Deuteronomy 17:1

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thou shalt not sacrifice {H2076} unto the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430} any bullock {H7794}, or sheep {H7716}, wherein is blemish {H3971}, or any evilfavouredness {H7451}{H1697}: for that is an abomination {H8441} unto the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"You are not to sacrifice to ADONAI your God a cow or sheep that has a defect or anything wrong with it; that would be an abomination to ADONAI your God.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

Thou shalt not sacrifice unto Jehovah thy God an ox, or a sheep, wherein is a blemish, or anything evil; for that is an abomination unto Jehovah thy God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 17:1 issues a stringent prohibition against offering any animal sacrifice to the LORD God that possesses a physical defect or is otherwise imperfect. This divine command underscores the absolute holiness of God, who demands only the finest and most perfect offerings in worship, declaring that any blemished sacrifice is an "abomination" to Him, signifying His utter detestation for anything less than complete purity and integrity in approaching His divine presence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 17:1 introduces a series of laws concerning the administration of justice and leadership within Israel, immediately preceding regulations for judges, priests, and the future king. Placed within the broader Deuteronomic code, which reiterates and expands upon earlier Mosaic laws, this verse serves as a foundational principle for acceptable worship. It emphasizes that the purity of Israel's relationship with God, beginning with their sacrificial practices, is paramount before addressing societal order. The meticulous detail regarding sacrifices in books like [Leviticus](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus 1 - Laws for Burnt Offerings") and [Numbers](/numbers/28 "Numbers 28 - Daily and Special Offerings") finds its reaffirmation here, highlighting the enduring importance of reverent and unblemished worship as central to the covenant.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, animal sacrifice was a common religious practice across various cultures, often involving offerings to deities for appeasement, thanksgiving, or divination. However, Israel's sacrificial system, as prescribed by Yahweh, stood in stark contrast to pagan practices. While other nations might offer inferior or even blemished animals, the God of Israel demanded perfection, symbolizing His absolute holiness and the unique purity required for communion with Him. This command also served to distinguish Israel's worship from idolatrous rituals that might involve grotesque or impure offerings, reinforcing their identity as a holy nation set apart by God. The economic value of unblemished livestock in an agrarian society further underscored the depth of the worshiper's devotion and sacrifice.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Deuteronomy and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it champions **God's absolute holiness and perfection**, asserting that He is worthy of nothing less than the very best. This theme is echoed throughout the law, from the purity of the tabernacle to the conduct of the priests (e.g., [Leviticus 10:3](/leviticus/10-3 "Leviticus 10:3 - God's Holiness Demands Reverence")). Secondly, it emphasizes **integrity and sincerity in worship**. Offering a blemished animal was not merely a procedural error but an affront to God's dignity, implying a lack of genuine devotion or an attempt to defraud Him, a sentiment later condemned by prophets like [Malachi](/malachi/1 "Malachi 1 - Rebuke for Blemished Offerings"). Lastly, the use of the strong term "abomination" (Hebrew: *to'ebah*) highlights the **gravity of violating God's standards**, underscoring that such an act was not just displeasing but utterly detestable to the divine character and covenant. This foreshadows the ultimate need for a perfect, unblemished sacrifice to truly atone for sin.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Blemish (Hebrew, _mʼûwm'_):** This term refers specifically to a physical defect, imperfection, or bodily flaw that would render an animal unfit for sacrificial purposes. It encompasses any deformity, injury, or disease that would detract from the animal's wholeness or perfection. The presence of a *mʼûwm* would violate the divine standard for offerings, which demanded an animal that was "whole" or "perfect" in every respect, symbolizing the complete and unblemished nature of the worship God requires.
* **Evilfavouredness (Hebrew, _raʻ'_):** While "blemish" focuses on physical defects, *raʻ* (literally "bad" or "evil") extends the prohibition to any undesirable quality or unpleasantness that might make the animal unsuitable, even if not a distinct physical deformity. This could refer to an animal that is sickly, weak, or generally of poor quality, reinforcing the idea that God is to receive the very best, not merely something that is technically "unblemished" but otherwise inferior. It emphasizes the spirit of the offering – it must be genuinely excellent.
* **Abomination (Hebrew, _tôwʻêbah'_):** This is a powerful and frequently used term in the Old Testament, signifying something utterly detestable, morally repugnant, or religiously offensive to God. It is often associated with idolatry, sexual perversions, and unjust practices. Its application here to a blemished sacrifice elevates the offense beyond a mere procedural error to a profound violation of God's character and holiness. It communicates God's intense displeasure and rejection of anything impure or insincere in worship, underscoring the severity of presenting anything less than perfect to the Holy One.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou shalt not sacrifice unto the LORD thy God":** This opening phrase establishes the divine imperative as a direct command from Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel. It explicitly defines the act (sacrifice) and the exclusive recipient (the LORD thy God), emphasizing that all worship must be directed solely to Him and conducted according to His specific instructions, not human preference or pagan custom.
* **"[any] bullock, or sheep, wherein is blemish, [or] any evilfavouredness":** This clause specifies the types of animals commonly used for sacrifice (bullocks and sheep) and precisely defines the unacceptable conditions. The inclusion of both "blemish" (a clear physical defect) and "evilfavouredness" (a broader sense of inferiority or undesirable quality) ensures comprehensive coverage, leaving no room for ambiguity. It underscores the meticulous standard of perfection God demands for His offerings.
* **"for that [is] an abomination unto the LORD thy God":** This concluding clause provides the theological justification and the severe consequence for violating the command. It declares that such an imperfect offering is not merely undesirable but is an "abomination" – something utterly detestable and offensive to God. This strong declaration highlights God's unwavering holiness and His demand for purity and integrity in all approaches to Him, making it clear that a blemished sacrifice is a direct affront to His divine nature.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 17:1 employs several effective literary devices to convey its message with clarity and force. The primary device is **Legal Prohibition**, stated directly and unequivocally ("Thou shalt not..."), which is characteristic of the Deuteronomic code's didactic and prescriptive nature. This direct command emphasizes the absolute authority of God's law. The verse also utilizes **Specification**, detailing the types of animals ("bullock, or sheep") and the nature of the unacceptable conditions ("blemish, or any evilfavouredness"), ensuring precision and leaving no room for misinterpretation regarding the required purity. Furthermore, the verse employs **Theological Justification**, providing a clear reason for the prohibition: "for that [is] an abomination unto the LORD thy God." This "for" clause grounds the legal command in God's character and holiness, transforming it from a mere rule into a profound theological statement. Finally, there is an element of **Symbolism**, where the physical perfection of the animal symbolizes the spiritual purity and wholehearted devotion required of the worshiper and the absolute holiness of God Himself.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 17:1 is not merely an archaic ritualistic command but a profound statement about the nature of God and the character of true worship. It reveals God as utterly holy, deserving of nothing less than absolute perfection and the very best from His people. This demand for unblemished offerings underscores that worship is not a casual affair but a sacred encounter requiring integrity, reverence, and purity of heart. The principle extends beyond the physical sacrifice to encompass the worshiper's attitude, emphasizing that God looks for sincerity and wholehearted dedication, rejecting anything that is half-hearted, defiled, or offered out of convenience rather than genuine devotion. This foundational principle of offering the best and unblemished foreshadows the ultimate perfect sacrifice necessary for true reconciliation.

* [Leviticus 22:17-25](/leviticus/22-17 "Leviticus 22:17-25 - Detailed Laws for Unblemished Sacrifices")
* [Malachi 1:6-8](/malachi/1-6 "Malachi 1:6-8 - Rebuke for Despising God's Name with Blemished Offerings")
* [Hebrews 9:13-14](/hebrews/9-13 "Hebrews 9:13-14 - The Superiority of Christ's Unblemished Sacrifice")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the sacrificial system of the Old Testament has been fulfilled in Christ, the enduring principles embedded in Deuteronomy 17:1 remain profoundly relevant for believers today. This verse calls us to a radical re-evaluation of what we offer to God in every sphere of our lives. It challenges us to move beyond mere outward forms of religiosity to cultivate a heart of genuine devotion, integrity, and excellence in our service, worship, and daily walk. Just as the ancient Israelite was forbidden to bring a second-rate animal to the altar, we are called to present our very best—our time, talents, resources, and affections—to the Lord. Our "living sacrifice" ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Present Your Bodies as a Living Sacrifice")) must be characterized by sincerity, purity of motive, and a sincere desire to honor God above all else, recognizing His supreme worthiness and holiness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be offering God "blemished" or "evilfavoured" offerings, perhaps out of convenience, apathy, or a lack of genuine devotion?**
* **How does the demand for an "unblemished" offering challenge my understanding of God's holiness and His expectations for my worship and service today?**
* **What practical steps can I take to ensure that my worship, both private and corporate, is characterized by greater integrity, sincerity, and the offering of my very best to God?**
* **Considering God's strong reaction to a blemished sacrifice ("abomination"), what does this teach me about the seriousness of my attitude and actions in relation to Him?**

### FAQ

**Why was God so strict about requiring unblemished animals for sacrifice?**

Answer: God's strictness regarding unblemished sacrifices was multifaceted, rooted in His divine character and His covenant relationship with Israel. Firstly, it underscored His absolute holiness and perfection; He is worthy of nothing less than the very best. Imperfection in an offering would be an affront to His flawless nature. Secondly, it served to distinguish Israel's worship from the practices of surrounding pagan nations, who sometimes offered inferior or even grotesque sacrifices. This requirement reinforced Israel's unique identity as a holy nation set apart for Yahweh. Thirdly, the unblemished animal symbolized the purity and wholeness required of the worshiper's heart and the integrity of their devotion. Offering a blemished animal suggested a lack of reverence, a half-hearted commitment, or an attempt to defraud God, which was seen as an "abomination" ([Deuteronomy 17:1](/deuteronomy/17-1 "Deuteronomy 17:1 - Prohibition of Blemished Sacrifices")). Finally, this meticulous standard foreshadowed the ultimate perfect sacrifice that would be required to truly atone for sin, pointing to the coming Messiah.

**Does this Old Testament law about unblemished sacrifices still apply to Christians today?**

Answer: While the literal practice of animal sacrifice has been fulfilled and rendered obsolete by the perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the underlying spiritual principles of Deuteronomy 17:1 remain profoundly relevant for Christians. We are no longer required to offer physical animals, as Christ became the ultimate "Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). However, the demand for an "unblemished" offering translates into a call for integrity, sincerity, and excellence in our spiritual lives and worship. Christians are called to present their "bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God" ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Present Your Bodies as a Living Sacrifice")), which implies offering our best time, talents, resources, and affections to Him. The principle teaches us that God desires genuine, wholehearted devotion, free from spiritual "blemishes" of hypocrisy, apathy, or impurity.

**What does the term "abomination" (Hebrew: _tôwʻêbah'_) signify in this context?**

Answer: The term "abomination" (Hebrew: *tôwʻêbah'*) is one of the strongest words in the Old Testament to express God's utter detestation and moral repulsion. In the context of Deuteronomy 17:1, it signifies that a blemished sacrifice is not merely undesirable or a minor infraction, but something deeply offensive and repugnant to God's holy character. This term is frequently used elsewhere in the Old Testament to describe idolatry, sexual perversions, unjust weights and measures, and other practices that directly violate God's moral law and covenant. Its application to an imperfect sacrifice elevates the act to a profound spiritual offense, indicating that such an offering is an affront to God's dignity and a direct challenge to His demand for purity and perfection in worship. It underscores the severity with which God views anything that compromises the integrity of His worship and the holiness of His name.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 17:1, with its stringent demand for an unblemished sacrifice, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament sacrificial system, though divinely ordained, was inherently imperfect and temporary, serving as a shadow pointing to a greater reality. The inability of animal blood to truly take away sin ([Hebrews 10:4](/hebrews/10-4 "The Ineffectiveness of Animal Sacrifices")) highlighted the need for a perfect, once-for-all offering. Jesus Christ perfectly embodies the "unblemished" requirement; He lived a sinless life, "without blemish and without spot" ([1 Peter 1:19](/1_peter/1-19 "1 Peter 1:19 - Christ, the Unblemished Lamb")), making Him the only acceptable sacrifice for the sins of humanity. His death on the cross was the perfect, once-for-all atonement, satisfying God's righteous demand for purity and dealing decisively with the "abomination" of human sin. Through His perfect sacrifice, believers are now made holy and acceptable in God's sight ([Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Christ's Blood Purifies Conscience")), enabling them to draw near to God with confidence, no longer needing to offer physical animals, but presenting themselves as "living sacrifices" ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Present Your Bodies as a Living Sacrifice")) made pure by the Lamb of God.

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 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.

Deuteronomy 23:18

Thou shalt not bring the hire of a whore, or the price of a dog, into the house of the LORD thy God for any vow: for even both these [are] 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.

Leviticus 22:20

[But] whatsoever hath a blemish, [that] shall ye not offer: for it shall not be acceptable for you.

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.

Deuteronomy 24:4

Her former husband, which sent her away, may not take her again to be his wife, after that she is defiled; for that [is] abomination before the LORD: and thou shalt not cause the land to sin, which the LORD thy God giveth thee [for] an inheritance.

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?