; and he brought his offering who sinned, the tenth of the ephah of fine flour for the sin; he shall not put oil upon it, and he shall not give frankincense upon it; for it is sin.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And if his hand be not able to offer two turtles, or two young pigeons, he shall offer for his sin the tenth part of an ephi of flour. He shall not put oil upon it, nor put any frankincense thereon, because it is for sin:

Catholic Public Domain Version
But if his hand is unable to offer two turtledoves or two young pigeons, he shall offer, for his sin, the tenth part of an ephah of fine wheat flour. He shall not put oil in it, nor place upon it any frankincense, because it is for sin.

New American Bible
If the person is unable to afford even two turtledoves or two pigeons, that person shall bring as an offering for the wrong committed one tenth of an ephah of bran flour for a purification offering. The guilty party shall not put oil or place frankincense on it, because it is a purification offering.

New Revised Standard Version
But if you cannot afford two turtledoves or two pigeons, you shall bring as your offering for the sin that you have committed one-tenth of an ephah of choice flour for a sin offering; you shall not put oil on it or lay frankincense on it, for it is a sin offering.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
But if he cannot afford two turtledoves or two young pigeons, then he shall bring for his offering for the sin which he has committed the tenth part of an ephah of fine flour for a sin offering; he shall put no oil upon it, neither shall he put any frankincense thereon; for it is a sin offering.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And if he cannot bring two turtle doves or two young doves, his offering of the sin that he sinned will be one tenth seah of fine flour for sin, and he shall not put oil upon it and he will not put frankincense upon it, because it is sin.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
But if his means suffice not for two turtledoves, or two young pigeons, then he shall bring his offering for that wherein he hath sinned, the tenth part of an ephah of fine flour for a sin-offering; he shall put no oil upon it, neither shall he put any frankincense thereon; for it is a sin-offering.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And if he cannot afford a pair of turtle-doves, or two young pigeons, then shall he bring as his gift for his sin, the tenth part of an ephah of fine flour for a sin-offering; he shall not pour oil upon it, nor shall he put frankincense upon it, because it is a sin-offering.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Sins Requiring a Sin Offering
10And the priest must prepare the second bird as a burnt offering according to the ordinance. In this way the priest will make atonement for him for the sin he has committed, and he will be forgiven. 11But if he cannot afford two turtledoves or two young pigeons, he may bring a tenth of an ephah of fine flour as a sin offering. He must not put olive oil or frankincense on it, because it is a sin offering. 12He is to bring it to the priest, who shall take a handful from it as a memorial portion and burn it on the altar atop the offerings made by fire to the LORD; it is a sin offering.…

Cross References
Hebrews 9:22
According to the law, in fact, nearly everything must be purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.

Numbers 5:15
then he is to bring his wife to the priest. He must also bring for her an offering of a tenth of an ephah of barley flour. He is not to pour oil over it or put frankincense on it, because it is a grain offering for jealousy, an offering of memorial as a reminder of iniquity.

Hebrews 10:4
because it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.

Isaiah 55:1
“Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you without money, come, buy, and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost!

Matthew 5:3
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Luke 2:24
and to offer the sacrifice specified in the Law of the Lord: “A pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.”

2 Corinthians 8:12
For if the eagerness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have.

Psalm 51:17
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and a contrite heart, O God, You will not despise.

Mark 12:42-44
Then one poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which amounted to a small fraction of a denarius. / Jesus called His disciples to Him and said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more than all the others into the treasury. / For they all contributed out of their surplus, but she out of her poverty has put in all she had to live on.”

1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Romans 3:25
God presented Him as an atoning sacrifice in His blood through faith, in order to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance He had passed over the sins committed beforehand.

1 Peter 1:18-19
For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life you inherited from your forefathers, / but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or spot.

Hebrews 9:13-14
For if the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that their bodies are clean, / how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself unblemished to God, purify our consciences from works of death, so that we may serve the living God!

Isaiah 66:2
Has not My hand made all these things? And so they came into being,” declares the LORD. “This is the one I will esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, who trembles at My word.

Luke 18:13-14
But the tax collector stood at a distance, unwilling even to lift up his eyes to heaven. Instead, he beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner!’ / I tell you, this man, rather than the Pharisee, went home justified. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”


Treasury of Scripture

But if he be not able to bring two turtledoves, or two young pigeons, then he that sinned shall bring for his offering the tenth part of an ephah of fine flour for a sin offering; he shall put no oil on it, neither shall he put any frankincense thereon: for it is a sin offering.

But if

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.

the tenth part

Exodus 16:18,36
And when they did mete it with an omer, he that gathered much had nothing over, and he that gathered little had no lack; they gathered every man according to his eating…

fine flour

Leviticus 2:1
And when any will offer a meat offering unto the LORD, his offering shall be of fine flour; and he shall pour oil upon it, and put frankincense thereon:

Numbers 7:13,19
And his offering was one silver charger, the weight thereof was an hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them were full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat offering: …

Numbers 15:4-9
Then shall he that offereth his offering unto the LORD bring a meat offering of a tenth deal of flour mingled with the fourth part of an hin of oil…

no oil

Leviticus 2:1,2,4,5,15,16
And when any will offer a meat offering unto the LORD, his offering shall be of fine flour; and he shall pour oil upon it, and put frankincense thereon: …

Numbers 5:15
Then shall the man bring his wife unto the priest, and he shall bring her offering for her, the tenth part of an ephah of barley meal; he shall pour no oil upon it, nor put frankincense thereon; for it is an offering of jealousy, an offering of memorial, bringing iniquity to remembrance.

Psalm 22:1-21
To the chief Musician upon Aijeleth Shahar, A Psalm of David. My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring? …

for it is

Leviticus 5:6,9,12
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…

2 Corinthians 5:21
For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

Jump to Previous
Able Afford Ephah Fine Flour Frankincense Insufficient Means Offering Oil Part Pigeons Sin Sinned Sin-Offering Suffice Tenth Thereon Turtledoves Turtle-Doves Wherein Young
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Able Afford Ephah Fine Flour Frankincense Insufficient Means Offering Oil Part Pigeons Sin Sinned Sin-Offering Suffice Tenth Thereon Turtledoves Turtle-Doves Wherein Young
Leviticus 5
1. He who sins in concealing his knowledge
2. in touching an unclean thing
4. or in making an oath
6. His trespass offering, of the flock
7. of fowls
11. or of flour
14. The trespass offering in sacrilege
17. and in sins of ignorance














But if he cannot afford
This phrase highlights God's understanding and compassion for the economic conditions of His people. The Hebrew root here implies a lack of means or resources. In the ancient Near Eastern context, this provision underscores God's inclusivity, ensuring that even the poorest could participate in the sacrificial system. It reflects the principle that God values the heart's intent over material wealth.

two turtledoves or two young pigeons
These birds were the least expensive sacrificial animals, accessible to those of modest means. Historically, turtledoves and pigeons were common in Israel, making them a practical choice for offerings. This provision demonstrates God's desire for all to have access to atonement, regardless of their financial status, emphasizing His justice and mercy.

he is to bring as his offering
The act of bringing an offering signifies personal responsibility and acknowledgment of sin. The Hebrew term for "offering" (קָרְבָּן, korban) implies drawing near to God. This reflects the broader biblical theme of reconciliation and the restoration of fellowship with God through sacrifice.

a tenth of an ephah of fine flour
An ephah was a unit of dry measure, and a tenth of an ephah was a modest amount, making it accessible to the poor. Fine flour, a staple in ancient diets, symbolizes purity and sustenance. This offering, though humble, was acceptable to God, illustrating that He values the sincerity of the giver over the size of the gift.

as a sin offering
The sin offering (חַטָּאת, chatat) was a crucial part of the sacrificial system, designed to atone for unintentional sins. This offering underscores the seriousness of sin and the need for atonement, pointing forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, who fulfilled the law and provided eternal atonement for sin.

He must not put olive oil or frankincense on it
Olive oil and frankincense were typically used in offerings to enhance their aroma and significance. Their exclusion here emphasizes the somber nature of the sin offering. The absence of these elements highlights the focus on atonement rather than celebration, reminding the offerer of the gravity of sin.

because it is a sin offering
This reiteration underscores the purpose of the offering: to atone for sin. The Hebrew concept of sin (חֵטְא, chet) involves missing the mark or falling short of God's standards. The sin offering serves as a tangible reminder of humanity's need for divine grace and forgiveness, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who bore our sins on the cross.

(11) But if he be not able.--The benign consideration for the poor, and the desire not to mulct them too heavily for their frailties, are here still more evinced in the statute before us. If anyone is so impoverished that the offering of two birds would press too heavily upon him, he might bring the tenth part of an ephah of fine flour, a little less than half a gallon.

For it is a sin offering.--That is, because it is a sin offering, and not a Minchah or meat offering (see Leviticus 2:1), therefore it shall have no oil or frankincense, otherwise its distinguishing features as such would be destroyed.



Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
But if
וְאִם־ (wə·’im-)
Conjunctive waw | Conjunction
Strong's 518: Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not

he cannot
לֹא֩ (lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

afford
תַשִּׂ֨יג (ṯaś·śîḡ)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 5381: To reach, overtake

two
לִשְׁתֵּ֣י (liš·tê)
Preposition-l | Number - fdc
Strong's 8147: Two (a cardinal number)

turtledoves
תֹרִ֗ים (ṯō·rîm)
Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 8449: A ring-dove, a term of endearment

or
אוֹ֮ (’ōw)
Conjunction
Strong's 176: Desire, if

two
לִשְׁנֵ֣י (liš·nê)
Preposition-l | Number - mdc
Strong's 8147: Two (a cardinal number)

young
בְנֵי־ (ḇə·nê-)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121: A son

pigeons,
יוֹנָה֒ (yō·w·nāh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 3123: A dove

he may bring
וְהֵבִ֨יא (wə·hê·ḇî)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

a tenth
עֲשִׂירִ֧ת (‘ă·śî·riṯ)
Number - ordinal feminine singular construct
Strong's 6224: Tenth, tenth month, part

of an ephah
הָאֵפָ֛ה (hā·’ê·p̄āh)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 374: Ephah -- an ephah (a measure of grain)

of fine flour
סֹ֖לֶת (sō·leṯ)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5560: Fine flour

as an offering for his sin.
לְחַטָּ֑את (lə·ḥaṭ·ṭāṯ)
Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 2403: An offence, its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, expiation, an offender

He must not
לֹא־ (lō-)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

put
יָשִׂ֨ים (yā·śîm)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7760: Put -- to put, place, set

olive oil
שֶׁ֗מֶן (še·men)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 8081: Grease, liquid, richness

or frankincense
לְבֹנָ֔ה (lə·ḇō·nāh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 3828: Frankincense

on it,
עָלֶ֜יהָ (‘ā·le·hā)
Preposition | third person feminine singular
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

because
כִּ֥י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

it
הִֽיא׃ (hî)
Pronoun - third person feminine singular
Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are

is a sin offering.
חַטָּ֖את (ḥaṭ·ṭāṯ)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 2403: An offence, its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, expiation, an offender


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OT Law: Leviticus 5:11 But if he can't afford two turtledoves (Le Lv Lev.)
Leviticus 5:10
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