King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
[But] whatsoever hath a blemish, [that] shall ye not offer: for it shall not be acceptable for you.
Complete Jewish Bible:
You are not to bring anything with a defect, because it will not be accepted from you.
Berean Standard Bible:
You must not present anything with a defect, because it will not be accepted on your behalf.
American Standard Version:
But whatsoever hath a blemish, that shall ye not offer: for it shall not be acceptable for you.
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
But whatsoever hath a blemish{H3971}, that shall ye not offer{H7126}: for it shall not be acceptable{H7522} for you.
Cross-References (KJV):
Deuteronomy 17:1
- ¶ Thou shalt not sacrifice unto the LORD thy God [any] bullock, or sheep, wherein is blemish, [or] any evilfavouredness: for that [is] an abomination unto the LORD thy God.
Malachi 1:8
- And if ye offer the blind for sacrifice, [is it] not evil? and if ye offer the lame and sick, [is it] not evil? offer it now unto thy governor; will he be pleased with thee, or accept thy person? saith the LORD of hosts.
Deuteronomy 15:21
- 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.
1 Peter 1:19
- But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:
Hebrews 9:14
- How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?
Leviticus 22:25
- Neither from a stranger's hand shall ye offer the bread of your God of any of these; because their corruption [is] in them, [and] blemishes [be] in them: they shall not be accepted for you.
Malachi 1:13
- Ye said also, Behold, what a weariness [is it]! and ye have snuffed at it, saith the LORD of hosts; and ye brought [that which was] torn, and the lame, and the sick; thus ye brought an offering: should I accept this of your hand? saith the LORD.
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Commentary for Leviticus 22:20
Leviticus 22:20 is part of the Holiness Code in the Book of Leviticus, which contains laws and regulations given by God to Moses for the Israelites. The verse emphasizes the requirement that only unblemished animals are acceptable as offerings to God. This reflects the broader theme of holiness and purity in worship.
**Themes:**
1. **Holiness and Perfection in Worship:** The instruction underscores the need for offerings to be without defect, symbolizing the idea that what is offered to God should be the best, reflecting the holiness and perfection that are due to Him.
2. **Ritual Purity:** The prohibition against blemished offerings is tied to the concept of ritual purity, which is a significant aspect of Israelite religious practice. Only ritually pure items could be used in worship.
3. **Obedience and Reverence:** By following the directive to offer only unblemished animals, the Israelites demonstrated their obedience to God's commands and their reverence for Him.
**Historical Context:**
- **Time Period:** The Book of Leviticus is set during the time of Moses, specifically after the construction of the Tabernacle, which is where the Israelites were to perform their sacrificial worship.
- **Cultural and Religious Practices:** Animal sacrifices were common in the ancient Near East, but the specifics of Israel's sacrificial system were unique in their emphasis on moral and ritual purity as a reflection of the people's relationship with God.
- **Purpose of Sacrifices:** Sacrifices in ancient Israel served multiple purposes, including atonement for sins, expressions of thanksgiving, and the reaffirmation of covenantal bonds between God and His people.
In summary, Leviticus 22:20 reflects the strict standards for worship in ancient Israel, emphasizing the importance of offering the best to God as a sign of devotion and respect for His holiness. It is set within the broader context of the Israelites' religious life, governed by detailed laws and rituals designed to maintain their covenant relationship with God.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
- Strong's Number: H3971
There are 19 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: מאוּם
Transliteration: mʼûwm
Pronunciation: moom
Description: usually מוּם; as if passive participle from an unused root probably meaning; to stain; a blemish (physically or morally); blemish, blot, spot. - Strong's Number: H7126
There are 259 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: קָרַב
Transliteration: qârab
Pronunciation: kaw-rab'
Description: a primitive root; to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose; (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. - Strong's Number: H7522
There are 56 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: רָצוֹן
Transliteration: râtsôwn
Pronunciation: raw-tsone'
Description: or רָצֹן; from רָצָה; delight (especially as shown); (be) acceptable(-ance, -ed), delight, desire, favour, (good) pleasure, (own, self, voluntary) will, as...(what) would.