Leviticus 22:20
Leviticus 22:20 in Multiple Translations
You must not present anything with a defect, because it will not be accepted on your behalf.
But whatsoever hath a blemish, that shall ye not offer: for it shall not be acceptable for you.
But whatsoever hath a blemish, that shall ye not offer: for it shall not be acceptable for you.
But anything which has a mark you may not give; it will not make you pleasing to the Lord.
Don't present anything with a defect because it won't be accepted on your behalf.
Ye shall not offer any thing that hath a blemish: for that shall not be acceptable for you.
nothing in which [is] blemish do ye bring near, for it is not for a pleasing thing for you.
But you shall not offer whatever has a defect, for it shall not be acceptable for you.
But whatever hath a blemish, that shall ye not offer: for it shall not be acceptable for you.
If it have a blemish you shall not offer it, neither shall it be acceptable.
Do not bring any animals that have defects, because I will not accept them as an offering from you.
Berean Amplified Bible — Leviticus 22:20
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.
Leviticus 22:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כֹּ֛ל
אֲשֶׁר
בּ֥/וֹ
מ֖וּם
לֹ֣א
תַקְרִ֑יבוּ
כִּי
לֹ֥א
לְ/רָצ֖וֹן
יִהְיֶ֥ה
לָ/כֶֽם
כֹּ֛ל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
בּ֥/וֹ
Prep | Suff
מ֖וּם
mʼûwm
H3971
blemish
N-ms
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
תַקְרִ֑יבוּ
qârab
H7126
to present
V-Hiphil-Imperf-2mp
כִּי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
לְ/רָצ֖וֹן
râtsôwn
H7522
acceptance
Prep | N-ms
יִהְיֶ֥ה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
לָ/כֶֽם
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Leviticus 22:20
כֹּ֛ל
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.
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
בּ֥/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
מ֖וּם
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.
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.
תַקְרִ֑יבוּ
qârab
H7126
"to present"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-2mp
To approach or come near someone or something, often with a sense of purpose or intention, like Moses approaching the burning bush in Exodus 3:5. This word can also mean to bring someone or something near, as in presenting an offering to God.
Definition: : come/approach 1) to come near, approach, enter into, draw near 1a) (Qal) to approach, draw near 1b) (Niphal) to be brought near 1c) (Piel) to cause to approach, bring near, cause to draw near 1d) (Hiphil) to bring near, bring, present
Usage: Occurs in 263 OT verses. KJV: (cause to) approach, (cause to) bring (forth, near), (cause to) come (near, nigh), (cause to) draw near (nigh), go (near), be at hand, join, be near, offer, present, produce, make ready, stand, take. See also: Genesis 12:11; Leviticus 22:22; 1 Samuel 10:21.
כִּי
kîy
H3588
"for"
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.
לֹ֥א
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.
לְ/רָצ֖וֹן
râtsôwn
H7522
"acceptance"
Prep | N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to acceptance or delight, often used to describe God's pleasure or favor. It appears in Psalms and Isaiah, highlighting God's goodwill towards us. This word is about taking pleasure in something.
Definition: 1) pleasure, delight, favour, goodwill, acceptance, will 1a) goodwill, favour 1b) acceptance 1c) will, desire, pleasure, self-will
Usage: Occurs in 56 OT verses. KJV: (be) acceptable(-ance, -ed), delight, desire, favour, (good) pleasure, (own, self, voluntary) will, as...(what) would. See also: Genesis 49:6; Psalms 145:16; Psalms 5:13.
יִהְיֶ֥ה
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.
לָ/כֶֽם
""
Prep | Suff
Study Notes — Leviticus 22:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Leviticus 22:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 22:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 22:20
- Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 22:20
- Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 22:20
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Leviticus 22:20
- Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 22:20
- Sermons on Leviticus 22:20
Context — Worthy Offerings
18“Speak to Aaron and his sons and all the Israelites and tell them, ‘Any man of the house of Israel or any foreign resident who presents a gift for a burnt offering to the LORD, whether to fulfill a vow or as a freewill offering,
19must offer an unblemished male from the cattle, sheep, or goats in order for it to be accepted on your behalf.
20You must not present anything with a defect, because it will not be accepted on your behalf.
21When 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. 22You 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 a food offering to the LORD.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 1:8 | 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 | Deuteronomy 15:21 | 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. |
| 4 | 1 Peter 1:19 | but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or spot. |
| 5 | Leviticus 22:25 | 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.’” |
| 6 | Hebrews 9:14 | how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself unblemished to God, purify our consciences from works of death, so that we may serve the living God! |
| 7 | Malachi 1:13–14 | You also say: ‘Oh, what a nuisance!’ And you turn up your nose at it,” says the LORD of Hosts. “You bring offerings that are stolen, lame, or sick! Should I accept these from your hands?” asks the LORD. “But cursed is the deceiver who has an acceptable male in his flock and vows to give it, but sacrifices a defective animal to the Lord. For I am a great King,” says the LORD of Hosts, “and My name is to be feared among the nations. |
Leviticus 22:20 Summary
Leviticus 22:20 teaches us that when we offer something to God, it should be our best, without any defects or imperfections. This means that we should strive to give God our best in all that we do, whether it's in our worship, our work, or our relationships (Romans 12:1-2). Just like the Israelites were instructed to offer unblemished animals as sacrifices, we should aim to present ourselves as 'unblemished' to God, living a life that is pure and pleasing to Him (2 Corinthians 7:1). By doing so, we can deepen our relationship with God and reflect His perfection and purity in our own lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to present something with a defect in Leviticus 22:20?
Presenting something with a defect means offering something that is imperfect or flawed, which is not acceptable to God, as seen in Leviticus 22:20, because it will not be accepted on our behalf, highlighting the importance of purity and perfection in our offerings to God, similar to what is taught in Malachi 1:6-14 and Hebrews 10:1-10.
How does this verse relate to our relationship with God?
This verse emphasizes the importance of giving God our best, just as He gave His best for us, as seen in John 3:16, and reminds us that our offerings and sacrifices should be a reflection of our love and devotion to Him, as taught in Deuteronomy 6:5 and Matthew 22:37-40.
What kind of defects is the verse referring to?
The defects referred to in Leviticus 22:20 are likely physical imperfections, such as injuries or blemishes, as listed in Leviticus 22:22, but can also be seen as a metaphor for the spiritual imperfections that we should strive to overcome in our walk with God, as encouraged in 2 Corinthians 7:1 and 1 Thessalonians 4:7.
How can we apply this verse to our daily lives?
We can apply Leviticus 22:20 to our daily lives by striving to give God our best in all that we do, whether it's in our worship, our work, or our relationships, and by recognizing that our actions and attitudes are a form of offering to God, as taught in Romans 12:1-2 and Colossians 3:23-24.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I may be presenting 'defects' to God, and how can I improve in those areas?
- How can I ensure that my offerings and sacrifices to God are pure and acceptable to Him?
- What does it mean to give God my 'best', and how can I apply this principle to my daily life?
- In what ways can I reflect the perfection and purity of God in my own life, and what are some obstacles that may be hindering me from doing so?
Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 22:20
For whatsoever hath a blemish, that shall ye not offer,.... Which is the general rule, the particulars of which are after given, and which has been imitated by the Heathens.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 22:20
But whatsoever hath a blemish, that shall ye not offer: for it shall not be acceptable for you. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 22:20
Leviticus 22:20 [But] whatsoever hath a blemish, [that] shall ye not offer: for it shall not be acceptable for you.Ver. 20. It shall not be acceptable.] Nay, it shall be abominable. God requires the best of the best, fine flour without bran, and curseth that cheat, that having a sound or a fat male in his flock, bringeth to him a corrupt carrion, or a lean starveling, for sacrifice.
Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 22:20
(20) But whatsoever hath a blemish.—Better. whatsoever hath, &c, without the “but,” which is not in the original, and is not wanted. The general rule is here repeated as an introduction to the cases which are immediately to be specified. It will be seen that only quadrupeds are given and that fowls are not alluded to, because when people brought birds the Law did not require any distinction to be made between male and female, and during the second Temple no blemish disqualified a bird except the entire absence of a limb.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Leviticus 22:20
Verse 20. Whatsoever hath a blemish] The same perfection is required in the sacrifice that was required in the priest; see on Leviticus 22:2, and the notes on the preceding chapter.
Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 22:20
17–25. Directions as to the quality of offerings This passage retains clear signs of a remarkably composite character. Leviticus 22:17-18 a indicate (‘unto Aaron, and to his sons,’ ‘unto all etc.’) that what follows is a blending of directions referring to priests and to the people. But further, Leviticus 22:21 presents what is virtually a repetition of the directions in Leviticus 22:18-20, while the differences in phraseology between the two point to diversity of origin. We notice further that the classes of offerings dealt with differ, viz. Burnt-Offerings and Peace-Offerings respectively, while each of these have the same sub-divisions, i.e. Vows and Freewill-Offerings, the former passage making no reference to other classes of Burnt-Offerings, such as the Sin-Offerings and Guilt-Offerings (4, 5), and the latter ignoring the third species, viz. Thank-Offering (see Leviticus 22:29), included (Leviticus 7:12) under the genus Peace-Offering. Moreover, within the parallelism (Leviticus 22:18-20 as compared with Leviticus 22:21) there are marked differences in phraseology (e.g. ‘of the beeves, of the sheep, or of the goats,’ Leviticus 22:19, ‘of the herd or of the flock,’ Leviticus 22:21). For other differences see Oxf.
Hex., which further points out the frequent changes in number and person in 18a–20 as indicating successive editorial revisions.
Sermons on Leviticus 22:20
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Knowing His Perfect Will - Part 2 by Chuck Smith | This sermon emphasizes how God chooses to use fallible human beings as instruments to accomplish His purposes, showcasing His love through our lives. It explores the concept of pre |
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(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 |
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Jesus Never Comes Next by Vance Havner | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on three accounts from the 9th chapter of Luke. He refers to them as the peril of the uncounted cause, the peril of the unburied corpse, and th |
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Ambassadors for Christ - Part 3 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of humbling ourselves and seeking God's face. He encourages the listeners to respond to the teachings they have heard and to a |
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Preparing the Way for the New Covenant by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of offering our best to God, both in terms of our sacrifices and our devotion. It highlights the need to follow the New Testament model of chu |
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Religiosity or Spirituality? by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen emphasizes the critical distinction between religiosity and spirituality, warning that many Christians may engage in religious activities without true spiritual depth. H |
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(1 Peter - Part 16): christ...foreordained, Manifest by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the speaker expresses a deep sense of urgency and awareness of the approaching judgment of God. He emphasizes that the earth is growing old and that a mere blink of |