Animals of the Bible · Sky · Birds
The Turtledove
The Turtledove — a wonderful creature of Scripture and of the Bible world
Discovered in your collection
- Key verse
- Luke 2:24
- Where it lived
- The “sky” habitat in the Bible lands: the valleys and hills of the Holy Land
- What it reminds us of
- The Turtledove in Scripture
Stories from Scripture
The Turtledove in the stories of the Bible
People of faith
The Turtledove in Scripture
“A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.” The turtledove was an offering brought with love to the house of the Lord, standing for a gentle and pure life.
Luke 2:24The prophets and the wise
What the Bible teaches about the turtledove
The turtledove appears with the other gifts in God’s covenant with Abraham; it is known for its soothing song and its steady faithfulness to its mate.
Genesis 15:9
Wonders of Creation
Did you know?
Turtledoves came back in great flocks in spring to the gardens of Jerusalem, and their song was taken as a sign that nature was coming back to life after the winter.
In Bible times, the turtledove was part of the everyday scenery of the lands of the ancient East.
Every feature of this creature shows the order and care of the Creator for all the living things on earth.
From the Holy Scriptures
What do we read in the Bible about the turtledove?
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.
9 And he said unto him, Take me an heifer of three years old, and a she goat of three years old, and a ram of three years old, and a turtledove, and a young pigeon.
Verses are quoted from the King James Version (KJV). Read each passage in the context of its chapter in the Bible.
What the turtledove teaches us
The Turtledove in Scripture
The turtledove was the offering of the poor in the law of Moses — alongside the dove, the humble choice of someone without wealth. Its presence at the Temple reminds us that God did not look at riches, but at the heart. The turtledove is also a symbol of loyalty and steady love.
How we can live this out today
Look at nature and thank God for the care He gives to every creature, big or small!
Mini-Quiz
What did you learn about the turtledove?
In which book of the Bible do we find references to the turtledove?
For parents and children
At home and in Sunday school
A question for parents and children
What can we learn from the way God takes care of the animals in nature? How does the Bible show us His love for us?
“Lord, thank You for the wonderful world You made and for Your care every day. Teach me to love Your creation and to follow You with a thankful heart! Amen.”