# dove, pigeon

## Definition:

Doves and pigeons are two kinds of small, gray-brown birds that look similar. A dove is often thought of as being lighter in color, almost white.

* Some languages have two different names for them, while others use the same name for both.
* Doves and pigeons were used in sacrifices to God, especially for people who could not afford to buy a larger animal.
* A dove brought the leaf of an olive tree to Noah when the flood waters were going down.
* Doves sometimes symbolize purity, innocence, or peace.
* If doves or pigeons are not known in the language area where the translation is being done, this term could be translated as “a small grayish brown bird called a dove” or “a small gray or brown bird, similar to a (name of local bird)”.
* If both a dove and a pigeon are referred to in the same verse, it is best to use two different words for these birds, if possible.

(See also: [How to Translate Unknowns](rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown))

(See also: [olive](../other/olive.md), [innocent](../kt/innocent.md), [pure](../kt/purify.md))

## Bible References:

* [Genesis 8:9](rc://en/tn/help/gen/08/09)
* [Luke 2:22-24](rc://en/tn/help/luk/02/22)
* [Mark 1:10](rc://en/tn/help/mrk/01/10)
* [Matthew 3:16](rc://en/tn/help/mat/03/16)
* [Matthew 21:12-14](rc://en/tn/help/mat/21/12)

## Word Data:

* Strong’s: H1469, H1686, H3123, H8449, G40580
