Leviticus 22:19

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Ye shall offer at your own will {H7522} a male {H2145} without blemish {H8549}, of the beeves {H1241}, of the sheep {H3775}, or of the goats {H5795}.

Complete Jewish Bible

in order for you to be accepted, you must bring a male without defect from the cattle, the sheep or the goats.

Berean Standard Bible

must offer an unblemished male from the cattle, sheep, or goats in order for it to be accepted on your behalf.

American Standard Version

that ye may be accepted, ye shall offer a male without blemish, of the bullocks, of the sheep, or of the goats.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 22:19 meticulously outlines the divine requirements for acceptable voluntary offerings in ancient Israel, particularly for burnt offerings and peace offerings. It mandates that any animal presented to the Lord—whether from the cattle, sheep, or goats—must be a male and entirely "without blemish." This verse profoundly underscores God's absolute holiness and His unyielding demand for perfection and integrity in worship, reflecting both the intrinsic value of the offering itself and the sincere disposition of the worshiper, all of which served as a profound foreshadowing of the ultimate, perfect sacrifice.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 22:19 is strategically positioned within a larger section of the Torah ([Leviticus 21-22](/leviticus/21-22 "Leviticus 21-22 - Laws for Priests and Offerings")) that meticulously details the stringent laws concerning the holiness required of the priests and the offerings brought to the Lord. Chapter 21 focuses primarily on the personal holiness and physical qualifications of the priests, ensuring their ritual purity to approach God and handle sacred objects. Chapter 22 then extends these holiness requirements to the offerings themselves, emphasizing that both the offerer and the offering must meet divine standards. The preceding verses in [Leviticus 22:1-16](/leviticus/22-1-16 "Leviticus 22:1-16 - Priests Eating Holy Food") deal with priests eating holy food, while [verses 17-33](/leviticus/22-17-33 "Leviticus 22:17-33 - Requirements for Acceptable Sacrifices") specifically outline the qualifications for animals brought as sacrifices, prohibiting any animal with a defect. Thus, verse 19 serves as a foundational statement for voluntary offerings (burnt offerings and peace offerings), setting the standard of perfection that applies to all acceptable sacrifices, thereby reinforcing the sanctity of the Tabernacle worship and the covenant relationship.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the sacrificial system was the divinely ordained means for atonement, worship, and communion with God. Offerings were integral to daily life and religious festivals, serving as tangible expressions of devotion, repentance, and thanksgiving. The requirement for an "unblemished" animal was not merely aesthetic; it carried profound theological and practical weight. Animals with defects (blindness, lameness, disease, etc.) were often considered unfit for human consumption in many cases and certainly unworthy of being offered to a perfect God. This standard ensured that the worshiper offered their very best, reflecting a heart of true reverence and valuing God above all else. The specification of "male" animals for certain offerings, particularly burnt offerings, often indicated a sacrifice of prime value and strength, as males were typically more valuable for breeding or labor. This practice was common in the ancient Near East, where the choicest animals were reserved for deities, but in Israel, it was uniquely tied to the holiness of Yahweh and the covenant relationship established at [Mount Sinai](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - The Giving of the Law at Mount Sinai").

* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 22:19 significantly contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **Holiness**, emphasizing God's absolute purity and His demand for a holy people and holy worship. The "without blemish" requirement is a direct manifestation of this theme, signifying that only perfection is acceptable to a perfect God. Closely related is the theme of **Integrity and Wholeness in Worship**, where the physical perfection of the animal symbolizes the spiritual integrity and sincere disposition required of the worshiper. The phrase "at your own will" highlights the theme of **Voluntary Devotion**, underscoring that God desires heartfelt, uncoerced offerings rather than mere ritualistic obligation. Finally, the meticulous nature of these sacrificial laws, particularly the demand for an unblemished male, subtly introduces the theme of **Anticipation and Foreshadowing**, pointing forward to the ultimate, perfect sacrifice that would one day fully atone for sin, as seen in the [New Testament's portrayal of Christ](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **at your own will (Hebrew, _râtsôwn'_):** From the root רָצָה (_râtsah_), this term (H7522) signifies "delight," "favor," "good pleasure," or "acceptance." In this context, it emphasizes that the offering must be presented voluntarily, stemming from a willing heart and genuine desire, not from compulsion or obligation. Crucially, it also carries the nuance of "for your acceptance" or "that it may be accepted for you," indicating that the worshiper's disposition was paramount for the offering to be pleasing and acceptable to God. This highlights the spiritual attitude behind the physical act, making the offering efficacious for the one presenting it.
* **without blemish (Hebrew, _tâmîym'_):** This highly significant term (H8549) means "entire," "complete," "sound," "perfect," or "blameless." In the context of sacrifices, it refers to an animal free from any physical defect, disease, or imperfection. Theologically, _tâmîym_ extends beyond mere physical flawlessness; it implies integrity and wholeness, representing the highest quality and purity. For an offering to be _tâmîym_ meant it was fit for a holy God, underscoring His absolute perfection and the seriousness of approaching Him, demanding nothing less than the best and most complete offering.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"[Ye shall offer] at your own will":** This initial clause profoundly emphasizes the worshiper's disposition. The offering was not to be coerced or performed out of mere ritualistic duty, but rather as a free, willing, and heartfelt act of devotion. This voluntariness was a prerequisite for divine acceptance, indicating that God values the attitude of the heart as much as the act itself, ensuring that worship is an expression of genuine love and reverence.
* **"a male without blemish":** This segment specifies the precise quality and gender of the animal required for these voluntary offerings. The animal had to be "male," often signifying prime value, strength, and reproductive potential, particularly for burnt offerings. More critically, it had to be "without blemish," meaning physically perfect, free from any defect, disease, or imperfection. This exacting standard ensured the offering's purity and integrity, directly reflecting the holiness of the God to whom it was offered and symbolizing the perfection required for atonement.
* **"of the beeves, of the sheep, or of the goats":** This final part lists the acceptable categories of animals for these voluntary offerings. "Beeves" refers to cattle (oxen, bulls, cows), while "sheep" and "goats" were common domesticated animals readily available in ancient Israel. These were all considered "clean" animals according to the dietary laws, further emphasizing the purity and suitability required for sacred offerings, limiting the scope to specific, ritually pure livestock.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 22:19 employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological message. **Symbolism** is paramount, with the "unblemished" animal serving as a powerful symbol of purity, perfection, and wholeness. This physical flawlessness symbolizes the spiritual and moral integrity required in approaching a holy God, and crucially, foreshadows the unblemished nature of the ultimate sacrifice. The very act of offering "at your own will" also symbolizes the worshiper's sincere and uncoerced devotion, highlighting the internal disposition as vital for external acts of worship. Furthermore, the selection of specific animal types ("beeves, sheep, or goats") functions as **Metonymy**, where these specific animals represent the broader category of acceptable, clean livestock suitable for sacrifice, implying a comprehensive scope within the prescribed boundaries. The meticulous detail and repetition of purity laws throughout Leviticus also demonstrate **Emphasis**, underscoring the paramount importance of holiness in all aspects of Israelite worship and life, reinforcing the gravity of approaching a perfect God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 22:19 profoundly reveals God's nature as holy and His unyielding demand for holiness in all approaches to Him. The requirement for a "male without blemish" underscores that true worship necessitates offering our very best, not our leftovers, the defective, or what costs us nothing. This principle extends beyond physical sacrifices to encompass the offering of our lives, time, talents, and resources. God desires a willing heart and genuine devotion, valuing the spirit of generosity and sincerity over mere obligation or grudging compliance. The meticulous standards for the Old Testament sacrifices were not arbitrary; they served as a pedagogical tool, teaching Israel about the absolute perfection required to stand before a holy God, and subtly pointing to a future, perfect provision for sin that would transcend all animal offerings.

* [2 Corinthians 9:7](/2_corinthians/9-7 "2 Corinthians 9:7 - Cheerful Giving")
* [1 Peter 1:19](/1_peter/1-19 "1 Peter 1:19 - Christ, the Spotless Lamb")
* [Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Christ's Blameless Sacrifice")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the Old Testament sacrificial system has been definitively fulfilled in Christ, the enduring principles embedded in Leviticus 22:19 remain profoundly relevant for believers today. We are called to offer God our "spiritual sacrifices" ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones and Spiritual Sacrifices")), which include our bodies as living sacrifices ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifices")), our praise, our service, and our resources. The emphasis on "at your own will" challenges us to examine the motivation behind our worship and service. Is it out of genuine love, profound gratitude, and sincere devotion, or merely out of duty, expectation, or to gain something? God desires a cheerful giver, a willing servant, and a heart fully yielded to Him. The "without blemish" standard reminds us to strive for excellence and integrity in all we offer to God, ensuring that our worship is not half-hearted or flawed, but characterized by our very best, reflecting His supreme worth and our profound reverence for Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I offering God less than my "best" or something "with blemish," perhaps out of convenience or apathy?**
* **How does the principle of "at your own will" challenge my current attitude towards giving, serving, or worshiping God, prompting me to cultivate a more joyful and willing heart?**
* **Considering the absolute perfection God required in the Old Testament, how does this deepen my appreciation for the perfect, unblemished sacrifice of Jesus Christ on my behalf?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to offer God a more "unblemished" and "willing" sacrifice of my time, talents, or resources, truly reflecting His worth in my life?**

### FAQ
**Why was it so important for the animal to be "without blemish"?**

Answer: The requirement for an animal to be "without blemish" (Hebrew: _tâmîym_) was crucial for several profound reasons. Theologically, it symbolized the absolute perfection and holiness of God. Anything offered to Him had to be of the highest quality, reflecting His supreme worth and the seriousness of approaching Him. A blemished animal would have been considered an insult to God's character and an unfit representation of the offerer's devotion. Practically, it ensured that the worshiper offered a costly and valuable sacrifice, not merely an animal that was otherwise useless or diseased. This underscored the worshiper's sincerity, commitment, and the true cost of atonement. Furthermore, it served as a powerful and essential foreshadowing of the ultimate, perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who was without sin or defect ([Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Christ's Blameless Sacrifice")).

**Are the laws about animal sacrifices in Leviticus 22 still relevant for Christians today?**

Answer: While Christians are no longer required to offer animal sacrifices, as the Old Covenant sacrificial system has been fulfilled, the principles behind these Old Testament laws remain profoundly relevant. The sacrificial system, including the requirements in [Leviticus 22](/leviticus/22 "Leviticus 22 - Laws for Priests and Offerings"), pointed forward to Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate and perfect sacrifice for sin ([Hebrews 10:1-18](/hebrews/10 "Hebrews 10 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). For believers today, these laws teach us invaluable truths about God's holiness, the gravity of sin, the necessity of a perfect atonement, and the importance of offering our very best to God in all aspects of our lives—in worship, service, and daily living. We are called to present our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifices")), reflecting the same heart of willingness and integrity that was required of the Old Testament worshiper.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 22:19 finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament demand for a "male without blemish" perfectly prefigures Christ, who is the [Lamb of God without spot or blemish](/1_peter/1-19 "1 Peter 1:19 - Christ, the Spotless Lamb"), entirely free from sin (2 Corinthians 5:21; [Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our Sinless High Priest")). He was the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice, unlike the repeated animal offerings that could never truly take away sins (Hebrews 10:4). Moreover, the phrase "at your own will" beautifully anticipates Christ's voluntary surrender to the Father's will. He did not go to the cross under compulsion, but willingly laid down His life (John 10:18), declaring, "[Not my will, but yours be done](/luke/22-42 "Luke 22:42 - Jesus' Prayer in Gethsemane")" (Luke 22:42). His offering was not only perfect in quality but also perfect in disposition, making Him the one acceptable sacrifice through whom we find full acceptance with God (Ephesians 1:6). Thus, Leviticus 22:19 stands as a profound Old Testament shadow, pointing directly to the perfect, willing, and all-sufficient sacrifice of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, whose offering truly makes us acceptable to 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

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.

Leviticus 1:3

¶ If his offering [be] a burnt sacrifice of the herd, let him offer a male without blemish: he shall offer it of his own voluntary will at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation before the LORD.

Matthew 27:24

When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but [that] rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed [his] hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye [to it].

Luke 23:41

And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss.

Ephesians 5:27

That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

Luke 23:47

Now when the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, Certainly this was a righteous man.

Matthew 27:4

Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What [is that] to us? see thou [to that].