Dove. A clean bird in the Mosiac law sent out by Noah. Genesis 8:8, Genesis 8:12. The Hebrew word yonah includes the various varieties of doves and pigeons found in Palestine, excepting turtle-doves, called tôr. There are very many allusions to this bird, for its beauty of plumage, Psalms 68:13, its simpleness, Hosea 7:11, its harmlessness, Matthew 10:16, etc., so that it even symbolizes the Holy Spirit, the meekness, purity, and splendor of righteousness. Matthew 3:16, Mark 1:10, Luke 3:22, John 1:32. Doves are frequently domesticated in the east. Pigeons and turtle-doves might, alone of birds, be offered in sacrifice; full-grown turtle-doves in pairs, but only the young of pigeons. Leviticus 1:14, Leviticus 6:7, Leviticus 6:11, Leviticus 1:12-8. They were the offering of the poorer classes; hence made by Mary. Luke 2:24. And on this account it was that those who sold doves established themselves in the precincts of the temple. Matthew 21:12, Mark 11:15, John 1:2-16.