Leviticus 1:10

¶ And if his offering [be] of the flocks, [namely], of the sheep, or of the goats, for a burnt sacrifice; he shall bring it a male without blemish.

And if his offering {H7133} be of the flocks {H6629}, namely, of the sheep {H3775}, or of the goats {H5795}, for a burnt sacrifice {H5930}; he shall bring {H7126} it a male {H2145} without blemish {H8549}.

"'If his offering is from the flock, whether from the sheep or from the goats, for a burnt offering, he must offer a male without defect.

If, however, one’s offering is a burnt offering from the flock—from the sheep or goats—he is to present an unblemished male.

And if his oblation be of the flock, of the sheep, or of the goats, for a burnt-offering; he shall offer it a male without blemish.

Commentary

Leviticus 1:10 continues the detailed instructions for the burnt offering (olah), specifically addressing offerings from the flocks: sheep or goats. This verse underscores the stringent requirements for acceptable sacrifices in ancient Israel, highlighting the importance of purity and perfection in approaching God.

Context of the Burnt Offering

This verse is part of the opening chapter of Leviticus, which meticulously outlines the various types of sacrifices God commanded the Israelites to perform. The burnt offering, or olah (meaning "that which goes up"), was unique because the entire animal (except for the skin, which went to the priest) was consumed by fire on the altar. This symbolized complete dedication, devotion, and atonement for sin, serving as a fragrant aroma to the Lord. Following instructions for cattle in previous verses, this passage details the requirements for smaller, more accessible animals from the flocks, making the offering available to a wider range of people in Israelite society.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Perfection and Purity: The requirement for the animal to be "a male without blemish" is paramount. This signifies that only the best, untainted, and perfect sacrifice was acceptable to a holy God. It taught the Israelites about God's absolute standard and the seriousness of sin, indicating that nothing imperfect could stand in His presence.
  • Atonement and Reconciliation: The burnt offering served as a means of atonement, where the life of the animal was given in place of the worshiper, covering their sins and restoring fellowship with God. This act prefigured the ultimate sacrifice for sin.
  • Substitutionary Sacrifice: The laying on of hands (mentioned in Leviticus 1:4) transferred the worshiper's sins to the animal, which then died as a substitute. This concept is foundational to understanding redemption and God's plan for salvation.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase "without blemish" is tamim (תָּמִים), meaning "complete," "whole," "sound," or "perfect." This word is used throughout the Old Testament to describe not only sacrificial animals but also people of integrity (e.g., Abraham being commanded to be blameless in Genesis 17:1) and God's perfect law. Its application here emphasizes the unblemished nature required for an effective offering, reflecting the absolute purity of God Himself.

Related Scriptures

The stringent requirements for a perfect sacrifice in Leviticus 1:10 find their ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The New Testament consistently presents Christ as the perfect, sinless sacrifice, the "Lamb of God." For example, 1 Peter 1:19 describes Him as "a lamb without blemish and without spot." Similarly, John the Baptist identified Jesus as "the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." The Old Testament sacrificial system, including the detailed instructions for the burnt offering, served as a powerful shadow pointing forward to the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice of Christ on the cross, making full atonement for humanity's sins (Hebrews 10:10).

Practical Application

While believers today are no longer required to offer animal sacrifices, the principles embedded in Leviticus 1:10 remain profoundly relevant. This verse reminds us of:

  • God's Holiness: It underscores that God is holy and requires purity in all that approaches Him. This calls us to reverence and respect for His divine nature.
  • The Cost of Sin: The need for a perfect sacrifice highlights the gravity and immense cost of sin, which separates us from God.
  • The Perfection of Christ's Sacrifice: We are called to appreciate the immense value and sufficiency of Christ's perfect sacrifice, which fully satisfied God's righteous demands on our behalf.
  • Living a Life of Dedication: Just as the burnt offering was wholly consumed on the altar, we are called to offer ourselves as a "living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God" (Romans 12:1). This means dedicating our entire lives—our talents, time, and resources—to God's service, striving for spiritual purity and devotion in all we do.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Genesis 8:20

    ¶ And Noah builded an altar unto the LORD; and took of every clean beast, and of every clean fowl, and offered burnt offerings on the altar.

  • Leviticus 4:23

    Or if his sin, wherein he hath sinned, come to his knowledge; he shall bring his offering, a kid of the goats, a male without blemish:

  • Isaiah 53:6

    All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

  • Isaiah 53:7

    He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.

  • Genesis 4:4

    And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering:

  • Malachi 1:14

    But cursed [be] the deceiver, which hath in his flock a male, and voweth, and sacrificeth unto the Lord a corrupt thing: for I [am] a great King, saith the LORD of hosts, and my name [is] dreadful among the heathen.

  • John 1:29

    ¶ The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.
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