Lexical Summary trugón: Turtledove Original Word: τρυγών Strong's Exhaustive Concordance turtle-dove. From truzo (to murmur; akin to trizo, but denoting a duller sound); a turtle-dove (as cooing) -- turtle-dove. see GREEK trizo NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom truzó (to murmur, coo) Definition a turtledove NASB Translation turtledoves (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5167: τρυγώντρυγών, τρυγόνος, ἡ (from τρύζω to murmur, sigh, coo, of doves; cf. γογγύζω), a turtle-dove: Luke 2:24. (Aristophanes, Theocritus, others; Aeh v. h. 1, 15; the Sept. for תֹּר.) Topical Lexicon Definition and General Meaning A turtledove is a small migratory dove known for its gentle disposition and mournful coo. In Scripture it belongs to the class of clean birds and is repeatedly listed with the pigeon as an acceptable sacrifice. Its soft voice and strong pair-bonding made it a biblical emblem of purity, faithfulness, and tender affection. Occurrence in the New Testament Strong’s Greek 5167 (τρυγών) appears once, in Luke 2:24. Joseph and Mary, obedient to the Law after the birth of Jesus, came to Jerusalem “to offer a sacrifice according to what was said in the Law of the Lord: ‘A pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.’” Their choice of the less-costly offering underscores the Holy Family’s humility and fulfills the requirements of Leviticus 12. Old Testament Background 1. Introduced in the sacrificial legislation (Leviticus 1:14; 5:7; 12:6-8; 14:22, 30; 15:14-29; Numbers 6:10). Place in the Sacrificial System • Burnt Offering: An individual of modest means could bring a turtledove (Leviticus 1:14-17). Thus the bird became especially associated with God’s accommodation for the poor, a recurring motif that foreshadows the gospel’s reach to all classes. Symbolism and Theological Themes Purity and Innocence: Its acceptance as a sin offering without blemish pictures the spotless sacrifice required before God. Faithful Love: “The voice of the turtledove is heard in our land” (Song of Solomon 2:12) celebrates covenant affection, an image later fulfilled in Christ’s unbreakable love for His Church. Seasonal Return: Jeremiah 8:7 rebukes Israel for ignoring God’s timing even though “the turtledove observes the time of its coming,” underscoring creation’s obedience versus human waywardness. Mourning: Isaiah 38:14 and Psalm 74:19 use the dove’s plaintive tone to express lament, pointing to the broken spirit God accepts (Psalm 51:17). Christological and Redemptive Significance Luke places the turtledove at the cradle of redemption. The lowly offering identifies Jesus with the economically disadvantaged, echoing Isaiah’s Servant who “grew up before Him like a tender shoot” (Isaiah 53:2). By submitting to the Law in even its smallest detail, the Savior fulfilled all righteousness on behalf of His people (Matthew 3:15), establishing the pattern of perfect obedience carried to the cross. The turtledove thus silently heralds the substitutionary work Christ would accomplish as the Lamb of God. Historical and Cultural Insights • Availability: Turtledoves migrated through Palestine in great numbers, making them affordable and accessible. Implications for Ministry and Discipleship 1. God’s Provision for the Humble: The turtledove reminds believers that economic status never bars entrance to God’s presence; grace accommodates the least. Key Biblical References Leviticus 1:14-17; 5:7-10; 12:6-8; 14:22-30; 15:14-29 Forms and Transliterations τρυγόνα τρυγόνας τρυγόνος τρυγονων τρυγόνων τρυγών trugonon trugonōn trygonon trygonōn trygónon trygónōnLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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