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This regulation treats the birth of a son (vv.2-4), the birth of a daughter (v.5), and sacrifices for purification after childbirth (vv.6-8).
1. On giving birth to a son a woman becomes unclean for seven days (v.2). Seven is a significant number because it symbolizes perfection. Uncleanness is due to the secretion of blood that occurs with childbirth, not giving birth itself (cf. vv.4, 5, 7). Bodily secretions in general cause a person to be unclean, but the issue of blood is especially offensive. After seven days the woman is technically clean, but she is required to avoid contact with anything sacred for thirty-three more days.
2. The birth of a daughter (v.5) renders a woman unclean for fourteen days, and she is required to separate herself for sixty days. The reason for the differences between the regulations on the birth of a son or daughter are not given, but the longer periods of time for a girl may be that a girl becomes unclean through menses.
3. Sacrifices for purification are to be offered after childbirth (vv.6-8). The new mother is required to present a sacrificial offering at the conclusion of her time of purification (vv.6-8). She is to present a lamb for a burnt offering (cf. ch. 1) and a pigeon or dove for the sin offering (cf. chs. 4-5). It is important to note that a sin offering rather than a guilt offering is required of the mother. This indicates that what is at issue is not a specific act of sin but uncleanness that requires expiation before that mother may enter the sanctuary. Also noteworthy in this text is the fact that women, as well as men, are required to present sacrifices at the sanctuary.