complete verse (Leviticus 12:8)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Leviticus 12:8:

  • Kupsabiny: “Even though that is the case, if the woman is unable to get a kid, she shall bring two doves or pigeons. One shall be for a completely burned sacrifice and the other for a sacrifice that sweeps away sin so that the woman can be made clean.’” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “’If [she] is not able to bring a sacrificial lamb, she must bring two, either pigeons or doves, one for a burnt offering and one for a The Purification Sacrifice. In this way the priest will make atonement for her. Then she will be clean.’” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “The priest will-offer this in the presence of the LORD in-order to-take-(away) the dirtiness/uncleanness of the woman because of the coming-out of her blood, and she will-become clean. If she is- not -able-(to-afford) a sheep she is-to- just now -bring two doves or two pigeons; one she is-to-offer as a burnt offering and one as an offering for becoming-clean. By-means-of this which the priest will-do, her dirtiness/uncleanness will-be-removed/taken-away and she will- now -become clean. These are the regulations/[lit. what-is-to-be-followed] concerning the woman who has-given-birth/has-had-a-child.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “If a woman who gives birth to a child cannot afford a lamb, she must bring two doves or two young pigeons. One will be burned completely on the altar, and one will be an offering to enable her to become acceptable to God again. By doing that, the priest will cause that she will be forgiven for any sins she has committed, and she no longer will need to be avoided.’’” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Leviticus 12:8

This verse is seen by some commentators as an addition to the original text, and that it may fit better before the concluding summary in verse 7b. But it is better to translate the text as it stands. What is important is that this is a concession to the poor woman who cannot afford to bring a lamb.

Compare this verse with 5.7-13.

If she cannot afford a lamb: literally “If her hand find not the price of a lamb.” In a number of languages the English verb “to afford” has to be expressed in ways much more like the Hebrew. One may say “if she does not have enough money for a lamb” or “if she lacks what is necessary for a lamb” or even “if she is to poor to bring a lamb.”

Two young pigeons: see 5.7. Again, the age of the birds is not important here.

For the rest of this verse, see verse 7a.

Quoted with permission from Péter-Contesse, René and Ellington, John. A Handbook on Leviticus. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1990. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .