Pigeons, often referred to as doves in the Bible, hold significant symbolic and practical roles within the scriptural narrative. These birds are mentioned numerous times throughout the Old and New Testaments, serving as symbols of peace, purity, and the Holy Spirit, as well as being used in sacrificial offerings.

Symbolism and Representation

Pigeons are frequently associated with peace and innocence. In Genesis 8:8-12, Noah sends out a dove to see if the floodwaters had receded. The dove returns with an olive leaf, signaling the end of God's judgment and the restoration of peace between God and humanity. This imagery has endured as a universal symbol of peace.

In the New Testament, the Holy Spirit is depicted as descending like a dove during the baptism of Jesus. Matthew 3:16 states, "As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water. Suddenly the heavens were opened, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and resting on Him." This event underscores the dove's representation of the Holy Spirit, embodying purity, gentleness, and divine approval.

Sacrificial Use

Pigeons were also integral to the sacrificial system outlined in the Mosaic Law. They were one of the few animals that the poor could afford to offer, highlighting God's provision for all socioeconomic classes to participate in worship and atonement. Leviticus 1:14 specifies, "If, however, one’s offering to the LORD is a burnt offering of birds, he is to present a turtledove or a young pigeon."

The use of pigeons in sacrifices is further illustrated in the purification rites after childbirth. In Luke 2:24 , Mary and Joseph offer "a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons" in accordance with the Law of the Lord, demonstrating their obedience and humility.

Cultural and Religious Context

In ancient Israel, pigeons were readily available and commonly used in daily life, making them a practical choice for offerings. Their role in sacrifices underscores the importance of accessibility in worship, allowing even the most humble individuals to maintain a relationship with God through prescribed rituals.

The consistent presence of pigeons in biblical texts reflects their broader cultural significance in the ancient Near East. They were not only valued for their role in religious practices but also for their utility in communication and as a food source.

Conclusion

Pigeons, as depicted in the Bible, serve as powerful symbols and practical elements within the religious and cultural framework of ancient Israel. Their representation of peace, purity, and the Holy Spirit, alongside their role in sacrificial offerings, highlights their multifaceted significance in the biblical narrative.Pigeons

See DOVES.

4058. peristera -- a dove
... dove, pigeon. Word Origin of uncertain origin Definition a dove NASB Word
Usage dove (4), doves (5), pigeons (1). dove, pigeon. Of ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4058.htm - 6k3123. yonah -- dove
... Word Origin from an unused word Definition dove NASB Word Usage dove (13),
dove's (1), doves (8), pigeon (1), pigeons (9). dove, pigeon. ...
/hebrew/3123.htm - 6k

Whether Christ was Becomingly Presented in the Temple?
... 29). It was therefore more fitting that a lamb should be offered for Christ
than "a pair of turtle doves or two young pigeons.". ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether christ was becomingly presented.htm

Circumcision, Temple Service, and Naming of Jesus.
... to be more consecrated than ever] according to that which is said in the law of
the Lord [Leviticus 12:6-8; v.11], A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons. ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xii circumcision temple service and.htm

How we Forsake Divine Love for that of Creatures.
... We see that pigeons, touched with vanity, display themselves (se pavonnent) sometimes
in the air, and sail about hither and thither, admiring the variety of ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter iii how we forsake.htm

Jesus is Born in Bethlehem
... The mothers used to take a lamb with them, or two pigeons, as a sacrifice to God.
Mary took two pigeons. She was not rich enough to buy a lamb. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/the good shepherd/chapter ii jesus is born.htm

The Purification of the virgin and the Presentation in the Temple
... [988] There was also a special superintendent of turtle-doves and pigeons,' required
for certain purifications, and the holder of that office is mentioned with ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter vii the purification of.htm

At the Foot of the Bamboos
... tell. CARRIER PIGEONS. "Our cook, 'Lo,' takes care of our pigeons. Some ...
the tail. 'Lo' has some attached to some of our pigeons. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/fagg/forty years in south china/v at the foot of.htm

The Cleansing of the Temple - the Sign,' which is not a Sign.
... course, bring their sacrificial animals with them, and we know that on the Mount
of Olives there were four shops, specially for the sale of pigeons and other ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter v the cleansing of.htm

The Origin of Species.
... is to be found in the rock-pigeon, which Mr. Darwin has, in our opinion, satisfactorily
demonstrated to be the progenitor of all our domestic pigeons, of which ...
/.../huxley/lay sermons addresses and reviews/xii the origin of species.htm

Jesus Drives Out the Money-Changers.
... Nathanael, chief orator of the Sanhedrin, stood conspicuous among the chattering
throng. There were baskets with pigeons for sale as sacrifices. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/stead/king of the jews/chapter i jesus drives out.htm

An Unalterable Law
... If a man was too poor to bring an offering from the flock, he was to bring two
turtle-doves or young pigeons; but if he was too poor even for that, he might ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 60 1914/an unalterable law.htm

Pigeons (14 Occurrences)
...Pigeons (14 Occurrences). ... John 2:14 And He found in the Temple the dealers in cattle
and sheep and in pigeons, and the money-changers sitting there. (WEY RSV). ...
/p/pigeons.htm - 11k

Turtle-doves (10 Occurrences)
... Luke 2:24 And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of
the Lord, A pair of turtle-doves, or two young pigeons. (WBS YLT). ...
/t/turtle-doves.htm - 9k

Turtledoves (10 Occurrences)
... Luke 2:24 and to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of
the Lord, "A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons." (WEB KJV ASV NAS RSV). ...
/t/turtledoves.htm - 9k

Doves (25 Occurrences)
... Luke 2:24 and to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of
the Lord, "A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons." (Root in WEB KJV WEY ...
/d/doves.htm - 14k

Pigeon (3 Occurrences)
...Pigeons are mentioned as among the offerings which, by divine appointment, Abram
presented unto the Lord (Genesis 15:9). They were afterwards enumerated among ...
/p/pigeon.htm - 13k

Afford (12 Occurrences)
... 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 ...
/a/afford.htm - 11k

Suffice (22 Occurrences)
... 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 ...
/s/suffice.htm - 13k

Dove (27 Occurrences)
... Doves and pigeons are so closely related as to be spoken and written of as synonymous,
yet there is a distinction recognized from the beginning of time. ...
/d/dove.htm - 28k

Turtles (3 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 12:8 And if she be not able to bring a lamb, then she shall bring two
turtles, or two young pigeons; the one for the burnt offering, and the other ...
/t/turtles.htm - 7k

Eighth (38 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 15:14 "'On the eighth day he shall take two turtledoves, or two young
pigeons, and come before Yahweh to the door of the Tent of Meeting, and give ...
/e/eighth.htm - 19k

What is a sin offering? | GotQuestions.org

How many times did Jesus cleanse the temple? Why did He cleanse the temple? | GotQuestions.org

What is Candlemas? | GotQuestions.org

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