Leviticus 5:7 · Bible study
Leviticus 5:7 Commentary: Study: Atonement for the Poor
Hebrew · 7 what the commentators say
Meaning in one sentence
Explore the poverty provision in Leviticus 5:7. Two birds, one offering: God's gracious accommodation and the completeness of atonement for all.
Research Summary
- Meaning: God provides a cheaper offering for the poor, ensuring atonement is accessible to all.
- Key words: ‘asham (guilt/trespass offering), chatta’t (sin offering), ‘olah (burnt offering).
- Main debate: Whether the two birds have separate symbolic meanings or are merely a practical concession.
- Theological theme: God’s grace extends to the economically vulnerable; atonement is complete even when the offering is modest.
- Best use: Teaching God’s impartial mercy, the nature of repentance, and the inclusiveness of the gospel.
Translation Comparison
BSB Berean Standard Bible 2020
If, however, he cannot afford a lamb, he may bring to the LORD as restitution for his sin two turtledoves or two young pigeons—one as a sin offering and the other as a burnt offering.
WEB World English Bible 2000
“‘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.
KJV King James Version 1769
And if he be not able to bring a lamb, then he shall bring for his trespass, which he hath committed, two turtledoves, or two young pigeons, unto the Lord; one for a sin offering, and the other for a burnt offering.
ASV American Standard Version 1901
And if his means suffice not for a lamb, then he shall bring his trespass-offering for that wherein he hath sinned, two turtle-doves, or two young pigeons, unto Jehovah; one for a sin-offering, and the other for a burnt-offering.
YLT Young's Literal Translation 1898
`And if his hand reach not to the sufficiency of a lamb, then he hath brought in his guilt-offering--he who hath sinned--two turtle-doves or two young pigeons to Jehovah, one for a sin-offering, and one for a burnt-offering;
Darby Darby Bible 1890
And if his hand be not able to bring what is so much as a sheep, then he shall bring for his trespass which he hath sinned two turtle-doves or two young pigeons, to Jehovah; one for a sin-offering, and the other for a burnt-offering.
Douay-Rheims Douay-Rheims Bible 1899
But if he be not able to offer a beast, let him offer two turtles, or two young pigeons to the Lord, one for sin, and the other for a holocaust,
Translations in other languages (10 available)
Y si no le alcanzare|strong="H5060, H1767" para un cordero, traerá en expiación por su pecado que cometió, dos tórtolas ó dos palominos á Jehová; el|strong="H1121, H3123" uno para expiación, y el|strong="H1121, H3123" otro para holocausto.
E se não lhe alcançar para um cordeiro, trará em expiação por seu pecado que cometeu, duas rolinhas ou dois pombinhos ao SENHOR; um para expiação, e o outro para holocausto.
S’ il n’ a pas de quoi se procurer une brebis ou une chèvre, il offrira en sacrifice de culpabilité à l’ Éternel pour son péché deux tourterelles ou deux jeunes pigeons, l’ un comme victime expiatoire, l’ autre comme holocauste.
Vermag er aber nicht ein Schaf, so bringe er dem HERRN für seine Schuld, die er getan hat, zwei Turteltauben oder zwei junge Tauben, die erste zum Sündopfer, die andere zum Brandopfer,
Maar indien zijn hand zoveel niet bereiken kan, als genoeg is tot een stuk klein vee, zo zal hij tot zijn offer voor de schuld, die hij gezondigd heeft, den HEERE brengen twee tortelduiven, of twee jonge duiven, een ten zondoffer, en een ten brandoffer.
Se non ha mezzi da procurarsi una pecora o una capra, porterà all’Eterno, come sacrifizio della sua colpa, per il suo peccato, due tortore o due giovani piccioni: uno come sacrifizio per il peccato, l’altro come olocausto.
A jeźliby nie przemógł ofiarować bydlątka, tedy przyniesie ofiarę za występek swój, którym zgrzeszył, parę synogarlic, albo parę gołąbiąt Panu, jedno na ofiarę za grzech, a drugie na ofiarę całopalenia;
Если же он не в состоянии принести овцы, то в повинность за грех свой пусть принесет Господу двух горлиц или двух молодых голубей, одного в жертву за грех, а другого во всесожжение;
「他的力量 若 不 夠 獻 一隻羊羔，就要因所 犯的罪，把兩隻 斑鳩 或是 兩隻 雛 鴿 帶 到耶和華 面前為 贖愆祭：一隻 作贖罪祭，一隻 作燔祭。
And if he has not money enough for a lamb, then let him give, for his offering to the Lord, two doves or two young pigeons; one for a sin-offering and one for a burned offering.
Verse in Context
Original Language (Biblical Hebrew)
Old Testament · Biblical Hebrew · Leviticus 5:7
Source: STEPBible TAGNT/TEHB (CC-BY 4.0). Click or tap a morphology code to see the full parsing.
Scholars' Consensus
Commentators across traditions agree that this verse displays God’s merciful accommodation to the poor. Matthew Henry calls it “provision for the poor of God’s people” so that no one is excluded from forgiveness by lack of means. Gill notes that turtledoves and young pigeons were “common, and in great plenty in the land of Israel” and therefore cheap, making atonement accessible. Wesley similarly observes that poverty was a valid exception allowed also in other sin offerings. The Cambridge Bible points out the obvious similarity with the burnt offering of birds in Leviticus 1:14, yet here the two birds serve distinct purposes: one as a sin offering for the particular sin, and one as a burnt offering. Commentators agree that the provision does not lower the standard of atonement; rather it ensures that the same complete forgiveness is available regardless of economic status.
How settled is the interpretation?
Interpretive difficulty: Low
What is clear: God provides an accessible way for the poor to receive atonement, demonstrating His grace and concern for all economic levels.
What Scholars Agree and Debate
| Topic | Agreed | Debated |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose of the two birds | One bird functions as a sin offering for the specific sin, the other as a burnt offering expressing total devotion. | Some commentators (e.g., Gill) see a strong typological meaning, with the two birds symbolizing the fullness of Christ's sacrifice. Others (e.g., Matthew Henry) emphasize the practical relief for the poor, without pressing the symbolism. |
| Comparison to the rich person's offering | The poor person receives the same forgiveness as the rich person through this alternative offering. | There is debate over whether the poor person's offering is seen as inferior (only a substitute) or fully equivalent in atoning power. Wesley notes it is accepted, but some older interpreters viewed it as a lesser sacrifice. |
| Connection to Leviticus 1:14 | The birds are the same species allowed for the burnt offering in Leviticus 1:14, showing consistency in the sacrificial system. | Some argue that the procedure in Leviticus 5:7 differs (the head is not completely severed in the sin offering, per v. 8), indicating a distinct ritual; others see the same method applied. |
| Relevance for today | Christians across traditions see this verse as demonstrating God’s care for the poor and the accessibility of grace. | Some apply this directly to church practice (e.g., tithing scales), while others read it as purely historical law with spiritual principles about God's character. |
Historical & Cultural Context
The sacrificial system in Leviticus establishes a graded scale of offerings according to the worshiper’s means. Leviticus 5:7 sits within a section dealing with unintentional sins or sins committed through oversight (vv. 1, 6). A lamb or goat was the standard offering for a sin offering (v. 6), but if a person “cannot afford” (literally “his hand does not reach the sufficiency of a lamb”) the law provides a bird alternative. In ancient Israel, turtledoves and young pigeons were abundantly available and inexpensive, Gill cites the Jewish writer Maimonides to that effect.
The two birds are handled differently: one is offered as a sin offering (with blood manipulation described in vv. 8, 9), the other as a burnt offering, wholly consumed on the altar. The order matters, the sin offering is presented first, addressing the specific sin, then the burnt offering expresses total devotion and general atonement. This sequential logic is mirrored in Leviticus 12:8, where a woman after childbirth who cannot afford a lamb brings two birds for the same dual purpose. The provision thus weaves together the twin dimensions of forgiveness and consecration, and ensures that economic status never becomes a barrier to restored relationship with God.
Textual Notes
Reception History
Preaching This Verse
Three-point outline
- God makes atonement accessible to all. The sliding scale from lamb to birds shows that no financial barrier can keep a person from forgiveness.
- The two birds complete the work. One bird deals with the specific sin; the other consecrates the worshiper wholly to God. Atonement is both removal of guilt and restoration of relationship.
- The poor are not second-class in worship. The same priest, the same altar, the same promise of forgiveness. God’s grace levels the ground.
Five-point outline
- The poverty provision is not an afterthought. It is built into the law from the start (Leviticus 5:7, 11). God anticipates our limitations.
- Simplicity does not mean less efficacy. The birds are a true substitute; the same atonement is accomplished as with a lamb.
- The two offerings teach us about repentance. The sin offering is specific confession; the burnt offering is a total surrender.
- This pattern foreshadows Christ. Gill and others see in the birds a picture of Christ’s purity and innocence, offered for rich and poor alike.
- The gospel has always been for the poor. From Leviticus to the Sermon on the Plain, God’s heart for the vulnerable is consistent.
Illustration hooks
- A family on a tight budget still wants to give generously at church. How do we help them give with dignity?
- Someone says “I can’t afford to be a Christian” (time, money, energy). Leviticus 5:7 shows that God meets us where we are.
- The one who brings a humble offering and the one who brings a grand one stand side by side at the same altar.
Questions your congregation is asking
- Does God really accept a small gift as much as a large one? This verse says yes.
- Why do I need both a sin offering (confession) and a burnt offering (surrender)? Why not just one?
- What does this say about how we should treat the poor in our church today?
Leading a Discussion
This passage shows God’s heart for the poor within the sacrificial system. As you discuss, consider how the law makes forgiveness available to everyone, regardless of financial standing. The two birds also reveal something about what atonement accomplishes.
Discussion questions
- What does the phrase “if he can’t afford a lamb” tell you about God’s character?
- Why do you think the law requires a sin offering AND a burnt offering, rather than just one bird?
- How does the order of offerings (sin offering first, burnt offering second) shape our understanding of repentance?
- Read Leviticus 5:11, 13 alongside this verse. What additional concession does God make, and what is not allowed? (no oil or frankincense)
- How does this provision connect to the New Testament teaching that God has chosen the poor to be rich in faith (James 2:5)?
- In what ways might your church make it easier for people of limited means to participate fully in worship?
- What does this verse teach us about the nature of atonement, was it the animal that mattered, or the heart behind it?
Word Study
The key original-language words in this verse. Select any word for its full lexicon entry — meaning, every occurrence in Scripture, and related words.
Cross-References
Source: Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (TSK, public domain)
| Leviticus 1:14 | “‘If his offering to Yahweh is a burnt offering of birds, then he shall offer his offering from turtledoves or of young pigeons. |
| Leviticus 1:15 | The priest shall bring it to the altar, and wring off its head, and burn it on the altar; and its blood shall be drained out on the side of the altar; |
| Leviticus 5:8 | He shall bring them to the priest, who shall first offer the one which is for the sin offering. He shall wring off its head from its neck, but shall not sever it completely. |
| Leviticus 5:9 | He shall sprinkle some of the blood of the sin offering on the side of the altar; and the rest of the blood shall be drained out at the base of the altar. It is a sin offering. |
| Leviticus 5:11 | “‘But if he can’t afford two turtledoves or two young pigeons, then he shall bring as his offering for that in which he has sinned, one tenth of an ephah of fine flour for a sin offering. He shall put no oil on it, and he shall not put any frankincense on it, for it is a sin offering. |
| Leviticus 9:3 | You shall speak to the children of Israel, saying, ‘Take a male goat for a sin offering; and a calf and a lamb, both a year old, without defect, for a burnt offering; |
| Leviticus 12:8 | If she cannot afford a lamb, then she shall take two turtledoves or two young pigeons: the one for a burnt offering, and the other for a sin offering. The priest shall make atonement for her, and she shall be clean.’” |
| Leviticus 14:21 | “If he is poor, and can’t afford so much, then he shall take one male lamb for a trespass offering to be waved, to make atonement for him, and one tenth of an ephah of fine flour mixed with oil for a meal offering, and a log of oil; |
Interlinear and lexical data from STEPBible (CC BY 4.0). Cross-reference data from OpenBible.info (CC BY 4.0). Commentaries are public domain.
For personal reflection
Read the devotional page — prayer, application, and "for families"
What the Commentators Say
6 public-domain commentaries, condensed into plain language.
Adam Clarke's Commentary Methodist/Wesleyan 1826
Clarke notes the provision for a worshiper who cannot afford a lamb and directs readers to his earlier note on Leviticus 1:16, where he explains the alternative offering for the poor. This cross-reference ties the passage back to the principle that God accommodates sacrifice to each person's means.
Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges Anglican 1880
The similarity between this alternative offering for a poor man and that of Lev_1:14-17 is obvious.
Geneva Bible Notes Reformed 1599
The Geneva note highlights that the law made provision for the poor: those who could not afford a lamb could bring two birds, one as a sin offering and the other as a burnt offering. This distinction shows that God required both atonement for sin and complete dedication, but he graciously scaled the cost to what a person could provide.
Gill's Exposition of the Bible Baptist 1748
Gill highlights that even the poorest person could bring two inexpensive birds, one for a sin offering and one for a burnt offering, instead of a costly lamb. He sees these birds as types of Christ's purity and meekness, and the two offerings together picture the full and complete atonement Christ provides for rich and poor alike.
Matthew Henry's Commentary Reformed/Presbyterian 1710
Henry highlights the merciful accommodation God makes for the poorest worshippers. Those unable to bring a lamb could offer birds, and if even that was too much, a small measure of flour was accepted. This provision shows that no one’s poverty blocks the way to atonement and peace of conscience.
Wesley's Explanatory Notes Methodist/Wesleyan 1754
Wesley notes that the law requires a specific sin offering for a particular sin before the general burnt offering. This order teaches that Christians must not rest in general confessions but must search out, confess, and forsake each individual sin, without which God will not accept other worship.