Leviticus 14:30 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 14:30 mean?

Leviticus 14:30 says that the person being cleansed must offer one of the turtledoves or young pigeons, whichever kind he is able to obtain. This is part of a ritual for someone who has been healed from a skin disease, allowing for flexibility based on what the person can afford or access.

In this passage, God is giving instructions to Moses for the priests, explaining the process for restoring someone to the community after being healed from a skin disease. The verse shows that the ritual could be completed with either a turtledove or a young pigeon, depending on what the person could get, making the requirement accessible to people of different means.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 14:30

• "Offer" (עָשָׂה, ʿasah): This word often means "to do" or "to make," but here it refers to performing the act of sacrifice. It highlights that the person must actively bring and present the bird as part of the ritual.
• "Turtledoves" (תֹּר, tor) and "young pigeons" (בֶּן־יוֹנָה, ben-yonah): These words specify the types of birds allowed. The use of either bird shows flexibility in the law, accommodating what the person can actually obtain.
• "Get" (יָד, yad; נָשָׂא, nasa): The phrase involves both the ability to obtain and what is within the person's reach or means. It emphasizes that the ritual is not meant to be a burden, but something everyone can fulfill.

Why Leviticus 14:30 matters

• Leviticus 14:30 clarifies that the ritual for cleansing is not rigid or exclusive, but allows for different economic situations by permitting either turtledoves or young pigeons.
• The verse connects to the broader passage, which outlines a detailed process for restoring someone to the community after illness, showing concern for both ritual purity and social inclusion.
• This flexibility in the law demonstrates a principle of compassion and practicality within the ancient Israelite system, ensuring that no one is excluded from restoration because of poverty.