turtle-dove Summary and Overview

TURTLE-DOVE . The word "turtle," and words of similar sound in Latin and Hebrew, are imitative of the plaintive notes of several species of doves. Ps 74:19. By the Jewish Law, the poor who could not afford a more costly sacrifice were permitted to bring two turtle-doves or two young pigeons. Lev 12:6-8. As the former are not domesticated and breed everywhere in prodigious numbers, this provision was a great boon to the needy. The outward circumstances of Christ's parents are thus indicated in Luke 2:24. The turtle-dove is a bird of passage. Jer 8:7; Song 2:12. Early in April, Palestine everywhere suddenly swarms with these creatures, while a few days before not one was to be found. The most common species (Turtur auritus) also breeds in England and in many parts of Europe. The palm-turtle nests in the tree from which it is named, and therefore could have been obtained by Israel in the valleys of the Sinaitic desert, where this tree is found. The collared turtle is the only other species found in Palestine. By reason of its pairing for life and its unusual fidelity to its mate, this bird is the symbol of purity. See Dove. TU'TORS means "guardians." Gal 4:2.