תֹּר (tor)
tor
turtledove
H:NQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 14 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N
Definition
Definition
Brown-Driver-Briggs
Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word for turtledove appears in the Old Testament primarily as an offering for those with limited means. In Leviticus, God allows a poor person to bring two birds instead of a lamb or goat to make atonement for sin. This detail shows that access to forgiveness is not determined by wealth or social status. The same sacrifice available to the wealthy was equally valid for the marginalized.
Later biblical writers use this small bird as a symbol of vulnerability and dependence on God. In Psalms, the psalmist asks God to protect the soul of His dove from wild beasts, highlighting how fragile human life can feel against powerful enemies. The imagery reminds us that God cares deeply for those who have little else to offer.
Understanding this word helps us see God’s heart for the poor. It assures us that our spiritual standing does not depend on what we can afford, but on His grace. Whether you are in a season of abundance or scarcity, your offerings are seen and valued by Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 14 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- turtle-doves7×
- the/ turtle-doves2×
- and/ a turtle-dove2×
- turtle-dove/ your1×
- the/ turtle-dove1×
- a turtle-dove1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- תֹרִ֗ים3×
- תֹרִ֔ים3×
- תּוֹרֶ֑/ךָ1×
- תֹרִ֛ים1×
- תֹ֖ר1×
- וְ/תֹ֤ר1×
- וְ/תֹ֖ר1×
- הַ/תֹּרִ֗ים1×
- הַ/תֹּרִ֔ים1×
- הַ/תּ֖וֹר1×
Key Verses
-
Leviticus 5:7
“‘If he can’t afford a lamb, then he shall bring his trespass offering for that in which he has sinned, two turtledoves, or two young pigeons, to Yahweh; one for a sin offering, and the other for a burnt offering.
This verse establishes the legal provision allowing the poor to use turtledoves for sin offerings, ensuring equal access to atonement regardless of financial status.
-
Psalms 74:19
Don’t deliver the soul of your dove to wild beasts. Don’t forget the life of your poor forever.
Here the turtledove serves as a metaphor for the vulnerable community, pleading with God for protection against powerful oppressors.
-
Jeremiah 8:7
Yes, the stork in the sky knows her appointed times. The turtledove, the swallow, and the crane observe the time of their coming; but my people don’t know Yahweh’s law.
The prophet contrasts the natural instinct of migratory birds to follow their seasons with Israel’s failure to recognize God’s appointed times and laws.