Leviticus 12:8 Commentary - Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
(8) And if she be not able.—As a merciful provision for those who were too poor to bring a lamb, the law permits them to bring a turtle-dove or a pigeon for a burnt offering, provided only it is the same kind of bird as the one brought for a sin offering; that is, they must either be both turtle-doves or both pigeons, and not one turtle-dove and one pigeon. Turtle-doves and pigeons were plentiful and cheap in Palestine (see Lev. 1:14). It was therefore the poor woman’s sacrifice which the mother of our Lord offered, when, in accordance with this commutation, she offered a pair of turtle-doves or two young pigeons, on presenting herself for purification at the Temple with the child Jesus, on the expiration of the prescribed term of uncleanness (Luk. 2:24), and the priest, after sprinkling her with the blood of the humble sacrifice, declared her cleansed.
Consult other comments:
Leviticus 12:8 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
Leviticus 12:8 - The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
Leviticus 12:8 - Adam Clarke's Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
Leviticus 12:8 - Commentary on the Holy Bible by Thomas Coke
Leviticus 12:8 - Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
Leviticus 12:8 - Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
Leviticus 12:8 - John Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible
Leviticus 12:8 - Hawker's Poor Man's Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
Leviticus 12:8 - Commentary Series on the Bible by Peter Pett
Leviticus 12:8 - John Trapp's Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
Leviticus 12:8 - The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Leviticus 12:8 - Whedon's Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)

Charles John Ellicott (1819 - 1905) was a distinguished English Christian theologian, academic and churchman. He briefly served as Dean of Exeter, then Bishop of the united see of Gloucester and Bristol.
His works include:
- An Old Testament Commentary for English Readers, 1897. (Editor)
- A New Testament Commentary for English Readers, 1878.