Leviticus 22:20

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

But whatsoever hath a blemish {H3971}, that shall ye not offer {H7126}: for it shall not be acceptable {H7522} for you.

You are not to bring anything with a defect, because it will not be accepted from you.

You must not present anything with a defect, because it will not be accepted on your behalf.

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

Leviticus 22:20 is a straightforward command within the Mosaic Law, emphasizing the strict requirements for offerings presented to the Lord. This verse specifically prohibits the offering of any animal that has a physical defect or "blemish," declaring such an offering unacceptable in God's sight.

Context

This verse is part of a larger section in Leviticus Chapter 22 that outlines the rules for priests and the purity of the sacrifices they handle. The preceding verses establish that only animals meeting specific criteria—such as being of a certain age and free from disease or deformity—were fit for presentation at the altar. The meticulous regulations underscore the profound holiness of God and the sacred nature of approaching Him through worship and sacrifice. These laws ensured that Israel understood the gravity and privilege of their relationship with a holy God, who demanded the very best.

Key Themes

  • Divine Perfection and Holiness: God, being perfect and holy, requires offerings that reflect His character. An unblemished sacrifice symbolized purity and wholeness, aligning with the sacredness of the divine-human encounter. This principle is foundational to understanding God's nature, as highlighted in Leviticus 19:2, "Ye shall be holy: for I the LORD your God am holy."
  • Respect and Honor: Offering the best, without defect, was an act of profound respect and honor towards God. It demonstrated that the worshiper valued God above all else and was not giving Him mere leftovers or something of lesser quality.
  • Anticipation of Christ: The requirement for an "unblemished" sacrifice serves as a powerful foreshadowing of Jesus Christ. He is often referred to as the "Lamb of God without spot or blemish," the ultimate and perfect sacrifice for sin (1 Peter 1:19). His sinless life made Him the only acceptable offering to atone for humanity's imperfections.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "blemish" in this verse is mum (מוּם), which refers to a physical defect, spot, or imperfection. This term is used consistently throughout Leviticus to describe any physical flaw that would render an animal unsuitable for sacrifice. The phrase "shall not be acceptable for you" uses the Hebrew word ratson (רָצוֹן), meaning "favor," "delight," or "acceptance." It signifies that such an offering would not bring God's approval or pleasure; it would be rejected.

Practical Application

While the Old Testament sacrificial system has been fulfilled in Christ, the spiritual principles of Leviticus 22:20 remain highly relevant for believers today:

  • Giving Our Best: We are called to offer God our best in all areas of life—our time, talents, resources, and devotion. This is not about earning favor, but about expressing gratitude and honor to the One who gave His very best for us. As Proverbs 3:9 states, "Honor the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase."
  • Holiness in Worship: Our worship, whether personal or corporate, should be offered with reverence, sincerity, and purity of heart. God desires not just our actions, but our hearts to be wholly devoted to Him.
  • The Perfect Sacrifice of Christ: This verse continually points us to the profound truth of Jesus Christ as the perfect, unblemished sacrifice. Because of His flawless offering, we can approach God with confidence, knowing that we are accepted in Him, not by our own imperfect offerings or works.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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 1:8

    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.

  • 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.

  • 1 Peter 1:19

    But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:

  • 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?

  • 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.

  • Malachi 1:13

    Ye said also, Behold, what a weariness [is it]! and ye have snuffed at it, saith the LORD of hosts; and ye brought [that which was] torn, and the lame, and the sick; thus ye brought an offering: should I accept this of your hand? saith the LORD.
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