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.

LEVITICUS 1:14KJV
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Leviticus 1:14 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 1:14 mean?

Leviticus 1:14 explains that if someone wants to present a burnt sacrifice to the LORD but cannot offer a larger animal, they may bring a bird—specifically a turtledove or a young pigeon—as their offering. This verse shows that God made a way for people of different means to participate in worship through sacrifice.

In this part of Leviticus, God is giving Moses instructions for the Israelites about how to bring offerings at the Tabernacle. The focus here is on the burnt offering, a type of sacrifice that is completely burned on the altar. By allowing birds as acceptable offerings, the law makes it possible for even the poor to take part in this important act of worship.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 1:14

  • "sacrifice" (עֹלָה, ʿolah): This word refers to a burnt offering, one that is entirely consumed by fire. It highlights the idea of giving something wholly to God, not keeping any part back.
  • "offering" (קָרְבָּן, qorban): This term means something brought near or presented, emphasizing the act of drawing close to God through a gift.
  • "LORD" (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name of God used in the Hebrew Bible, underlining that the sacrifice is directed to the God of Israel.
  • "fowls" (עוֹף, ʿoph): This word means birds in general, but the verse specifies which kinds—turtledoves or young pigeons—are acceptable.
  • "turtledoves" (תֹּר, tor) and "young pigeons" (בֶּן־יוֹנָה, ben-yonah): These were common, accessible birds in ancient Israel, making the sacrifice possible for those who could not afford livestock.

Why Leviticus 1:14 matters

  • Leviticus 1:14 clarifies that worship through sacrifice was not limited to the wealthy; even those with little could bring an acceptable offering.
  • This verse helps explain the structure of the sacrificial system, showing that God provided specific, practical instructions for different situations.
  • By connecting to the wider passage, Leviticus 1:14 shows the inclusiveness of the law and God’s concern for fairness and accessibility in worship.