Deuteronomy 15:21
Deuteronomy 15:21 in Multiple Translations
But if an animal has a defect, is lame or blind, or has any serious flaw, you must not sacrifice it to the LORD your God.
And if there be any blemish therein, as if it be lame, or blind, or have any ill blemish, thou shalt not sacrifice it unto the LORD thy God.
And if it have any blemish, as if it be lame or blind, any ill blemish whatsoever, thou shalt not sacrifice it unto Jehovah thy God.
But if it has any mark on it, if it is blind or has damaged legs, or if there is anything wrong with it, it may not be offered to the Lord your God.
However, if an animal has some defect or is lame or blind, in fact if it has any serious defect at all, you are not to sacrifice it to the Lord your God.
But if there be any blemish therein, as if it be lame, or blind, or haue any euill fault, thou shalt not offer it vnto the Lord thy God,
'And when there is in it a blemish, lame, or blind, any evil blemish, thou dost not sacrifice it to Jehovah thy God;
If it has any defect—is lame or blind, or has any defect whatever, you shall not sacrifice it to the LORD your God.
And if there is any blemish in it, as if it is lame, or blind, or hath any ill blemish, thou shalt not sacrifice it to the LORD thy God.
But if it have a blemish, or be lame, or blind, or in any part disfigured or feeble, it shall not be sacrificed to the Lord thy God.
But if the animals have any defects, if they are lame or blind, or if they have any other serious defect, you must not sacrifice them to Yahweh our God.
Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 15:21
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Deuteronomy 15:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/כִֽי
יִהְיֶ֨ה
ב֜/וֹ
מ֗וּם
פִּסֵּ֨חַ֙
א֣וֹ
עִוֵּ֔ר
כֹּ֖ל
מ֣וּם
רָ֑ע
לֹ֣א
תִזְבָּחֶ֔/נּוּ
לַ/יהוָ֖ה
אֱלֹהֶֽי/ךָ
וְ/כִֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj | Conj
יִהְיֶ֨ה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
ב֜/וֹ
Prep | Suff
מ֗וּם
mʼûwm
H3971
blemish
N-ms
פִּסֵּ֨חַ֙
piççêach
H6455
lame
Adj
א֣וֹ
ʼôw
H176
or
Conj
עִוֵּ֔ר
ʻivvêr
H5787
blind
Adj
כֹּ֖ל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
מ֣וּם
mʼûwm
H3971
blemish
N-ms
רָ֑ע
raʻ
H7451
bad
Adj
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
תִזְבָּחֶ֔/נּוּ
zâbach
H2076
to sacrifice
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms | Suff
לַ/יהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
Prep | N-proper
אֱלֹהֶֽי/ךָ
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 15:21
וְ/כִֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj | Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
יִהְיֶ֨ה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
ב֜/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
מ֗וּם
mʼûwm
H3971
"blemish"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word means a flaw or imperfection, either physical or moral, like a stain on someone's character. It appears in books like Leviticus and Deuteronomy. The KJV translates it as 'blemish' or 'spot'.
Definition: 1) blemish, spot, defect 1a) of physical defect 1b) of moral stain
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: blemish, blot, spot. See also: Leviticus 21:17; Numbers 19:2; Proverbs 9:7.
פִּסֵּ֨חַ֙
piççêach
H6455
"lame"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means lame or crippled, describing someone with a physical disability. It is used to describe people who are unable to walk or move normally. This word appears in various passages, including stories of healing and restoration.
Definition: lame
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: lame. See also: Leviticus 21:18; Proverbs 26:7; Isaiah 33:23.
א֣וֹ
ʼôw
H176
"or"
Conj
Desire can also mean or, and, or if, showing a choice between options, as seen in Proverbs 31:4. It is used to express alternatives or possibilities.
Definition: 1) or, rather 1a) implying that the latter choice is preferred 1b) or if, introducing an example to be seen under a particular principle 1c) (in series) either...or, whether...or 1d) if perchance 1e) except, or else 2) whether, not the least, if, otherwise, also, and, then
Usage: Occurs in 218 OT verses. KJV: also, and, either, if, at the least, [idiom] nor, or, otherwise, then, whether. See also: Genesis 24:49; Leviticus 25:49; Proverbs 30:31.
עִוֵּ֔ר
ʻivvêr
H5787
"blind"
Adj
This word describes someone who is blind, either physically or unable to see spiritually. In the Bible, it is used in Matthew 9:27 to describe the two blind men who followed Jesus. The word is also used in Romans 2:19 to describe spiritual blindness.
Definition: 1) blind 1a) blind (physically) 1b) blind (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: blind (men, people). See also: Exodus 4:11; Isaiah 35:5; Psalms 146:8.
כֹּ֖ל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
מ֣וּם
mʼûwm
H3971
"blemish"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word means a flaw or imperfection, either physical or moral, like a stain on someone's character. It appears in books like Leviticus and Deuteronomy. The KJV translates it as 'blemish' or 'spot'.
Definition: 1) blemish, spot, defect 1a) of physical defect 1b) of moral stain
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: blemish, blot, spot. See also: Leviticus 21:17; Numbers 19:2; Proverbs 9:7.
רָ֑ע
raʻ
H7451
"bad"
Adj
Ra means bad or evil, referring to moral or natural harm. It describes adversity, affliction, or distress, and is often used to convey a sense of misery or injury.
Definition: : harmful adj 1) bad, evil 1a) bad, disagreeable, malignant 1b) bad, unpleasant, evil (giving pain, unhappiness, misery) 1c) evil, displeasing 1d) bad (of its kind-land, water, etc) 1e) bad (of value) 1f) worse than, worst (comparison) 1g) sad, unhappy 1h) evil (hurtful) 1i) bad, unkind (vicious in disposition) 1j) bad, evil, wicked (ethically) 1j1) in general, of persons, of thoughts 1j2) deeds, actions
Usage: Occurs in 623 OT verses. KJV: adversity, affliction, bad, calamity, [phrase] displease(-ure), distress, evil((-favouredness), man, thing), [phrase] exceedingly, [idiom] great, grief(-vous), harm, heavy, hurt(-ful), ill (favoured), [phrase] mark, mischief(-vous), misery, naught(-ty), noisome, [phrase] not please, sad(-ly), sore, sorrow, trouble, vex, wicked(-ly, -ness, one), worse(-st), wretchedness, wrong. (Incl. feminine raaah; as adjective or noun.). See also: Genesis 2:9; Judges 9:57; 2 Kings 21:6.
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
תִזְבָּחֶ֔/נּוּ
zâbach
H2076
"to sacrifice"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms | Suff
To sacrifice means to slaughter an animal, usually for a religious offering, as seen in the Bible's instructions for worship. This term is used in many contexts, including sacrifices for eating or in divine judgment. It's often translated as 'kill' or 'offer' in the KJV.
Definition: 1) to slaughter, kill, sacrifice, slaughter for sacrifice 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to slaughter for sacrifice 1a2) to slaughter for eating 1a3) to slaughter in divine judgment 1b) (Piel) to sacrifice, offer sacrifice Aramaic equivalent: de.vach (דְּבַח "to sacrifice" H1684)
Usage: Occurs in 127 OT verses. KJV: kill, offer, (do) sacrifice, slay. See also: Genesis 31:54; 1 Kings 8:62; Psalms 4:6.
לַ/יהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
Prep | N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
אֱלֹהֶֽי/ךָ
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp | Suff
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
Study Notes — Deuteronomy 15:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Firstborn Animals
19You must set apart to the LORD your God every firstborn male produced by your herds and flocks. You are not to put the firstborn of your oxen to work, nor are you to shear the firstborn of your flock.
20Each year you and your household are to eat it before the LORD your God in the place the LORD will choose.
21But if an animal has a defect, is lame or blind, or has any serious flaw, you must not sacrifice it to the LORD your God.
22Eat it within your gates; both the ceremonially unclean and clean may eat it as they would a gazelle or a deer. 23But you must not eat the blood; pour it on the ground like water.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deuteronomy 17:1 | You shall not sacrifice to the LORD your God an ox or a sheep with any defect or serious flaw, for that is detestable to the LORD your God. |
| 2 | Malachi 1:7–8 | By presenting defiled food on My altar. But you ask, ‘How have we defiled You ?’ By saying that the table of the LORD is contemptible. When you offer blind animals for sacrifice, is it not wrong? And when you present the lame and sick ones, is it not wrong? Try offering them to your governor! Would he be pleased with you or show you favor?” asks the LORD of Hosts. |
| 3 | Leviticus 22:19–25 | must offer an unblemished male from the cattle, sheep, or goats in order for it to be accepted on your behalf. You must not present anything with a defect, because it will not be accepted on your behalf. When a man presents a peace offering to the LORD from the herd or flock to fulfill a vow or as a freewill offering, it must be without blemish or defect to be acceptable. You are not to present to the LORD any animal that is blind, injured, or maimed, or anything with a running sore, a festering rash, or a scab; you must not put any of these on the altar as an offering made by fire to the LORD. You may present as a freewill offering an ox or sheep that has a deformed or stunted limb, but it is not acceptable in fulfillment of a vow. You are not to present to the LORD an animal whose testicles are bruised, crushed, torn, or cut; you are not to sacrifice them in your land. Neither you nor a foreigner shall present food to your God from any such animal. They will not be accepted on your behalf, because they are deformed and flawed.’” |
Deuteronomy 15:21 Summary
[This verse is telling us that when we want to give something to God, it should be the best we have, not something that is broken or flawed. Just like the Israelites were not allowed to sacrifice animals with defects, we should strive to give God our best, as seen in Deuteronomy 15:21. This is because God is a holy and perfect God, and He deserves our best, as mentioned in Leviticus 11:44. By giving God our best, we show Him that we love and respect Him, and we are following the example of the Israelites who were instructed to offer perfect animals as sacrifices, as seen in Exodus 12:5.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did God require the Israelites to only sacrifice perfect animals?
God required the Israelites to only sacrifice perfect animals because He is a holy God who deserves the best, as seen in Deuteronomy 15:21, and anything less would be an insult to His character, as mentioned in Leviticus 22:20.
What kind of defects would disqualify an animal from being sacrificed?
According to Deuteronomy 15:21, an animal with a defect, such as being lame or blind, or having any serious flaw, would be disqualified from being sacrificed to the Lord, emphasizing the importance of perfection in worship, similar to the requirements in Exodus 12:5.
How does this verse relate to the concept of worship in the New Testament?
This verse relates to the concept of worship in the New Testament by highlighting the importance of presenting ourselves as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, as mentioned in Romans 12:1, just as the Israelites were required to present perfect animals as sacrifices to Him.
What happens to animals that are not suitable for sacrifice?
According to Deuteronomy 15:22, animals that are not suitable for sacrifice can still be eaten by the Israelites, but the blood must be poured out on the ground, as instructed in Deuteronomy 15:23, and Deuteronomy 12:16, highlighting the importance of respecting God's creation and following His instructions for handling blood.
Reflection Questions
- What does this verse reveal about God's character and His expectations for our worship?
- In what ways can I apply the principle of offering my best to God in my daily life, just as the Israelites were required to offer perfect animals?
- How can I balance the idea of perfection in worship with the reality of my own imperfections and weaknesses, knowing that God desires mercy, not sacrifice, as mentioned in Hosea 6:6?
- What are some areas in my life where I may be trying to offer God something that is less than my best, and how can I change that?
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 15:21
And if there be any blemish therein,.... In the firstling, as if it be "lame or blind", or have any ill blemish: thou shall not sacrifice it unto the Lord thy God; blemishes in any beast made it
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 15:21
Verse 21. If there be any blemish] See Clarke on Leviticus 22:20. God will have both a perfect priest and a perfect offering.
Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 15:21
21. any blemish] See on Deuteronomy 17:1. Thou shalt not sacrifice it, i.e. at the one altar where alone sacrifice was now lawful; but—
Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 15:21
19-23. The firstling males — The firstborn of the herd and flock, if males, were to be set apart — not used for ordinary purposes — to be devoted to the service of Jehovah.
Sermons on Deuteronomy 15:21
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Through the Bible) Deuteronomy 17-20 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Moses is giving his final instructions to the children of Israel before his death. He emphasizes the importance of offering sacrifices that are valuable and not cas |
|
How Far Are You Prepared to Trust God by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the need for believers to make serious changes in their lives if they want to get closer to God. He criticizes the influence of negative medi |
|
The Altar by Phoebe Palmer | Phoebe Palmer emphasizes the significance of surrendering all aspects of our lives to God, drawing parallels between the Old Testament altar and sacrifices to the Christian's altar |