And on the eighth day he shall take to him two turtledoves, or two young pigeons, and come before the LORD unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and give them unto the priest:
LEVITICUS 15:14KJVWhat does Leviticus 15:14 mean?
Leviticus 15:14 gives instructions for a person who has been healed from a bodily discharge: on the eighth day after being cleansed, he must bring two turtledoves or two young pigeons to the entrance of the tabernacle and give them to the priest as part of a ritual before the LORD. This verse outlines a specific step in the process of ritual purification in ancient Israel.
In this context, God is speaking to Moses and Aaron, giving them laws for the Israelites about bodily discharges and how to become ritually clean again. The verse describes the concrete action required after a period of uncleanness: the person must wait seven days, then on the eighth day bring birds as an offering to the priest at the tabernacle entrance, marking the completion of the purification process.
The Hebrew behind Leviticus 15:14
- "eighth" (שְּׁמִינִי, shemini): This word marks the specific timing—on the eighth day after the discharge stops, not before. The number eight often signals a new beginning in the Hebrew Bible.
- "turtledoves" (תֹּרִים, torim) and "young pigeons" (בְּנֵי יוֹנָה, benei yonah): These birds were commonly used for offerings, especially by those who could not afford larger animals. The use of either option shows flexibility for people of different means.
- "door" (פֶּתַח, petach) and "tabernacle" (אֹהֶל, ohel): The person must come to the entrance of the tabernacle, not just anywhere, highlighting the importance of approaching God's dwelling place for restoration to the community.
Why Leviticus 15:14 matters
- This verse clarifies that ritual impurity was not permanent; there was a clear, accessible path for anyone to return to full participation in community and worship.
- The requirement to bring birds, rather than more expensive animals, shows consideration for economic differences among the people.
- Leviticus 15:14 connects to the wider passage by showing that ritual purity involved both personal responsibility (waiting, washing) and community action (coming to the priest at the tabernacle).