Leviticus 12

God Gives Instructions About Childbirth

1 The Lord spoke to Moses.

2 Tell the Israelites, if a woman gets pregnant and gives birth to a son, she will be unclean for seven days, just like during her monthly period.

3 On the eighth day, the boy must be circumcised.

4 She must stay in purification for another thirty-three days, not touching anything holy or entering the sanctuary until her purification time is complete.

5 If she gives birth to a daughter, she will be unclean for two weeks, just like during her period. Then she must stay in purification for another sixty-six days.

The Offerings for Purification

6 When her purification time is complete, whether for a son or a daughter, she must bring a one-year-old lamb for a burnt offering and a young pigeon or a dove for a sin offering to the priest at the entrance of the Tabernacle.

7 The priest will present them before the Lord and make atonement for her. Then she will be clean from her bleeding. These are the rules for women after childbirth, whether they have a son or a daughter.

8 If she cannot afford a lamb, she must bring two doves or two young pigeons, one for a burnt offering and one for a sin offering. The priest will make atonement for her, and she will be clean.