This verse is seen by some commentators as an addition to the original text, and that it may fit better before the concluding summary in verse 7b. But it is better to translate the text as it stands. What is important is that this is a concession to the poor woman who cannot afford to bring a lamb.

Compare this verse with 5.7-13.

If she cannot afford a lamb: literally “If her hand find not the price of a lamb.” In a number of languages the English verb “to afford” has to be expressed in ways much more like the Hebrew. One may say “if she does not have enough money for a lamb” or “if she lacks what is necessary for a lamb” or even “if she is to poor to bring a lamb.”

Two young pigeons: see 5.7. Again, the age of the birds is not important here.

For the rest of this verse, see verse 7a.

Quoted with permission from Péter-Contesse, René and Ellington, John. A Handbook on Leviticus. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1990. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .