In the context of the Bible, the term "turtle" is often understood to refer to the "turtledove," a bird that is frequently mentioned in the Scriptures. The Hebrew word "tor" is typically translated as "turtledove" in English versions of the Bible, including the Berean Standard Bible . The turtledove is a symbol of purity, innocence, and devotion, and it holds significant religious and cultural importance in biblical times.

Biblical References:

1. Sacrificial Offerings:
Turtledoves were commonly used in sacrificial offerings, particularly for those who could not afford more expensive animals like lambs. In Leviticus 1:14 , it is stated, "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 highlights the accessibility of worship and atonement for all social classes, allowing even the poor to participate in the sacrificial system.

2. Purification Rituals:
The turtledove is also mentioned in the context of purification rituals. In Leviticus 12:6-8 , after the birth of a child, a woman is instructed to bring a lamb and a turtledove or a pigeon for her purification offering. If she cannot afford a lamb, she may bring two turtledoves or two young pigeons. This underscores the role of the turtledove in maintaining ritual purity and its importance in the religious life of the Israelites.

3. Symbol of Love and Devotion:
The Song of Solomon, a poetic book celebrating love and marriage, uses the imagery of the turtledove to convey themes of love and devotion. In Song of Solomon 2:12 , it is written, "The flowers have appeared in the countryside; the season of singing has come, and the cooing of turtledoves is heard in our land." The presence of the turtledove signifies the arrival of spring and the renewal of life and love.

4. Prophetic Imagery:
The turtledove is also used in prophetic literature to convey messages of lamentation and mourning. In Jeremiah 8:7 , the prophet laments the people's ignorance of God's laws, stating, "Even the stork in the sky knows her appointed seasons, and the turtledove, swift, and thrush observe the time of their migration. But My people do not know the requirements of the LORD." Here, the turtledove serves as a metaphor for the natural order and obedience to divine timing, contrasting with the disobedience of the people.

Cultural and Religious Significance:

The turtledove's gentle nature and monogamous behavior have made it a symbol of fidelity and enduring love. Its use in sacrificial offerings and purification rituals underscores its role in the spiritual life of the Israelites, providing a means for atonement and reconciliation with God. The turtledove's presence in the Song of Solomon and prophetic writings further enriches its symbolic significance, representing themes of love, renewal, and divine order.

In summary, while the term "turtle" in the Bible is understood to refer to the turtledove, this bird holds a multifaceted role within the biblical narrative, embodying themes of sacrifice, purity, love, and obedience to God's will.

All who Walk According to Truth are Children of God.
... Again, by Moses, He commands "two young pigeons or a pair of turtles to be offered
for sin;" [1061] thus saying, that the harmlessness and innocence and ...
/.../clement/the instructor paedagogus/chapter v all who walk according.htm

Chel. The Court of the Women.
... Upon another, "pigeons and turtles." Upon another, "The burnt sacrifice." Upon another,
"The wood." Upon another, "Frankincense." Upon another, "Gold for the ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 29 chel the court.htm

Righteousness
... who loves. Heaven's secret solitude, those fair abodes,. Where turtles build, and
careless sparrows move,. Without to-morrow's evils and future loads? ...
/.../palgrave/the treasury of sacred song/cx righteousness.htm

How we Practise the Love of Benevolence in the Praises which Our ...
... benedictions. All is flowers, all is sweetness and perfume; the turtles,
the most silent of all birds, yet there take up their songs. ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter xi how we practise.htm

Concerning Persecution
... There will be persecutions in regard of the enemies of the church. These vultures
prey upon God's turtles. The church has two sorts of enemies. Open enemies. ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/21 concerning persecution.htm

The Plagues
... Dwellers of the deep water drifted into the upper tide"monsters of the muck at the
Nile bottom, turtles, huge crawfish, water-newts, spotted snakes, curious ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xxix the plagues.htm

Separation to God.
... And on the eighth day he shall bring two turtles, or two young pigeons, to the priest,
to the door of the tabernacle of the congregation: and the priest shall ...
/.../taylor/separation and service/part i separation to god.htm

Call to China and Voyage Hence
... Capt. Patterson laid in a good supply of pigs, geese, ducks, chickens, yams, turtles,
water, two goats, and fruits of various kinds in abundance.". ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/fagg/forty years in south china/ii call to china and.htm

Plus Ultra Vs. Ne Plus Ultra.
... No man can have that appreciation of himself essential to a true life, who
believes that his ancestors were monerons and mud-turtles! ...
/.../iii plus ultra vs ne plus.htm

Another Wonderful Record of 25.
... him in sight of the Island of Ascension, at that time uninhabited, and never visited
by any ship, except for the purpose of collecting turtles, which abound on ...
/.../various/the wonders of prayer/another wonderful record of 25 00.htm

Turtles (3 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Turtles (3 Occurrences). Leviticus 12:8 And if
she be not able to bring a lamb, then she shall bring two ...
/t/turtles.htm - 7k

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

Nest (22 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) Hence: the place in which the eggs of other animals, as insects, turtles,
etc., are laid and hatched; a snug place in which young animals are reared. ...
/n/nest.htm - 18k

Tusks (1 Occurrence)

/t/tusks.htm - 6k

Beak (2 Occurrences)
... used in the classification of birds. 2. (n.) A similar bill in other animals,
as the turtles. 3. (n.) The long projecting sucking ...
/b/beak.htm - 8k

Congregation (347 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 15:29 And on the eighth day she shall take unto her two turtles, or two
young pigeons, and bring them unto the priest, to the door of the tabernacle ...
/c/congregation.htm - 48k

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