Leviticus 1:10

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"'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.

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 1:10 meticulously outlines the specific requirements for a burnt offering (`olah`) when sourced from the flocks, whether sheep or goats. This verse mandates that the animal presented must be a male and entirely "without blemish," establishing a divine standard of perfection and purity essential for approaching a holy God. It underscores the accessibility of atonement for various socio-economic groups within ancient Israelite society, while simultaneously reinforcing profound theological principles such as substitutionary sacrifice, complete dedication, and the covering of sin through a flawless offering.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 1:10 is an integral component of the opening chapter of Leviticus, which systematically details the regulations for the burnt offering (`olah`). The chapter begins with a general introduction to the burnt offering (Leviticus 1:1-2), followed by precise instructions for offerings derived from cattle (Leviticus 1:3-9). This verse marks a transition, extending the sacrificial provisions to animals from the flocks—specifically sheep or goats. This progression reveals a divinely ordained hierarchy of acceptable animals, thoughtfully calibrated to accommodate the worshiper's economic capacity. The subsequent verses (Leviticus 1:11-13) continue to elaborate on the precise ritual for these smaller animals, preceding the instructions for bird offerings (Leviticus 1:14-17). This structured and inclusive framework underscores God's gracious provision, ensuring that all Israelites, regardless of their wealth, could participate in the essential acts of atonement and worship, thereby emphasizing the universal human need for a perfect offering to bridge the gap with a holy God.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the sacrificial system was the cornerstone of the divinely ordained covenant relationship between a holy God and His people, who lived in a fallen world. The Tabernacle, serving as the central sanctuary, was the designated place where these offerings were presented. The burnt offering (`olah`) held a unique significance among the various sacrifices; the entire animal (with the exception of the hide, which was allocated to the priest) was consumed by fire on the altar. This complete consumption symbolized total dedication, devotion, and surrender to Yahweh. The inclusion of sheep and goats, alongside cattle, was a practical reflection of the socio-economic realities of Israelite society. While cattle were a significant and costly offering, sheep and goats were more common and economically accessible, thereby ensuring that the means of atonement and worship were available to a broader spectrum of the population. The stringent requirement for a "male without blemish" was not merely a ceremonial detail; it carried immense theological weight. It resonated with ancient Near Eastern customs where only the finest offerings were deemed worthy of deities, but in Israel, this standard was elevated to teach about God's absolute holiness, the gravity of sin, and the necessity of an unblemished substitute. This practice served as a profound object lesson, preparing the people for the ultimate, perfect sacrifice to come, as foreshadowed in passages like the instructions for the [Passover lamb](/exodus/12-5 "Exodus 12:5 - The Passover Lamb") and the condemnation of flawed offerings in [Malachi 1:8](/malachi/1-8 "Malachi 1:8 - Unacceptable Offerings").
* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 1:10 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. Central among these is the theme of **Holiness**, emphasizing God's absolute purity and the corresponding demand for purity in all approaches to Him. The requirement for an "unblemished" animal underscores this divine attribute, teaching that only perfection can stand before a perfect God. Closely related is the theme of **Atonement**, as the burnt offering served as a means to cover sin and restore fellowship between God and humanity. The provision for different animal types highlights God's **Grace and Accessibility**, ensuring that all Israelites, regardless of their economic standing, could participate in the sacrificial system and find a path to reconciliation. The complete consumption of the offering by fire symbolizes **Total Dedication and Surrender**, representing the worshiper's desire for full communion with God. Furthermore, the meticulous details of the sacrificial system, including the specific animal requirements, lay the groundwork for the theme of **Typology**, subtly pointing forward to the ultimate, perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who would fully satisfy all the requirements of the Law, as seen in the New Testament's portrayal of Christ as the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") and the [perfect sacrifice](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **qorbân (Hebrew, _qorbân'_):** From the root `qârab` (to approach or bring near), `qorbân` refers to "something brought near the altar," specifically a sacrificial present or offering. In Leviticus 1:10, it denotes the worshiper's gift to God, emphasizing the act of drawing near to the divine presence through an act of sacrifice. This term highlights the purpose of the offering as a means of communion and reconciliation.
* **tsôʼn (Hebrew, _tsôʼn'_):** A collective noun meaning "flock" or "small cattle," encompassing both sheep and goats. This word indicates the source of the offering in this verse, distinguishing it from offerings of larger cattle. Its inclusion signifies the accessibility of the sacrificial system, allowing individuals of varying economic means to participate by offering animals commonly available to them.
* **tâmîym (Hebrew, _tâmîym'_):** Translated as "without blemish," "complete," "perfect," or "whole." This term is paramount in sacrificial law, denoting that the animal must be physically flawless, free from any defect, disease, or injury. The requirement for `tâmîym` carries profound theological weight, signifying that only the purest and most excellent is acceptable to a holy God, reflecting His own perfect character and the absolute standard required for atonement. Beyond sacrifices, `tâmîym` also describes moral integrity and blamelessness in people, such as Abraham's call to be [blameless before God](/genesis/17-1 "Genesis 17:1 - God's Command to Abraham to be Blameless"), underscoring a holistic concept of perfection required in all aspects of life before God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And if his offering [be] of the flocks":** This opening clause introduces the specific category of animal permitted for the burnt offering, shifting from the more substantial and costly cattle previously detailed (Leviticus 1:3-9) to smaller, more economically accessible livestock. This demonstrates God's gracious provision, enabling individuals across different socio-economic strata to participate in the sacrificial system and seek atonement.
* **"[namely], of the sheep, or of the goats":** This phrase precisely clarifies the two acceptable species within the "flocks" category. Both sheep and goats were ubiquitous livestock in ancient Israel, making them readily available for the people to offer. This specificity underscores the meticulous nature of the divine commands, leaving no ambiguity regarding the appropriate animals for this particular sacrifice.
* **"for a burnt sacrifice":** This reiterates the distinct purpose of the offering: it is specifically designated as an `olah`, or burnt offering. This repetition ensures the worshiper understands the unique nature of this sacrifice, where the entire animal is consumed by fire on the altar, symbolizing complete dedication and atonement, and ascending as a pleasing aroma to God.
* **"he shall bring it a male without blemish":** This is the critical requirement concerning the animal's quality. "Male" indicates strength, vigor, and often primary value in ancient agricultural societies, frequently associated with propagation and economic worth. "Without blemish" (`tâmîym`) establishes the absolute standard of physical perfection, demanding that the animal be entirely free from any defect, injury, or disease. This stringent stipulation underscores God's absolute holiness, the profound seriousness of sin, and the indispensable necessity of a perfect, untainted substitute to cover sin and restore fellowship with a righteous God. It teaches that only the very best, untainted offering can approach and appease a holy God.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 1:10 employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological truths regarding the nature of sacrifice. **Repetition** is a key element, particularly in the consistent emphasis on the animal being "without blemish" (`tâmîym`) across all categories of burnt offerings (e.g., cattle in [Leviticus 1:3](/leviticus/1-3 "Leviticus 1:3 - Burnt Offering of Cattle"), birds in [Leviticus 1:10](/leviticus/1-10 "Leviticus 1:10 - Burnt Offering of Flocks")). This recurring demand underscores the non-negotiable standard of purity and perfection required for all offerings, reinforcing God's unwavering holiness and the gravity of sin. The entire sacrificial system functions as profound **Symbolism**, where the physical act of offering an animal represents deeper spiritual realities. The "male without blemish" specifically symbolizes purity, strength, and perfection, pointing to the ideal sacrifice necessary to bridge the chasm between sinful humanity and a holy God. The act of offering the animal and its complete consumption by fire also serves as a powerful **Metaphor** for total surrender, complete dedication, and the worshiper's desire for full reconciliation. Furthermore, the meticulously detailed instructions and the specific requirements for the burnt offering, particularly the "male without blemish," function as **Typology**. This Old Testament institution foreshadows a greater, ultimate reality in the New Testament, specifically the perfect, sinless sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who fully embodies and fulfills all the requirements of the Law, serving as the ultimate unblemished Lamb.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 1:10, with its stringent demand for a "male without blemish" from the flocks for the burnt offering, profoundly illuminates several core theological themes. It underscores God's absolute holiness and the inherent sinfulness of humanity, demonstrating that only a perfect, untainted sacrifice can approach and appease a righteous God. This requirement highlights the principle of substitutionary atonement, where the life of an innocent animal is given in place of the guilty worshiper, covering their sins and restoring fellowship. The completeness of the burnt offering, consumed entirely by fire, further symbolizes total dedication and devotion, representing the worshiper's desire for full reconciliation and surrender to God. This system, though temporary and imperfect in its capacity to fully remove sin, served as a divine object lesson, preparing God's people for the ultimate, perfect sacrifice that would fully satisfy His justice and provide eternal redemption.

* [1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redemption by the Precious Blood of Christ"): Describes redemption not with perishable things but with the precious blood of Christ, "as of a lamb without blemish and without spot."
* [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - John the Baptist Identifies Jesus as the Lamb of God"): John the Baptist identifies Jesus as "the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world," directly connecting Him to the sacrificial lambs of the Old Testament.
* [Hebrews 9:13-14](/hebrews/9-13-14 "Hebrews 9:13-14 - The Superiority of Christ's Blood"): Contrasts the temporary efficacy of the blood of goats and bulls with the eternal power of the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself "without spot to God," cleansing our conscience from dead works.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the practice of animal sacrifices is no longer observed by believers today, the profound truths embedded in Leviticus 1:10 remain deeply relevant and spiritually nourishing. This verse serves as a powerful and enduring reminder of God's unblemished holiness and the absolute standard of purity He demands for any approach to His presence. It compels us to acknowledge the immense gravity and infinite cost of sin, which necessitated such a perfect offering to bridge the chasm between a righteous God and sinful humanity. More importantly, this meticulous instruction directs our gaze to the once-for-all, perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who fully met every requirement of the Law and satisfied God's righteous demands on our behalf. Understanding the meticulousness and theological depth of the Old Testament sacrificial system immeasurably deepens our appreciation for the boundless grace, unfathomable love, and complete provision demonstrated in Christ's finished work on the cross. It calls us to respond with lives of profound gratitude and complete dedication, offering ourselves as "living sacrifices" ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Present Your Bodies as Living Sacrifices")), striving for spiritual purity and wholeheartedly committing our entire being—our thoughts, words, and deeds—to God's service. We do this not to earn our salvation, but in joyful response to the truth that our acceptance before God is not based on our own fleeting perfection, but solely on Christ's perfect and eternal sacrifice.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the requirement for a "male without blemish" in Leviticus 1:10 deepen your understanding of God's holiness and the seriousness of sin?**
* **In what ways does the concept of a "burnt sacrifice" (total consumption) challenge you to consider your own level of dedication and surrender to God today, particularly in areas where you might be holding back?**
* **Considering Christ as the ultimate "blemish-free" sacrifice, how does this verse enhance your appreciation for His atoning work on the cross and the completeness of His redemption?**
* **If we are called to be "living sacrifices" ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Present Your Bodies as Living Sacrifices")), what aspects of your life might God be calling you to offer more completely and without blemish (i.e., without reservation or compromise or hidden motives) to Him?**

### FAQ
**Why did God require animal sacrifices, and specifically "blemish-free" animals?**

Answer: God required animal sacrifices as a divinely instituted means for sinful humanity to approach a holy God. They served as a vivid, tangible representation of the dire consequences of sin (death) and the foundational principle of substitutionary atonement, where an innocent life was given in place of the guilty. The requirement for "blemish-free" animals was absolutely crucial because it symbolized the absolute perfection, purity, and holiness of God Himself. Only an untainted, flawless offering could be acceptable to Him, reflecting His own character and the profound seriousness of sin. This stringent standard also powerfully foreshadowed the ultimate, perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who would be the truly "unblemished" Lamb of God ([1 Peter 1:19](/1_peter/1-19 "1 Peter 1:19 - Christ as a Lamb without Blemish")). The sacrifices comprehensively taught the Israelites about the gravity of sin, the indispensable necessity of atonement, and God's gracious provision for reconciliation.

**Does the concept of a "male without blemish" have any spiritual significance for believers today, even without animal sacrifices?**

Answer: Absolutely. While we no longer offer animal sacrifices, the spiritual principles underlying the "male without blemish" requirement are profoundly significant and enduring. It teaches us about God's unchanging standard of holiness and His unwavering desire for purity and integrity in our lives. Spiritually, "without blemish" can be understood as striving for integrity, sincerity, and wholehearted devotion in our walk with God. It calls us to offer our best to Him—our time, talents, resources, and affections—without reservation or compromise, holding nothing back. More importantly, it points us directly to Jesus Christ, who is the only truly "unblemished" offering, the perfect sacrifice. Our acceptance before God is not based on our own flawed attempts at perfection, but solely on His perfect sacrifice. Our spiritual "blemish-free" status is found in Him, and we are called to live in a manner worthy of that incredible grace, reflecting His purity in our daily lives, as exhorted in passages like [Ephesians 5:27](/ephesians/5-27 "Ephesians 5:27 - Christ's Purpose for the Church") where Christ presents the church to Himself "without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she would be holy and blameless."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 1:10, with its precise stipulations for a "male without blemish" from the flocks offered as a burnt sacrifice, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The entire Old Testament sacrificial system, including the meticulous details of the burnt offering, served as a powerful shadow, a divine object lesson pointing forward to the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice of the Messiah. Just as the animal had to be a male, symbolizing strength and primary value, Jesus is the Son of God, the ultimate and most valuable offering. The demand for an unblemished animal directly prefigures Christ's absolute sinlessness and moral perfection; He was indeed "a lamb without blemish and without spot" ([1 Peter 1:19](/1_peter/1-19 "1 Peter 1:19 - Christ as a Lamb without Blemish")), who "knew no sin" ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Made Sin for Us")). The burnt offering's complete consumption by fire symbolized total dedication and atonement, and similarly, Jesus' sacrifice on the cross was a complete and sufficient act of atonement, fully satisfying God's righteous demands for sin ([Hebrews 10:10](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Christ's Once-for-All Sacrifice")). He is the true "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")), whose shed blood provides eternal redemption and grants us direct access to God, fulfilling every type and shadow of the Levitical system, thereby rendering further animal sacrifices obsolete ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice and Atonement")).

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

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.