Leviticus 22:21

Leviticus 22:21 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

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.

King James Version KJV

And whosoever offereth a sacrifice of peace offerings unto the LORD to accomplish his vow, or a freewill offering in beeves or sheep, it shall be perfect to be accepted; there shall be no blemish therein.

American Standard Version ASV

And whosoever offereth a sacrifice of peace-offerings unto Jehovah to accomplish a vow, or for a freewill-offering, of the herd or of the flock, it shall be perfect to be accepted; there shall be no blemish therein.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And whoever makes a peace-offering to the Lord, in payment of an oath or as a free offering, from the herd or the flock, if it is to be pleasing to the Lord, let it be free from any mark or damage.

Free Bible Version FBV

If you want to present a peace offering to the Lord from the herd or flock to fulfill a promise or as a freewill offering, in order to be acceptable the animal must be perfect, completely without defects.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And whosoeuer bringeth a peace offring vnto ye Lord to accomplish his vowe, or for a free offring, of the beeues, or of the sheepe, his free offring shall bee perfect, no blemish shalbe in it.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

'And when a man bringeth near a sacrifice of peace-offerings to Jehovah, to complete a vow, or for a willing-offering, of the herd or of the flock, it is perfect for a pleasing thing: no blemish is in it;

World English Bible WEB

Whoever offers a sacrifice of peace offerings to the LORD to accomplish a vow, or for a free will offering of the herd or of the flock, it shall be perfect to be accepted. It shall have no defect.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And whoever offereth a sacrifice of peace-offerings to the LORD to accomplish his vow, or a free-will-offering in beeves, or sheep, it shall be perfect to be accepted: there shall be in it no blemish.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

The man that offereth a victim of peace offerings to the Lord, either paying his vows, or offering of his own accord, whether of beeves or of sheep, shall offer it without blemish, that it may be acceptable: there shall be no blemish in it.

Translation for Translators T4T

Similarly, when someone brings from his cattle or sheep or goats an offering to maintain fellowship with me, either to fulfill a promise that he made to me or to be a voluntary offering, in order that I will accept it, it must have no defects [DOU] or blemishes.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Leviticus 22:21

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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 22:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וְ/אִ֗ישׁ כִּֽי יַקְרִ֤יב זֶֽבַח שְׁלָמִים֙ לַ/יהוָ֔ה לְ/פַלֵּא נֶ֨דֶר֙ א֣וֹ לִ/נְדָבָ֔ה בַּ/בָּקָ֖ר א֣וֹ בַ/צֹּ֑אן תָּמִ֤ים יִֽהְיֶה֙ לְ/רָצ֔וֹן כָּל מ֖וּם לֹ֥א יִהְיֶה בּֽ/וֹ

וְ/אִ֗ישׁ ʼîysh H376 man Conj | N-ms

כִּֽי kîy H3588 for Conj

יַקְרִ֤יב qârab H7126 to present V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms

זֶֽבַח zebach H2077 sacrifice N-ms

שְׁלָמִים֙ shelem H8002 peace offering N-mp

לַ/יהוָ֔ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord Prep | N-proper

לְ/פַלֵּא pâlâʼ H6381 to wonder Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a

נֶ֨דֶר֙ neder H5088 vow N-ms

א֣וֹ ʼôw H176 or Conj

לִ/נְדָבָ֔ה nᵉdâbâh H5071 voluntariness Prep | N-fs

בַּ/בָּקָ֖ר bâqâr H1241 cattle Prep | N-cs

א֣וֹ ʼôw H176 or Conj

בַ/צֹּ֑אן tsôʼn H6629 Sheep (Gate) Prep | N-cs

תָּמִ֤ים tâmîym H8549 unblemished Adj

יִֽהְיֶה֙ hâyâh H1961 to be V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

לְ/רָצ֔וֹן râtsôwn H7522 acceptance Prep | N-ms

כָּל kôl H3605 all N-ms

מ֖וּם mʼûwm H3971 blemish N-ms

לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 not Part

יִהְיֶה hâyâh H1961 to be V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

בּֽ/וֹ Prep | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Leviticus 22:21

וְ/אִ֗ישׁ ʼîysh H376 "man" Conj | N-ms

The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.

Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)

Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.

כִּֽי 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.

יַקְרִ֤יב qârab H7126 "to present" V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms

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.

זֶֽבַח zebach H2077 "sacrifice" N-ms

A sacrifice refers to the act of offering an animal's flesh to God, such as in the sacrifices of righteousness or the Passover. This term encompasses various types of sacrifices, including thank offerings and covenant sacrifices. The KJV translates it as 'offer' or 'sacrifice'.

Definition: 1) sacrifice 1a) sacrifices of righteousness 1b) sacrifices of strife 1c) sacrifices to dead things 1d) the covenant sacrifice 1e) the passover 1f) annual sacrifice 1g) thank offering

Usage: Occurs in 153 OT verses. KJV: offer(-ing), sacrifice. See also: Genesis 31:54; 1 Samuel 2:19; Psalms 4:6.

שְׁלָמִים֙ shelem H8002 "peace offering" N-mp

A peace offering is a voluntary sacrifice to show thanks, like the ones described in Leviticus. It's a way to express gratitude and friendship with God. The Israelites gave these offerings to celebrate special occasions.

Definition: 1) peace offering, requital, sacrifice for alliance or friendship 1a) voluntary sacrifice of thanks

Usage: Occurs in 84 OT verses. KJV: peace offering. See also: Exodus 20:24; Numbers 7:53; Proverbs 7:14.

לַ/יהוָ֔ה 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.

לְ/פַלֵּא pâlâʼ H6381 "to wonder" Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a

This Hebrew word means to wonder or be amazed, often at something great or difficult. It describes God's power and miracles in the Bible, like in the book of Psalms. The KJV translates it as 'marvelous' or 'wonderful'.

Definition: 1) to be marvellous, be wonderful, be surpassing, be extraordinary, separate by distinguishing action 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to be beyond one's power, be difficult to do 1a2) to be difficult to understand 1a3) to be wonderful, be extraordinary 1a3a) marvellous (participle) 1b) (Piel) to separate (an offering) 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to do extraordinary or hard or difficult thing 1c2) to make wonderful, do wondrously 1d) (Hithpael) to show oneself wonderful or marvellous

Usage: Occurs in 69 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, (arise...too, be too) hard, hidden, things too high, (be, do, do a, shew) marvelous(-ly, -els, things, work), miracles, perform, separate, make singular, (be, great, make) wonderful(-ers, -ly, things, works), wondrous (things, works, -ly). See also: Genesis 18:14; Psalms 75:2; Psalms 9:2.

נֶ֨דֶר֙ neder H5088 "vow" N-ms

A vow is a promise made to God, like the one Jephthah made in Judges 11:30-31. It can also refer to the thing promised, such as an offering. Vows are recorded in the Bible as important commitments.

Definition: vow, votive offering

Usage: Occurs in 57 OT verses. KJV: vow(-ed). See also: Genesis 28:20; Deuteronomy 12:11; Psalms 22:26.

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.

לִ/נְדָבָ֔ה nᵉdâbâh H5071 "voluntariness" Prep | N-fs

This word describes something done voluntarily or freely, like a spontaneous gift. It's used in the Bible to talk about freewill offerings and willing sacrifices.

Definition: 1) voluntariness, free-will offering 1a) voluntariness 1b) freewill, voluntary, offering

Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: free(-will) offering, freely, plentiful, voluntary(-ily, offering), willing(-ly), offering). See also: Exodus 35:29; Deuteronomy 23:24; Psalms 54:8.

בַּ/בָּקָ֖ר bâqâr H1241 "cattle" Prep | N-cs

Domesticated cattle or oxen, used for work or sacrifice, like the animals used in the temple sacrifices in 1 Kings 8:63.

Definition: 1) cattle, herd, oxen, ox 1a) cattle (generic pl. but sing. in form-coll) 1b) herd (particular one) 1c) head of cattle (individually)

Usage: Occurs in 172 OT verses. KJV: beeve, bull ([phrase] -ock), [phrase] calf, [phrase] cow, great (cattle), [phrase] heifer, herd, kine, ox. See also: Genesis 12:16; Deuteronomy 8:13; Psalms 66:15.

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.

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.

בַ/צֹּ֑אן tsôʼn H6629 "Sheep (Gate)" Prep | N-cs

This word refers to a flock of sheep or goats, and is sometimes used to describe people in a figurative sense. It is also associated with the Sheep Gate in Jerusalem, a significant location in biblical times.

Definition: This name means sheep and goats Also named: probatikos (προβατικός "Sheep Gate" G4262)

Usage: Occurs in 247 OT verses. KJV: (small) cattle, flock ([phrase] -s), lamb ([phrase] -s), sheep(-cote, -fold, -shearer, -herds). See also: Genesis 4:2; Deuteronomy 28:31; Psalms 44:12.

תָּמִ֤ים tâmîym H8549 "unblemished" Adj

This Hebrew word means unblemished or perfect, like an animal without defects. It describes something or someone that is whole and complete, like the sacrifices in Leviticus. It is used to describe integrity and truth.

Definition: : unblemished/perfect 1) complete, whole, entire, sound 1a) complete, whole, entire 1b) whole, sound, healthful 1c) complete, entire (of time) 1d) sound, wholesome, unimpaired, innocent, having integrity 1e) what is complete or entirely in accord with truth and fact (neuter adj/subst)

Usage: Occurs in 85 OT verses. KJV: without blemish, complete, full, perfect, sincerely (-ity), sound, without spot, undefiled, upright(-ly), whole. See also: Genesis 6:9; Deuteronomy 18:13; Psalms 15:2.

יִֽהְיֶה֙ 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.

לְ/רָצ֔וֹן 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.

כָּל 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.

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.

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.

יִהְיֶה 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.

בּֽ/וֹ "" Prep | Suff

Study Notes — Leviticus 22:21

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Leviticus 22:21 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 22:21
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 22:21
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Leviticus 22:21
Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 22:21
Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 22:21
Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 22:21
Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 22:21
Sermons on Leviticus 22:21

Context — Worthy Offerings

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. 23You 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.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Numbers 15:8	When you prepare a young bull as a burnt offering or sacrifice to fulfill a vow or as a peace offering to the LORD,
2	Numbers 15:3	and you present an offering made by fire to the LORD from the herd or flock to produce a pleasing aroma to the LORD—either a burnt offering or a sacrifice, for a special vow or freewill offering or appointed feast—
3	Leviticus 3:6	If, however, one’s peace offering to the LORD is from the flock, he must present a male or female without blemish.
4	Ecclesiastes 5:4–5	When you make a vow to God, do not delay in fulfilling it, because He takes no pleasure in fools. Fulfill your vow. It is better not to vow than to make a vow and not fulfill it.
5	Deuteronomy 23:21–23	If you make a vow to the LORD your God, do not be slow to keep it, because He will surely require it of you, and you will be guilty of sin. But if you refrain from making a vow, you will not be guilty of sin. Be careful to follow through on what comes from your lips, because you have freely vowed to the LORD your God with your own mouth.
6	Leviticus 3:1	“If one’s offering is a peace offering and he offers an animal from the herd, whether male or female, he must present it without blemish before the LORD.
7	Leviticus 7:11–38	Now this is the law of the peace offering that one may present to the LORD: If he offers it in thanksgiving, then along with the sacrifice of thanksgiving he shall offer unleavened cakes mixed with olive oil, unleavened wafers coated with oil, and well-kneaded cakes of fine flour mixed with oil. Along with his peace offering of thanksgiving he is to present an offering with cakes of leavened bread. From the cakes he must present one portion of each offering as a contribution to the LORD. It belongs to the priest who sprinkles the blood of the peace offering. The meat of the sacrifice of his peace offering of thanksgiving must be eaten on the day he offers it; none of it may be left until morning. If, however, the sacrifice he offers is a vow or a freewill offering, it shall be eaten on the day he presents his sacrifice, but the remainder may be eaten on the next day. But any meat of the sacrifice remaining until the third day must be burned up. If any of the meat from his peace offering is eaten on the third day, it will not be accepted. It will not be credited to the one who presented it; it shall be an abomination, and the one who eats of it shall bear his iniquity. Meat that touches anything unclean must not be eaten; it is to be burned up. As for any other meat, anyone who is ceremonially clean may eat it. But if anyone who is unclean eats meat from the peace offering that belongs to the LORD, that person must be cut off from his people. If one touches anything unclean, whether human uncleanness, an unclean animal, or any unclean, detestable thing, and then eats any of the meat of the peace offering that belongs to the LORD, that person must be cut off from his people.” Then the LORD said to Moses, “Speak to the Israelites and say, ‘You are not to eat any of the fat of an ox, a sheep, or a goat. The fat of an animal found dead or mauled by wild beasts may be used for any other purpose, but you must not eat it. If anyone eats the fat of an animal from which an offering made by fire may be presented to the LORD, the one who eats it must be cut off from his people. You must not eat the blood of any bird or animal in any of your dwellings. If anyone eats blood, that person must be cut off from his people.’” Then the LORD said to Moses, “Speak to the Israelites and say, ‘Anyone who presents a peace offering to the LORD must bring it as his sacrifice to the LORD. With his own hands he is to bring the offerings made by fire to the LORD; he shall bring the fat, together with the breast, and wave the breast as a wave offering before the LORD. The priest is to burn the fat on the altar, but the breast belongs to Aaron and his sons. And you are to give the right thigh to the priest as a contribution from your peace offering. The son of Aaron who presents the blood and fat of the peace offering shall have the right thigh as a portion. I have taken from the sons of Israel the breast of the wave offering and the thigh of the contribution of their peace offerings, and I have given them to Aaron the priest and his sons as a permanent portion from the sons of Israel.’” This is the portion of the offerings made by fire to the LORD for Aaron and his sons since the day they were presented to serve the LORD as priests. On the day they were anointed, the LORD commanded that this be given them by the sons of Israel. It is a permanent portion for the generations to come. This is the law of the burnt offering, the grain offering, the sin offering, the guilt offering, the ordination offering, and the peace offering, which the LORD gave Moses on Mount Sinai on the day He commanded the Israelites to present their offerings to the LORD in the Wilderness of Sinai.
8	Psalms 50:14	Sacrifice a thank offering to God, and fulfill your vows to the Most High.
9	Proverbs 7:14	“I have made my peace offerings; today I have paid my vows.
10	Genesis 35:1–3	Then God said to Jacob, “Arise, go up to Bethel, and settle there. Build an altar there to the God who appeared to you when you fled from your brother Esau.” So Jacob told his household and all who were with him, “Get rid of the foreign gods that are among you. Purify yourselves and change your garments. Then let us arise and go to Bethel. I will build an altar there to God, who answered me in my day of distress. He has been with me wherever I have gone.”

Leviticus 22:21 Summary

This verse teaches us that when we come to God with an offering, it should be the best we have to give, without any flaws or imperfections. This is because God is a holy and perfect God, and He deserves our best. Just like the Israelites were instructed to offer unblemished animals, we are called to offer ourselves to God as living sacrifices, as seen in Romans 12:1-2. By doing so, we demonstrate our love and devotion to Him, and we reflect the perfection and holiness of God, as seen in Psalm 51:17.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of presenting an unblemished animal as a peace offering in Leviticus 22:21?

Presenting an unblemished animal signifies the perfection and holiness of God, as stated in Leviticus 22:19, and emphasizes the importance of giving God our best, as seen in Malachi 1:6-8.

How does this verse relate to our relationship with God?

This verse highlights the importance of approaching God with reverence and sincerity, as seen in Psalm 51:17, and reminds us that our offerings to God should reflect our devotion and commitment to Him, as stated in Deuteronomy 26:1-11.

What does it mean for an offering to be 'without blemish or defect'?

An offering without blemish or defect means that it is perfect and without any flaws, as seen in Leviticus 22:20, and is acceptable to God, as stated in Leviticus 1:3-4.

How does this principle apply to our lives as Christians?

As Christians, we are called to offer ourselves as living sacrifices to God, as seen in Romans 12:1-2, and to strive for holiness and perfection in our lives, as stated in Matthew 5:48, reflecting the same principle of giving God our best.

Reflection Questions

What are some areas in my life where I can offer myself to God as a living sacrifice, without blemish or defect?
How can I apply the principle of giving God my best in my daily life and relationships?
What are some 'blemishes' or 'defects' in my life that I need to repent of and surrender to God?
How can I cultivate a heart of reverence and sincerity in my approach to God, as seen in this verse?

Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 22:21

And whosoever offereth a sacrifice of peace offering unto the Lord,.... This, as Ben Gersom observes, is distinguished from a burnt offering; for though it was to be perfect, and without blemish, yet

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 22:21

But whatsoever hath a blemish, that shall ye not offer: for it shall not be acceptable for you. No JFB commentary on these verses.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Leviticus 22:21

To wit, none of the blemishes mentioned ,24; for some blemishes did not hinder the acceptance of a free will offering, but only of a vow, .

Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 22:21

Leviticus 22:21 And whosoever offereth a sacrifice of peace offerings unto the LORD to accomplish [his] vow, or a freewill offering in beeves or sheep, it shall be perfect to be accepted; there shall be no blemish therein.Ver. 21. It shall be perfect to be accepted.] Saints also are perfect in God’ s acceptation, if harmless and blameless.

Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 22:21

(21) A sacrifice of peace offerings.—(See Leviticus 3:1.) To accomplish a vow.—In fulfilment of a vow made in time of impending danger (Genesis 28:20-22; Jonah 1:16, &c.). Freewill offering.—Generally brought in acknowledgment of mercies received.

Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 22:21

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.

Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 22:21

21. Peace offerings — See chaps. 3 and Leviticus 7:11-21, notes. Sheep — Properly, small cattle, sheep and goats. See Leviticus 1:10.

Sermons on Leviticus 22:21

	Sermon	Description
	Quiet Time by Herb Atwood	In this video, the speaker introduces the concept of spending seven minutes with God in prayer and reading the Bible. He emphasizes the importance of quality time with God and enco
	Broken Vows by David Guzik	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the importance of not making foolish vows before God. He emphasizes that it is better to not make vows at all than to make ones that we cann
	Training Our Children to Live in God's Presence by Zac Poonen	This sermon delves into the story of Hannah from the book of 1 Samuel, highlighting her fervent prayer for a child, her vow to dedicate him to the Lord, and the importance of keepi
	Roman Catholicism by Thomas Watson	Thomas Watson preaches a sermon warning against idolatry, specifically addressing the errors and dangers of Roman Catholicism. He highlights the soul-damning nature of idolatry, th
	Honour Your Vows to the Lord by Erlo Stegen	Erlo Stegen emphasizes the importance of honoring our vows to the Lord, warning that failing to keep our promises can lead to curses instead of blessings. He shares the story of Ma
	"When Thou Vowest a Vow, Defer Not to Pay It" by Timothy Tow	Timothy Tow preaches about the seriousness of making vows to God, emphasizing the importance of fulfilling them once spoken, as seen in the stories of Jephthah and Hannah. He share
	Sermon on the Mount: Deceptive Speech by J. Glyn Owen	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of honesty and integrity in the lives of believers. He highlights that as subjects of Christ's rule and kingdom, Christians s