Turtle, Turtle Dove
Turtle, Turtle-dove
Its peculiar peaceful and gentle habit its often referred to in Scripture. A pair was offered in sacrifice by Mary at her purification (Luke 2:24). The pigeon and the turtle-dove were the only birds permitted to be offered in sacrifice (Lev. 1:14; 5:7; 14:22; 15:14, 29, etc.). The Latin name of this bird, _turtur_, is derived from its note, and is a repetition of the Hebrew name _tor_. Three species are found in Palestine, (1) the turtle-dove (Turtur auritus), (2) the collared turtle (T. risorius), and (3) the palm turtle (T. Senegalensis). But it is to the first of these species which the various passages of Scripture refer. It is a migratory bird (Jer. 8:7; Cant. 2:11, 12). “Search the glades and valleys, even by sultry Jordan, at the end of March, and not a turtle-dove is to be See n. Return in the second week of April, and clouds of doves are feeding on the clovers of the plain. They overspread the whole face of the land.” “Immediately on its arrival it pours forth from every garden, grove, and wooded hill its melancholy yet soothing ditty unceasingly from early dawn till sunset. It is from its plaintive and continuous note, doubtless, that David, pouring forth his heart’s sorrow to God, compares himself to a turtle-dove” (Ps. 74:19).
Fuente: Easton’s Bible Dictionary
Turtle, Turtle Dove
Where the word ‘turtle’ occurs in the A.V. the ‘turtle-dove’ is always to be understood. They are of the family of pigeons, and are plentiful in Palestine, of which there are several species. They could easily be procured by the poorest for the offerings, and a pair of them was brought when the Lord was presented in the temple. Gen 15:9; Lev 1:14; Lev 5:7; Lev 5:11; Lev 12:6; Lev 12:8; Num 6:10; Psa 74:19; Jer 8:7; Luk 2:24. They are the harbinger of spring and when they return from their migration are a symbol of fruitfulness. Son 2:12. The Turtur risorius is a dove found in Palestine. See DOVE.