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:

NUMBERS 6:10KJV
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Numbers 6:10 (KJV)

What does Numbers 6:10 mean?

Numbers 6:10 instructs that on the eighth day, a person must bring two turtledoves or two young pigeons to the priest at the entrance of the tabernacle. This is part of a specific ritual process for someone under a Nazirite vow who has become ritually unclean.

The verse is part of God’s instructions to Moses for the Israelites about the Nazirite vow—a special commitment of separation to the Lord. If a Nazirite accidentally becomes unclean, this offering is required to restore their status. The birds are brought to the priest at the tabernacle entrance, showing the public and formal nature of the ritual.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 6:10

  • "eighth" (שְׁמִינִי, shemini): This word marks a specific time frame, emphasizing that the ritual is not immediate but follows a seven-day period of purification.
  • "turtles" (תֹּרִים, torim) and "pigeons" (בְּנֵי יוֹנָה, benei yonah): The Hebrew terms specify two types of birds commonly used in offerings, often chosen because they were more affordable than larger animals, making the ritual accessible to those of modest means.
  • "door" (פֶּתַח, petach): This word refers to the entrance of the tabernacle, highlighting that the offering is made in a visible, communal setting, not in private.

Why Numbers 6:10 matters

  • Numbers 6:10 clarifies that even those under a special vow could become unclean and needed a way to return to their commitment, showing the practical and compassionate side of the law.
  • The verse highlights the importance of ritual purity and the structured process for restoration, which helps explain the seriousness of the Nazirite vow in Israelite society.
  • By specifying affordable offerings, Numbers 6:10 shows that the law made room for people of different economic backgrounds to participate fully in religious life.

Where else these words appear

“turtles” Hebrew H8449 · used in 14 verses

  • Genesis 15:9 And he said unto him, Take me an heifer of three years old, and a she goat of three years old, and a ram of three years old, and a turtledove, and a young pigeon.
  • Leviticus 12:6 And when the days of her purifying are fulfilled, for a son, or for a daughter, she shall bring a lamb of the first year for a burnt offering, and a young pigeon, or a turtledove, for a sin offering, unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, unto the priest:
  • Leviticus 15:14 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:

“eighth” Hebrew H8066 · used in 27 verses

  • Exodus 22:30 Likewise shalt thou do with thine oxen, and with thy sheep: seven days it shall be with his dam; on the eighth day thou shalt give it me.
  • Leviticus 23:36 Seven days ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD: on the eighth day shall be an holy convocation unto you; and ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD: it is a solemn assembly; and ye shall do no servile work therein.
  • 1 Chronicles 12:12 Johanan the eighth, Elzabad the ninth,

“pigeons” Hebrew H3123 · used in 32 verses

  • Genesis 8:8 Also he sent forth a dove from him, to see if the waters were abated from off the face of the ground;
  • Leviticus 14:22 And two turtledoves, or two young pigeons, such as he is able to get; and the one shall be a sin offering, and the other a burnt offering.
  • Song of Solomon 5:2 I sleep, but my heart waketh: it is the voice of my beloved that knocketh, saying, Open to me, my sister, my love, my dove, my undefiled: for my head is filled with dew, and my locks with the drops of the night.