Log inSign up

Leviticus 12 · a question people ask

Why are the days twice as long for a daughter?

In the text

The chapter doesn't say. It gives only the numbers: for a son, seven days and then thirty-three (12:2, 12:4); for a daughter, "two weeks" and then "sixty-six days" (12:5). What the text does show: the offering is the same "for a son or for a daughter" (12:6), the law is the same "whether a male or a female" (12:7), and the one thing said about the child is that a son is circumcised on the eighth day (12:3). Leviticus gives no reason for the difference, and any explanation goes beyond the text.

From Favor's study of Leviticus 12

Leviticus 12: She shall be clean

After a birth, Leviticus 12 gives a mother two stretches of days: seven and thirty-three for a son, two weeks and sixty-six for a daughter, with a son circumcised on the eighth day. Then the same offerings for either, and if she "cannot afford a lamb", two birds (12:8). Luke tells of it kept at Jesus' birth: the eighth day, the days of purification, and the two birds (Luke 2:21-24).

In Favor, questions like this come up right where they arise as you read, with the Hebrew and Greek behind the words and how the chapter leads to Jesus.

Start your free weekLeviticus 12 Bible study

First week free, then $10 a month per person

More questions about Leviticus 12

All questions about Leviticus →

The best way to learn the Bible

Favor opens up every chapter as you read.

Favor is a Bible study app for your phone or computer. It takes you through the Bible one chapter at a time, a few minutes a day, and shows you what's really there: the words behind the words, the moments most people miss, and how the whole story fits together. For you. For everyone.

  • Every chapter explains itself

    As you read, short notes open up what's really going on, the details most readers walk past, and the honest questions people ask.

  • The Hebrew and Greek behind it

    Tap a highlighted word to see the original, how to say it, and what it means, checked against the original-language texts.

  • Every page leads to Jesus

    Watch promises made in Genesis kept in Jesus. Each line lights up on your map as you read.

  • Better together

    Read on your own, or start a Bible study with friends, family or your church. Answers stay sealed until you meet, then appear together.

  1. 1

    Start your free week

    Sign up in a minute with your email.

  2. 2

    Read a few minutes a day

    Each chapter opens itself up as you go. Tap what you're curious about.

  3. 3

    Bring your people, if you like

    Send one link. Everyone reads the same chapter, then meets to talk.

Start your free week

First week free, then $10 a month per person

Questions like this, in every chapter

The best way to learn the Bible. For you. For everyone.

There's a seat for you at the table.

Start your free week

First week free, then $10 a month per person · Log in

Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible, which is in the public domain. Every answer cites the verses it rests on. What we believe · All Bible questions