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Luke 2:24

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does Luke 2:24 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “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.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

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.
Luke 2:24 — American Standard Version

Context — Luke 2

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
21And when eight days were fulfilled for circumcising him, his name was called JESUS, which was so called by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.
22And when the days of their purification according to the law of Moses were fulfilled, they brought him up to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord
23(as it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord),
24and to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.
25And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Spirit was upon him.
26And it had been revealed unto him by the Holy Spirit, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord`s Christ.
27And he came in the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, that they might do concerning him after the custom of the law,
← Luke 2:23Luke 2:25 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And to offer a sacrifice, etc.] That is, when the time of purification came, the parents of our Lord brought him from Bethlehem to Jerusalem, to present him in the temple to the Lord as his, and to redeem him; and not only so, but to offer the sacrifice required of child-bed women: according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, (<031208>Leviticus 12:8) a pair of turtle doves, or two young pigeons: if the person was able, she was to bring a lamb of the first year for a burnt offering; and a young pigeon, or a turtle dove, for a sin offering; but in case of poverty, then the above sufficed, and one of them was for a burnt offering, and the other for a sin offering; which shows not…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“And to offer a sacrifice ... - Those who were able on such an occasion were required to offer a lamb for a burnt-offering, and a pigeon or a turtle-dove for a sin-offering. If not able to bring a “lamb,” then they were permitted to bring two turtle-doves or two young pigeons, Leviticus 12:6, Leviticus 12:8. Turtle-doves - Doves distinguished for having a plaintive and tender voice. By Mary’s making this offering she showed her poverty; and our Saviour, by coming in a state of poverty, has shown that it is not dishonorable to be poor. No station is dishonorable where “God” places us. He knows what is best for us, and he often makes a state of poverty an occasion of the highest blessings. If…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“A pair of turtle doves, or two young pigeons - This offering sufficed for the poor. Lev 12:8. Luke 2:25”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“2:24 a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons: This quote from Lev 12:8 pertains to the purification ceremony after childbirth; Joseph and Mary offered the sacrifice prescribed for the poor.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“A pair: Lev 12:2, Lev 12:6-8; Co2 8:9 Luke 2:25”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification