Turtledoves hold a significant place in the biblical narrative, symbolizing purity, innocence, and devotion. These birds are frequently mentioned in the Scriptures, particularly in the context of sacrificial offerings and expressions of love and beauty.

Biblical References and Symbolism

In the Old Testament, turtledoves are often associated with sacrificial offerings. According to the Mosaic Law, they were one of the acceptable offerings for those who could not afford a lamb. Leviticus 1:14 states, "If, however, his offering to the LORD is a burnt offering of birds, he is to present a turtledove or a young pigeon." This provision underscores God's compassion and accessibility, allowing even the poor to participate in the sacrificial system.

The turtledove is also mentioned in the context of purification rites. In Leviticus 12:8, after the birth of a child, a woman was to bring a lamb for a burnt offering and a young pigeon or a turtledove for a sin offering. If she could not afford a lamb, she could bring two turtledoves or two young pigeons. This is echoed in the New Testament when Mary and Joseph, in their humility and obedience to the Law, offered a pair of turtledoves at the presentation of Jesus in the temple (Luke 2:24).

Beyond their role in sacrificial rites, turtledoves are celebrated in the poetic and wisdom literature of the Bible. The Song of Solomon, a book rich in imagery and metaphor, uses the turtledove to evoke the beauty and renewal of spring: "The flowers have appeared in the countryside; the season of singing has come, and the cooing of turtledoves is heard in our land" (Song of Solomon 2:12). Here, the turtledove symbolizes the arrival of new life and love, reflecting the themes of courtship and divine love that permeate the book.

Cultural and Theological Significance

In biblical times, the turtledove was a common bird in the region, known for its gentle nature and distinctive cooing. Its migratory patterns, returning in the spring, made it a symbol of hope and renewal. Theologically, the use of turtledoves in sacrificial offerings highlights the inclusivity of God's covenant with His people, allowing all, regardless of economic status, to participate in worship and atonement.

The turtledove's presence in the Bible also points to the humility and simplicity that are valued in the Christian faith. The offering of turtledoves by Mary and Joseph at the temple is a testament to their piety and adherence to God's law, despite their modest means. This act prefigures the humility of Christ Himself, who, though rich, became poor for the sake of humanity (2 Corinthians 8:9).

In summary, turtledoves in the Bible are emblematic of purity, sacrifice, and divine love. Their recurring presence in Scripture serves as a reminder of God's provision, the beauty of creation, and the call to live a life of humble devotion.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 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

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

The Dedication
... But the law provided that if the parents were too poor to bring a lamb, a pair of
turtledoves or two young pigeons, one for a burnt offering, the other for a ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 5 the dedication.htm

Circumcision, Temple Service, and Naming of Jesus.
... nevertheless to be more consecrated than ever] according to that which is said in
the law of the Lord [Leviticus 12:6-8; v.11], A pair of turtledoves, or two ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xii circumcision temple service and.htm

The Presentation in the Temple.
... the womb shall be called holy to the Lord), and to offer a sacrifice according to
that which is said in the law of the Lord, "A pair of turtledoves, or two ...
//christianbookshelf.org/barton/his life/the presentation in the temple.htm

Trypho
... but especially the book which he composed On the red heifer [2469] in Deuteronomy,
and On the halves, which with the pigeon and the turtledoves were offered by ...
/.../various/jerome and gennadius lives of illustrious men /chapter lvii trypho.htm

Christ's Humiliation in his Incarnation
... poor appears by their offering. A pair of turtledoves,' Luke 2:24, which
was the usual offering of the poor. Leviticus 12:2. Christ ...
/.../watson/a body of divinity/6 christs humiliation in his.htm

Letter Lxxix. To Salvina.
... Never let pheasants be seen upon your table, or plump turtledoves or black cock
from Ionia, or any of those birds so expensive that they fly away with the ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter lxxix to salvina.htm

A Discourse of Mercifulness
... of her heart. In the law, he that could not bring a lamb for an offering,
if he brought but two turtledoves, it sufficed. We read ...
/.../15 a discourse of mercifulness.htm

Turtledoves (10 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Turtledoves (10 Occurrences). Luke 2:24 and to
offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the ...
/t/turtledoves.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

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

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

Pigeon (3 Occurrences)
... Luke 2:24: "A sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord,
A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons." This describes the sacrifice ...
/p/pigeon.htm - 13k

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

Turtle-dove (5 Occurrences)
Turtle-dove. Turtledove, Turtle-dove. Turtledoves . Easton's Bible Dictionary
Turtle-dove. ... (ASV DBY). Turtledove, Turtle-dove. Turtledoves . Reference
/t/turtle-dove.htm - 9k

Sinned (156 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 ...
/s/sinned.htm - 41k

What is a sin offering? | GotQuestions.org

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Turtledoves: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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