Turtle-doves, often simply referred to as "doves" in the Bible, hold significant symbolic and ritual importance within the scriptural narrative. These birds are frequently mentioned in the context of sacrificial offerings and are emblematic of purity, innocence, and devotion.

Biblical References and Symbolism

Turtle-doves are first introduced in the context of sacrificial offerings in the Mosaic Law. In Leviticus 1:14 , the Lord instructs, "If, however, one’s offering to the LORD is a burnt offering of birds, he is to present a turtledove or a young pigeon." This provision underscores the accessibility of worship and atonement for all Israelites, including those of modest means, as turtle-doves were more affordable than larger animals like bulls or lambs.

The use of turtle-doves in sacrifices is further emphasized in Leviticus 5:7 , where it states, "If, however, he cannot afford a lamb, he may bring to the LORD as his guilt offering for the sin he has committed two turtledoves or two young pigeons." This passage highlights the merciful nature of God's law, allowing for the inclusion of the poor in the sacrificial system.

In the New Testament, turtle-doves are mentioned in the context of the purification rites following childbirth. Luke 2:24 records that Mary and Joseph offered "a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons" at the temple, in accordance with the Law of the Lord. This act signifies their obedience to the Law and underscores the humble circumstances of Jesus' earthly family.

Cultural and Religious Significance

Beyond their role in sacrificial rites, turtle-doves are often associated with themes of love and fidelity. The Song of Solomon, a poetic book celebrating love and marriage, alludes to the voice of the turtle-dove as a harbinger of spring and renewal (Song of Solomon 2:12). This imagery evokes the beauty and constancy of love, mirroring the steadfast love of God for His people.

In the broader biblical narrative, doves, including turtle-doves, symbolize the Holy Spirit. At Jesus' baptism, the Holy Spirit descends upon Him "like a dove" (Matthew 3:16), signifying divine approval and the commencement of His public ministry. This association with the Holy Spirit further elevates the turtle-dove as a symbol of peace, purity, and divine presence.

Conclusion

Turtle-doves, through their repeated appearances in both the Old and New Testaments, serve as a powerful symbol of sacrifice, purity, and divine love. Their role in the sacrificial system underscores God's provision for all people, regardless of their economic status, while their symbolic associations enrich the spiritual tapestry of the biblical narrative.5167. trugon -- a turtledove
... turtle-dove. Word Origin from truzo (to murmur, coo) Definition a turtledove
NASB Word Usage turtledoves (1). turtle-dove. From ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5167.htm - 6k8449. tor -- turtledove
tor or tor. 8448, 8449. tor or tor. 8450 . turtledove. Transliteration: tor
or tor Phonetic Spelling: (tore) Short Definition: turtledoves. ...
/hebrew/8449.htm - 6k

Whether Christ was Becomingly Presented in the Temple?
... 29). It was therefore more fitting that a lamb should be offered for Christ
than "a pair of turtle doves or two young pigeons.". ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether christ was becomingly presented.htm

The Purification of the virgin and the Presentation in the Temple
... the poor's offering.' And rightly so, since, while a lamb would probably cost about
three shillings, the average value of a pair of turtle-doves, for both the ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter vii the purification of.htm

Of Saint Francis
... HOW ST. FRANCIS TAMED THE WILD TURTLE-DOVES. It befell on a day that a certain young
man had caught many turtle-doves: and as he was carrying them for sale, St. ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/of saint francis.htm

Whether a Suitable Cause Can be Assigned for the Ceremonies which ...
... the divine sacrifices. Objection 4: Further, turtledoves and doves
indifferently are commanded to be offered up. Since then the ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether a suitable cause can.htm

An Unalterable Law
... If a man was too poor to bring an offering from the flock, he was to bring two
turtle-doves or young pigeons; but if he was too poor even for that, he might ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 60 1914/an unalterable law.htm

Sixth Commandment
... reasons. Millions of rams and lambs and turtle-doves must have been killed
every year for sacrifices under the Mosaic system. Christ ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/weighed and wanting/sixth commandment.htm

Leviticus
... A female animal shall be offered for certain legal and ceremonial transgressions;
the poor may offer two turtle doves, or pigeons, or even flour, v.1-13. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/mcfadyen/introduction to the old testament/leviticus.htm

All who Walk According to Truth are Children of God.
... is an expiation for like. Further, the timorousness of the turtle-doves
typifies fear in reference to sin. And that He calls us ...
/.../clement/the instructor paedagogus/chapter v all who walk according.htm

And on the Sixth Day they Entered Bethlehem, Where they Spent the ...
... And when the infant had received parhithomus, [1648] "parhithomus, that is,
circumcision"they offered for Him a pair of turtle-doves, or two young pigeons. ...
/.../unknown/the gospel of pseudo-matthew/chapter 15 and on the.htm

The Presentation of Jesus, and the "Nunc Dimittis. " Ch. 2:21-40
... the womb shall be called holy to the Lord), 24 and to offer a sacrifice according
to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two ...
/.../erdman/the gospel of luke an exposition/f the presentation of jesus.htm

Turtledoves (10 Occurrences)
...Turtledoves (10 Occurrences). ... Leviticus 14:30 He shall offer one of the turtledoves,
or of the young pigeons, such as he is able to afford, (WEB KJV NAS RSV). ...
/t/turtledoves.htm - 9k

Turtle-doves (10 Occurrences)
Turtle-doves. Turtledoves, Turtle-doves. Turtles . Multi-Version Concordance ...
Turtledoves, Turtle-doves. Turtles . Reference Bible.
/t/turtle-doves.htm - 9k

Doves (25 Occurrences)
... Luke 2:24 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." (Root in WEB KJV WEY ...
/d/doves.htm - 14k

Pigeons (14 Occurrences)
... Luke 2:24 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." (WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY ...
/p/pigeons.htm - 11k

Afford (12 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 5:7 "'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 ...
/a/afford.htm - 11k

Suffice (22 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 5:7 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 ...
/s/suffice.htm - 13k

Pigeon (3 Occurrences)
... And on the eighth day he shall bring two turtle-doves, or two ... A sacrifice according
to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two ...
/p/pigeon.htm - 13k

Eighth (38 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 15:14 "'On the eighth day he shall take two turtledoves, or two young
pigeons, and come before Yahweh to the door of the Tent of Meeting, and give ...
/e/eighth.htm - 19k

Sin-offering (115 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 5:7 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 ...
/s/sin-offering.htm - 38k

Turtle (5 Occurrences)
... Luke 2:24 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." (Root in WEB KJV WEY ...
/t/turtle.htm - 9k

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