Leviticus 5:7
New International Version
“’Anyone who cannot afford a lamb is to bring two doves or two young pigeons to the LORD as a penalty for their sin—one for a sin offering and the other for a burnt offering.

New Living Translation
“But if you cannot afford to bring a sheep, you may bring to the LORD two turtledoves or two young pigeons as the penalty for your sin. One of the birds will be for a sin offering, and the other for a burnt offering.

English Standard Version
“But if he cannot afford a lamb, then he shall bring to the LORD as his compensation for the sin that he has committed two turtledoves or two pigeons, one for a sin offering and the other for a burnt offering.

Berean Standard Bible
If, however, he cannot afford a lamb, he may bring to the LORD as restitution for his sin two turtledoves or two young pigeons—one as a sin offering and the other as a burnt offering.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
‘If he is not able to bring a lamb, then he shall bring to the LORD, for his trespass which he has committed, two turtledoves or two young pigeons: one as a sin offering and the other as a burnt offering.

New American Standard Bible
‘But if he cannot afford a lamb, then he shall bring to the LORD his guilt offering for that in which he has sinned, two turtledoves or two young doves, one as a sin offering and the other as a burnt offering.

NASB 1995
‘But if he cannot afford a lamb, then he shall bring to the LORD his guilt offering for that in which he has sinned, two turtledoves or two young pigeons, one for a sin offering and the other for a burnt offering.

NASB 1977
‘But if he cannot afford a lamb, then he shall bring to the LORD his guilt offering for that in which he has sinned, two turtledoves or two young pigeons, one for a sin offering and the other for a burnt offering.

Legacy Standard Bible
‘But if he cannot afford a lamb, then he shall bring to Yahweh his guilt offering for that in which he has sinned, two turtledoves or two young pigeons, one for a sin offering and the other for a burnt offering.

Amplified Bible
‘But if he cannot afford a lamb, then he shall bring two turtledoves or two young pigeons as his guilt offering for his sin to the LORD, one as a sin offering and the other as a burnt offering.

Christian Standard Bible
“But if he cannot afford an animal from the flock, then he may bring to the LORD two turtledoves or two young pigeons as penalty for guilt for his sin—one as a sin offering and the other as a burnt offering.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
But if he cannot afford an animal from the flock, then he may bring to the LORD two turtledoves or two young pigeons as restitution for his sin—one as a sin offering and the other as a burnt offering.

American Standard Version
And if his means suffice not for a lamb, then he shall bring his trespass-offering for that wherein he hath sinned, two turtle-doves, or two young pigeons, unto Jehovah; one for a sin-offering, and the other for a burnt-offering.

Contemporary English Version
If you are poor and cannot afford to bring an animal, you may bring two doves or two pigeons. One of these will be a sacrifice to ask my forgiveness, and the other will be a sacrifice to please me.

English Revised Version
And if his means suffice not for a lamb, then he shall bring his guilt offering for that wherein he hath sinned, two turtledoves, or two young pigeons, unto the LORD; one for a sin offering, and the other for a burnt offering.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
"Now, if you cannot afford a sheep, you must bring to the LORD two mourning doves or two pigeons as a guilt offering for the sin you committed. One will be an offering for sin, the other a burnt offering.

Good News Translation
If you cannot afford a sheep or a goat, you shall bring to the LORD as the payment for your sin two doves or two pigeons, one for a sin offering and the other for a burnt offering.

International Standard Version
"If he can't afford a goat, then he is to bring to the LORD for his sin offering two turtledoves or two young doves: one for a sin offering and the other for a burnt offering.

Majority Standard Bible
If, however, he cannot afford a lamb, he may bring to the LORD as restitution for his sin two turtledoves or two young pigeons—one as a sin offering and the other as a burnt offering.

NET Bible
"'If he cannot afford an animal from the flock, he must bring his penalty for guilt for his sin that he has committed, two turtledoves or two young pigeons, to the LORD, one for a sin offering and one for a burnt offering.

New Heart English Bible
"'If he can't afford a lamb, then he shall bring his trespass offering for that in which he has sinned, two turtledoves, or two young pigeons, to the LORD; one for a sin offering, and the other for a burnt offering.

Webster's Bible Translation
And if he shall not be able to bring a lamb, then he shall bring for his trespass which he hath committed, two turtle-doves, or two young pigeons, to the LORD; one for a sin-offering, and the other for a burnt-offering.

World English Bible
“‘If he can’t afford a lamb, then he shall bring his trespass offering for that in which he has sinned, two turtledoves, or two young pigeons, to Yahweh; one for a sin offering, and the other for a burnt offering.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And if his hand does not reach to the sufficiency of a lamb, then he has brought in his guilt-offering—he who has sinned—two turtle-doves or two young pigeons to YHWH, one for a sin-offering and one for a burnt-offering;

Young's Literal Translation
'And if his hand reach not to the sufficiency of a lamb, then he hath brought in his guilt-offering -- he who hath sinned -- two turtle-doves or two young pigeons to Jehovah, one for a sin-offering, and one for a burnt-offering;

Smith's Literal Translation
And if his hand shall not reach the sufficiency of a sheep, and he brought his trespass which he sinned, two turtledoves, or two sons of a dove, to Jehovah; one for the sin, and one for the burnt-offering.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
But if he be not able to offer a beast, let him offer two turtles, or two young pigeons to the Lord, one for sin, and the other for a holocaust,

Catholic Public Domain Version
But if he is not able to offer a beast, let him offer two turtledoves or two young pigeons to the Lord, one for sin, and the other for a holocaust.

New American Bible
If, however, the person cannot afford an animal of the flock, that person shall bring to the LORD as reparation for the wrong committed two turtledoves or two pigeons, one for a purification offering and the other for a burnt offering.

New Revised Standard Version
But if you cannot afford a sheep, you shall bring to the LORD, as your penalty for the sin that you have committed, two turtledoves or two pigeons, one for a sin offering and the other for a burnt offering.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And if he cannot afford to bring a she lamb, then he shall bring for his sin offering two turtledoves or two young pigeons, one for a sin offering and the other for a burnt offering.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And if he cannot bring a lamb, he may bring two turtledoves or two young doves as an offering for his sin, one for sin and one for a burnt offering.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And if his means suffice not for a lamb, then he shall bring his forfeit for that wherein he hath sinned, two turtle-doves, or two young pigeons, unto the LORD: one for a sin-offering, and the other for a burnt-offering.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And if he cannot afford a sheep, he shall bring for his sin which he has sinned, two turtle-doves or two young pigeons to the Lord; one for a sin-offering, and the other for a burnt-offering.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Sins Requiring a Sin Offering
6and he must bring his guilt offering to the LORD for the sin he has committed: a female lamb or goat from the flock as a sin offering. And the priest will make atonement for him concerning his sin. 7If, however, he cannot afford a lamb, he may bring to the LORD as restitution for his sin two turtledoves or two young pigeons— one as a sin offering and the other as a burnt offering. 8He is to bring them to the priest, who shall first present the one for the sin offering. He is to twist its head at the front of its neck without severing it;…

Cross References
Leviticus 12:8
But if she cannot afford a lamb, she shall bring two turtledoves or two young pigeons, one for a burnt offering and the other for a sin offering. Then the priest will make atonement for her, and she will be clean.’”

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

Leviticus 14:21-22
If, however, the person is poor and cannot afford these offerings, he is to take one male lamb as a guilt offering to be waved to make atonement for him, along with a tenth of an ephah of fine flour mixed with olive oil for a grain offering, a log of olive oil, / and two turtledoves or two young pigeons, whichever he can afford, one to be a sin offering and the other a burnt offering.

Leviticus 1:14
If, instead, one’s offering to the LORD is a burnt offering of birds, he is to present a turtledove or a young pigeon.

Numbers 6:10-11
On the eighth day he must bring two turtledoves or two young pigeons to the priest at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. / And the priest is to offer one as a sin offering and the other as a burnt offering to make atonement for him, because he has sinned by being in the presence of the dead body. On that day he must consecrate his head again.

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.”

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.

Leviticus 15:14-15
On the eighth day he is to take two turtledoves or two young pigeons, come before the LORD at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting, and give them to the priest. / The priest is to sacrifice them, one as a sin offering and the other as a burnt offering. In this way the priest will make atonement for the man before the LORD because of his discharge.

Matthew 5:23-24
So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, / leave your gift there before the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.

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.

Leviticus 9:3
Then speak to the Israelites and say, ‘Take a male goat for a sin offering, a calf and a lamb—both a year old and without blemish—for a burnt offering,

Leviticus 14:30-31
Then he must sacrifice the turtledoves or young pigeons, whichever he can afford, / one as a sin offering and the other as a burnt offering, together with the grain offering. In this way the priest will make atonement before the LORD for the one to be cleansed.

Luke 21:1-4
Then Jesus looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury, / and He saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins. / “Truly I tell you,” He said, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others. ...

Leviticus 1:10
If, however, one’s offering is a burnt offering from the flock—from the sheep or goats—he is to present an unblemished male.

Leviticus 4:28
When he becomes aware of the sin he has committed, he must bring an unblemished female goat as his offering for that sin.


Treasury of Scripture

And if he be not able to bring a lamb, then he shall bring for his trespass, which he has committed, two turtledoves, or two young pigeons, to the LORD; one for a sin offering, and the other for a burnt offering.

Leviticus 5:11
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.

Leviticus 12:8
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.

Leviticus 14:21
And if he be poor, and cannot get so much; then he shall take one lamb for a trespass offering to be waved, to make an atonement for him, and one tenth deal of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat offering, and a log of oil;

two turtle doves

Leviticus 1:14,15
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…

Matthew 3:16
And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:

Matthew 10:16
Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.

one

Leviticus 5:8,9
And he shall bring them unto the priest, who shall offer that which is for the sin offering first, and wring off his head from his neck, but shall not divide it asunder: …

Leviticus 9:3
And unto the children of Israel thou shalt speak, saying, Take ye a kid of the goats for a sin offering; and a calf and a lamb, both of the first year, without blemish, for a burnt offering;

Leviticus 14:22,31
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…

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Able Afford Burnt Committed Doves Enough Forfeit Lamb Means Money Offering Pigeons Sin Sinned Sin-Offering Suffice Trespass Turtledoves Turtle-Doves Young
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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














If, however, he cannot afford a lamb
This phrase highlights the compassionate nature of God's law, recognizing the economic disparities among His people. The Hebrew root for "afford" (נָגַע, naga) implies touching or reaching, indicating that the person is unable to reach the financial means necessary for a lamb. This provision underscores God's understanding and accommodation for the poor, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their economic status, can seek atonement and maintain a relationship with Him.

he may bring to the LORD
The act of bringing an offering to the LORD signifies an intentional approach to God, acknowledging His sovereignty and the need for reconciliation. The Hebrew word for "bring" (בּוֹא, bo) conveys the idea of coming or entering, suggesting that the worshiper is entering into a sacred space or presence. This reflects the personal responsibility and active participation required in the process of atonement.

as his guilt offering
The term "guilt offering" (אָשָׁם, asham) refers to a specific type of sacrifice meant to atone for unintentional sins or sins of omission. It emphasizes the seriousness of sin and the need for restitution. Historically, this offering served as a tangible expression of repentance and a means to restore the relationship between the sinner and God.

for the sin he has committed
This phrase acknowledges the reality of human fallibility and the inevitability of sin. The Hebrew word for "sin" (חֵטְא, chet) implies missing the mark or failing to meet God's standards. The acknowledgment of sin is the first step towards repentance and reconciliation, highlighting the importance of self-awareness and humility in the spiritual journey.

two turtledoves or two young pigeons
The provision of "two turtledoves or two young pigeons" as an alternative offering demonstrates God's inclusivity and grace. These birds were more affordable and accessible to the poor, ensuring that no one was excluded from the opportunity for atonement. This reflects the broader biblical theme of God's care for the marginalized and His desire for all to come to repentance.

one for a sin offering and the other for a burnt offering
The distinction between the "sin offering" and the "burnt offering" highlights the multifaceted nature of atonement. The sin offering (חַטָּאת, chatat) was specifically for purification and forgiveness, while the burnt offering (עוֹלָה, olah) symbolized complete surrender and devotion to God. Together, they represent both the removal of sin and the renewal of the worshiper's commitment to God, illustrating the holistic approach to reconciliation and worship in the Old Testament.

(7) And if he be not able to bring.--The only exception to this general rule was poverty. The poor man who was unable to bring a sheep or she-goat, might bring two turtle-doves, as these were plentiful and cheap in Palestine. (See Leviticus 1:14.) We have seen in the preceding verse that in the case of the trespass offering, as in that of the sin offering, the fat parts, or the choicest portion, had to be consumed on the altar, being "the bread of Jehovah," and that the residue was the perquisite of the priests. As the fat parts of the dove, or the portion for the altar, could not be separated from the bird, and as the burning of it wholly would destroy the character of the trespass offering, and make it into a whole burnt offering, two doves were brought. One represented the portion for the Lord, and hence was burnt on the altar, whilst the flesh of the other became the perquisite of the officiating priest.

Verses 7-13. - If he be not able to bring a lamb. Sin offerings being not voluntary sacrifices but required of all that were guilty, and the four last-named cases being of common occurrence amongst the poor and ignorant, two concessions are made to poverty: two birds (one to be offered with the ritual of the sin offering, the other with that of the burnt offering), or even some flour (either three pints and a half or three quarts and a half, according as we adopt the larger or smaller estimate of the amount of the ephah), are allowed when the offerer cannot provide a lamb or a kid. There is thus typically set forth the freedom with which acceptance through the great propitiation is offered to all without respect of persons. The non-bloody substitute, being permitted only as an exception for the benefit of the very poor and only in the four cases above specified, does not invalidate the general rule that without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sin.

CHAPTER 5:14-19

Parallel Commentaries ...


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

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

afford
תַגִּ֣יע‪‬ (ṯag·gî‘)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 5060: To touch, lay the hand upon, to reach, violently, to strike

a lamb,
שֶׂה֒ (śeh)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7716: A member of a, flock, a sheep, goat

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

to the LORD
לַֽיהוָ֑ה (Yah·weh)
Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

as restitution
אֲשָׁמ֜וֹ (’ă·šā·mōw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 817: Guilt, a fault, a sin-offering

for his sin
חָטָ֗א (ḥā·ṭā)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 2398: To miss, to sin, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, lead astray, condemn

two
שְׁתֵּ֥י (šə·tê)
Number - fdc
Strong's 8147: Two (a cardinal number)

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

or
אֽוֹ־ (’ōw-)
Conjunction
Strong's 176: Desire, if

two
שְׁנֵ֥י (šə·nê)
Number - mdc
Strong's 8147: Two (a cardinal number)

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

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

one
אֶחָ֥ד (’e·ḥāḏ)
Number - masculine singular
Strong's 259: United, one, first

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

and the other
וְאֶחָ֥ד (wə·’e·ḥāḏ)
Conjunctive waw | Number - masculine singular
Strong's 259: United, one, first

as a burnt offering.
לְעֹלָֽה׃ (lə·‘ō·lāh)
Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5930: Whole burnt offering


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OT Law: Leviticus 5:7 If he can't afford a lamb then (Le Lv Lev.)
Leviticus 5:6
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