Deuteronomy 15:21

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And if there be any blemish {H3971} therein, as if it be lame {H6455}, or blind {H5787}, or have any ill {H7451} blemish {H3971}, thou shalt not sacrifice {H2076} it unto the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But if it has a defect, is lame or blind, or has some other kind of fault, you are not to sacrifice it to ADONAI your God;

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 15:21 rigorously prescribes that any animal offered as a sacrifice to the LORD, particularly the consecrated firstborn, must be entirely free from physical defects. This divine mandate prohibits the offering of animals that are lame, blind, or possess any other form of blemish, underscoring God's absolute holiness and His demand for unblemished purity in all acts of worship and devotion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This command is situated within a broader section of the Book of Deuteronomy (chapters 12-26) that outlines the statutes and ordinances for the Israelites as they prepare to enter and settle in the Promised Land. Specifically, Deuteronomy 15:21 immediately follows the detailed instructions regarding the consecration of firstborn male animals to the LORD, stipulating that they were to be eaten annually before God at a designated holy place, with the exception of their blood which was to be poured out ([Deuteronomy 15:19-20](/deuteronomy/15-19 "Deuteronomy 15:19-20 - Consecration of Firstborn Animals")). The prohibition against blemished animals ensures that the quality of the offering aligns with the sacredness of the act of dedication and worship, reinforcing the principle that only the best is acceptable to God.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, animal sacrifice was central to their covenant relationship with Yahweh, serving various purposes including atonement for sin, thanksgiving, and dedication. The requirement for unblemished animals was not unique to Israel, as many ancient Near Eastern cultures also sought to offer perfect specimens to their deities. However, for Israel, this standard was deeply rooted in their understanding of God's incomparable holiness and perfection. The meticulousness of these laws reflected a societal understanding that the quality of the offering directly represented the worshiper's reverence and commitment. Offering a blemished animal would have been considered a profound insult, indicative of a casual or disrespectful attitude towards the divine, and a violation of the covenant's sacred trust.

* **Key Themes:** Deuteronomy 15:21 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Pentateuch and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **God's Holiness and Perfection**, emphasizing that a perfect God demands perfect offerings, symbolizing His unblemished character and the purity required in approaching Him. This theme is consistently woven throughout the Mosaic Law, such as in the detailed regulations for priests and offerings found in [Leviticus](/leviticus/1 "The Book of Leviticus - Laws for Holiness"). Secondly, it underscores **Integrity in Worship**, teaching that the quality of the sacrifice reflects the worshiper's heart and attitude. To offer a blemished animal was to offer something less than one's best, betraying a lack of genuine reverence and devotion, a sentiment later condemned by the prophet Malachi in [Malachi 1:8](/malachi/1-8 "Malachi 1:8 - Rebuke for Blemished Offerings"). Lastly, the law points to **Symbolic Purity and Wholeness**, where physical perfection in the animal served as a tangible representation of the spiritual purity and wholeness God desires from His people in their relationship with Him.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Blemish (Hebrew, _mûm_):** This Hebrew noun (מוּם) refers to a physical defect, flaw, or imperfection that renders something imperfect or unfit for its intended purpose, especially in a ritual context. Its usage here, and in other sacrificial laws (e.g., [Leviticus 22:20-25](/leviticus/22-20 "Leviticus 22:20-25 - Unacceptable Offerings")), indicates a comprehensive prohibition against any physical defect, whether internal or external, major or minor. The repetition of "any ill blemish" (or "evil blemish") further emphasizes the absolute nature of this requirement, leaving no room for subjective interpretation or compromise regarding the animal's physical integrity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And if there be [any] blemish therein, [as if it be] lame, or blind, [or have] any ill blemish":** This clause sets the condition for the prohibition. The phrase "any blemish" is immediately clarified and intensified by specific examples: "lame" (meaning crippled or limping) and "blind" (lacking sight). These are prominent, easily identifiable defects. The subsequent "any ill blemish" serves as an overarching category, encompassing all other possible physical imperfections not explicitly listed, ensuring that the standard of perfection is exhaustive and absolute. This demonstrates God's meticulousness and His demand for the highest quality.
* **"thou shalt not sacrifice it unto the LORD thy God":** This is the direct, unequivocal prohibition. The consequence of a blemish, regardless of its nature, is that the animal is rendered unacceptable for sacrifice. The phrase "unto the LORD thy God" underscores that the offering is directed to the divine, and therefore, His standards, not human convenience or economic considerations, must prevail. This command highlights the sanctity of the sacrificial act and the profound respect due to God.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 15:21 effectively employs several literary devices to convey its crucial message. **Repetition** is evident in the phrase "any blemish... any ill blemish," which serves to emphasize the comprehensive nature of the prohibition, leaving no room for exceptions or loopholes regarding the animal's physical integrity. This reinforces the absolute standard of perfection required. The verse also utilizes **Exclusion**, explicitly listing what is *not* acceptable ("lame, or blind, or have any ill blemish") rather than detailing what *is* acceptable. This negative framing highlights the severity of offering anything less than perfect. Furthermore, the physical defects mentioned function as **Symbolism**, where the outward perfection of the animal represents the inward spiritual purity and wholeness that God desires from His worshipers. The physical integrity of the sacrifice thus becomes a tangible metaphor for the integrity and sincerity of the worshiper's heart.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 15:21 transcends a mere ritualistic command, embedding a profound theological truth about God's nature and the character of true worship. The demand for unblemished sacrifices reflects God's own absolute perfection, holiness, and unblemished character. It teaches that approaching a holy God requires an offering that mirrors His purity, symbolizing the worshiper's commitment to wholeness and integrity in their relationship with Him. This principle extends beyond the physical act of sacrifice to encompass the entire life of devotion, emphasizing that God deserves our very best—our unblemished hearts, minds, and actions. To offer anything less would be to diminish God's worth and to compromise the integrity of the covenant.

* [Leviticus 22:19-25](/leviticus/22-19 "Leviticus 22:19-25 - Requirements for Acceptable Offerings")
* [Malachi 1:6-8](/malachi/1-6 "Malachi 1:6-8 - Rebuke for Despising God's Name")
* [Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - A Living Sacrifice")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the practice of animal sacrifice has ceased, the underlying principle of Deuteronomy 15:21 remains eternally relevant for believers today. It challenges us to consider the quality of our "offerings" to God in every sphere of life. This means giving God our best time, our most fervent prayers, our most diligent efforts in service, and our purest motives in worship. It calls us to examine our lives for "blemishes"—areas of compromise, half-heartedness, or hypocrisy—that might diminish the integrity of our devotion. Just as an imperfect animal was unfit for the altar, so too are our spiritual sacrifices marred by a lack of sincerity or excellence. The verse compels us to pursue personal holiness, striving to live lives that are "unblemished" in character and conduct, reflecting the purity of the God whom we serve.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I offering God less than my "best" or something "blemished"?**
* **How does the demand for unblemished sacrifices challenge my understanding of what true worship entails?**
* **What "blemishes" in my character or spiritual practices might be hindering my full devotion to God?**
* **How can I cultivate a heart that consistently desires to offer God excellence and integrity in all things?**

### FAQ

**Why did God require perfect, unblemished animals for sacrifice?**

Answer: God required perfect, unblemished animals for sacrifice for several profound reasons, all rooted in His character and His relationship with humanity. Primarily, it symbolized His absolute holiness and perfection. As a holy God, He could only accept offerings that reflected His own unblemished nature. Secondly, it underscored the seriousness of sin and the cost of atonement. A perfect animal represented a costly, valuable offering, emphasizing that sin is a grave matter requiring a precious substitute. Thirdly, it served as a pedagogical tool, teaching the Israelites about the importance of integrity, excellence, and wholehearted devotion in their worship and daily lives. Offering a blemished animal would have been an insult, implying that God was not worthy of their best. Finally, these requirements served as a powerful foreshadowing of the ultimate, perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), who was without blemish or spot.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 15:21 finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament requirement for unblemished sacrifices, though pointing to the need for purity in approaching God, could never truly take away sin because the blood of bulls and goats was inherently imperfect and temporary ([Hebrews 10:4](/hebrews/10-4 "Hebrews 10:4 - The Inadequacy of Animal Sacrifices")). These animal offerings served as a shadow of the perfect reality to come. Jesus Christ, however, is the quintessential "Lamb without blemish and without spot" ([1 Peter 1:19](/1_peter/1-19 "1 Peter 1:19 - Christ, the Spotless Lamb")), uniquely qualified to be the perfect sacrifice. Born without sin, living a life of absolute obedience, and dying a substitutionary death, He offered Himself "through the eternal Spirit without blemish to God" ([Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice")). His one, perfect, unblemished sacrifice fully satisfied God's righteous demands, forever atoning for the sins of humanity and opening the way for us to draw near to a holy God with confidence, not through our own imperfect offerings, but through His perfect and complete work on the cross ([Hebrews 10:10](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Sanctified by Christ's Sacrifice")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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 1:7

Ye offer polluted bread upon mine altar; and ye say, Wherein have we polluted thee? In that ye say, The table of the LORD [is] contemptible.

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.

Leviticus 22:19

[Ye shall offer] at your own will a male without blemish, of the beeves, of the sheep, or of the goats.

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.