Leviticus 22:21

KJV

And whosoever offereth a sacrifice of peace offerings unto the LORD to accomplish [his] vow, or a freewill offering in beeves or sheep, it shall be perfect to be accepted; there shall be no blemish therein.

KJV (with Strong's)

And whosoever {H376} offereth {H7126} a sacrifice {H2077} of peace offerings {H8002} unto the LORD {H3068} to accomplish {H6381} his vow {H5088}, or a freewill offering {H5071} in beeves {H1241} or sheep {H6629}, it shall be perfect {H8549} to be accepted {H7522}; there shall be no blemish {H3971} therein.

Complete Jewish Bible

Whoever brings a sacrifice of peace offerings to ADONAI in fulfillment of a vow or as a voluntary offering, whether it come from the herd or from the flock, it must be unblemished and without defect in order to be accepted.

Berean Standard Bible

When a man presents a peace offering to the LORD from the herd or flock to fulfill a vow or as a freewill offering, it must be without blemish or defect to be acceptable.

American Standard Version

And whosoever offereth a sacrifice of peace-offerings unto Jehovah to accomplish a vow, or for a freewill-offering, of the herd or of the flock, it shall be perfect to be accepted; there shall be no blemish therein.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 22:21 meticulously details the stringent requirements for peace offerings presented to the LORD, whether offered to fulfill a solemn vow or as a spontaneous freewill offering. The verse emphatically states that any animal designated for such a sacrifice—whether from the cattle (beeves) or sheep—must be absolutely "perfect" and entirely "without blemish" to be deemed acceptable in God's sight. This divine mandate underscores God's unyielding standard of holiness and perfection in all acts of worship, reflecting His own flawless character and demanding the worshiper's utmost sincerity and reverence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 22 is a pivotal chapter within the broader legal and ritual framework of the book of Leviticus, which meticulously outlines Israel's covenant relationship with God and the pathways to holiness. Immediately preceding this verse, the chapter addresses the ritual purity required of priests who handle the holy offerings, emphasizing that any priest with a physical blemish or ritual impurity must not approach the altar or eat of the holy things ([Leviticus 21:16-23](/leviticus/21-16 "Leviticus 21:16-23 - Priestly Blemishes")). This focus on the sanctity of those who serve God seamlessly transitions in Leviticus 22:17-25 to the sanctity of the offerings themselves. The instruction in [Leviticus 22:21](/leviticus/22-21 "Leviticus 22:21 - Requirements for Peace Offerings") is thus part of a larger divine insistence on perfection and wholeness in all aspects of worship, from the minister to the sacrifice, ensuring that God receives nothing less than what is fitting for His holy character.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the sacrificial system was the central expression of their relationship with Yahweh, providing a means of atonement, thanksgiving, and communion. Peace offerings (*zevach shelamim*) were unique among the sacrifices as they were often voluntary and involved a communal meal, symbolizing fellowship and reconciliation with God and fellow Israelites. These offerings could be prompted by thanksgiving, a specific vow made to God, or simply a freewill desire to express devotion. The concept of a "vow" (*neder*) was particularly significant in ancient Near Eastern cultures, representing a solemn promise made to a deity, often in exchange for a blessing or deliverance. Such vows were binding and their fulfillment was a matter of honor and integrity before God ([Deuteronomy 23:21-23](/deuteronomy/23-21 "Deuteronomy 23:21-23 - Fulfilling Vows")). The requirement for an "unblemished" animal for these offerings, whether for a vow or freewill, was not merely aesthetic; it reflected the theological principle that only the best, the most complete and whole, was worthy of the perfectly holy God. This standard ensured that the act of worship was not perfunctory but a genuine, costly expression of reverence and devotion.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Perfect (Hebrew, _tamiym'_):** This Hebrew term (תָּמִים) is rich in meaning, extending beyond mere physical flawlessness. While it certainly denotes "whole," "complete," "sound," and "without defect" in a physical sense (as required for sacrificial animals), *tamiym* also carries a broader ethical and moral connotation of "blameless," "upright," or "of integrity." When applied to a sacrifice, it signifies that the animal is entirely suitable and acceptable, lacking any disqualifying imperfection. The use of *tamiym* here emphasizes that God demands not just an outwardly acceptable offering, but one that is intrinsically whole and representative of genuine devotion.
* **Blemish (Hebrew, _mum'_):** The Hebrew word (מוּם) specifically refers to a physical defect, spot, or disfigurement. This term is used consistently throughout Leviticus to describe any physical imperfection that would render an animal (or a priest) unfit for sacred service or sacrifice. The explicit prohibition of *mum* reinforces the absolute standard of physical integrity required for the offering, leaving no room for ambiguity. It underscores the idea that anything presented to God must be untainted and pure, reflecting His own unblemished holiness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And whosoever offereth a sacrifice of peace offerings unto the LORD":** This clause establishes the context of the offering. Peace offerings (*zevach shelamim*) were distinct from sin or burnt offerings. They were typically voluntary and served as a means of expressing thanksgiving, fulfilling a vow, or simply enjoying fellowship and communion with God. The worshiper would bring the animal to the Tabernacle and, after its sacrifice, a portion would be burned on the altar, a portion given to the priests, and the remainder consumed by the worshiper and their family/friends in a sacred meal. This act symbolized reconciliation and shared communion with God.
* **"to accomplish [his] vow, or a freewill offering":** This specifies the two primary motivations for bringing a peace offering. A "vow" (*neder*) was a solemn promise made to God, often conditional upon divine favor or deliverance, and its fulfillment was a sacred obligation. A "freewill offering" (*nedabah*) was a spontaneous, voluntary act of worship, driven by a heart of gratitude or devotion, without any prior obligation. Both types of offerings, despite their different motivations, were subject to the same stringent quality requirements, emphasizing that all worship, whether obligatory or voluntary, must meet God's high standards.
* **"in beeves or sheep":** This identifies the specific types of animals acceptable for these peace offerings – cattle (beeves) or sheep. These were common domesticated animals and represented significant economic value, indicating that the offering was a costly and meaningful act for the worshiper. The inclusion of both large and small livestock provided options for different economic statuses, but the quality standard remained universal.
* **"it shall be perfect to be accepted; there shall be no blemish therein":** This is the core requirement of the verse, laying down the absolute standard for the sacrifice. The animal had to be "perfect" (*tamiym*), meaning whole, sound, and complete, and explicitly "without blemish" (*mum*), meaning free from any physical defect, disease, or injury. This dual emphasis serves to underscore the strictness of the divine mandate. The purpose of this perfection was for the offering "to be accepted" by the LORD. Acceptance was contingent upon meeting these precise criteria, signifying that God would not receive anything less than the best, reflecting His own perfect nature and the sacredness of the covenant relationship.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological message. **Repetition** and **emphasis** are evident in the dual insistence on the animal being "perfect" and having "no blemish," reinforcing the absolute nature of the requirement for purity and wholeness. This redundancy serves to eliminate any ambiguity regarding the expected standard. The text also utilizes **legal language** and a **prescriptive tone**, characteristic of the Mosaic Law, clearly stating divine commands and conditions for acceptance. This direct, authoritative style underscores the non-negotiable nature of God's demands for worship. Furthermore, the entire sacrificial system, including this specific requirement, functions as **symbolism**. The unblemished animal symbolizes not only the purity and holiness of God, who is worthy of the best, but also the ideal state of the worshiper's heart—whole, sincere, and undivided in devotion. Most profoundly, it serves as **foreshadowing**, pointing forward to the ultimate, perfect, and unblemished sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 22:21 powerfully articulates God's unwavering demand for excellence, purity, and integrity in worship. The requirement for a "perfect" and "unblemished" offering underscores the infinite worthiness of God; He is deserving of nothing less than the absolute best from His people. This divine standard is not arbitrary but flows from God's own perfect and holy character, establishing a principle that transcends the Mosaic covenant. It teaches that true worship involves a costly offering, one that reflects genuine reverence and sincerity of heart, whether offered out of obligation (vow) or pure devotion (freewill). This principle of offering our best, free from defect, profoundly foreshadows the ultimate, once-for-all sacrifice that would perfectly meet God's standard.

* [Leviticus 1:3](/leviticus/1-3 "Leviticus 1:3 - Unblemished Burnt Offering")
* [Malachi 1:8](/malachi/1-8 "Malachi 1:8 - Defiled Offerings")
* [Ecclesiastes 5:4-5](/ecclesiastes/5-4 "Ecclesiastes 5:4-5 - Fulfilling Vows")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the Old Testament sacrificial system has been fulfilled in Christ, the enduring principles embedded in Leviticus 22:21 remain profoundly relevant for believers today. The call to offer God our "perfect" and "unblemished" best translates into a holistic commitment to excellence in every sphere of our lives. This means dedicating our time, talents, resources, and deepest affections not as leftovers or afterthoughts, but as primary offerings of worship, striving for integrity and sincerity in all we do for His glory. Our worship, whether in corporate gatherings or private devotion, should reflect a heart fully devoted and unblemished by compromise or half-heartedness. Furthermore, the emphasis on fulfilling vows reminds us of the importance of integrity in our commitments, especially those made to God, such as baptismal vows, marriage vows, or promises of service. Most importantly, this verse deepens our appreciation for the singular, perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Our acceptance by God is not predicated on the flawed perfection of our own efforts, but on the flawless, unblemished offering of the Lamb of God, which alone fully satisfied God's righteous demands.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the ancient demand for a "perfect" and "unblemished" sacrifice inform my understanding of what it means to offer my best to God in contemporary worship and daily life?**
* **In what areas of my life (e.g., time, finances, relationships, spiritual disciplines) am I tempted to offer God less than my "perfect" or "unblemished" best?**
* **Considering the importance of vows in ancient Israel, how seriously do I take my commitments and promises, especially those made to God or in His name?**
* **How does the perfection of Christ's sacrifice, foreshadowed in this verse, transform my perspective on my own efforts to please God?**

### FAQ
**Why were "peace offerings" different from other sacrifices, and why was perfection so critical for them?**

Answer: Peace offerings (*zevach shelamim*) were unique because they were primarily voluntary, unlike sin or guilt offerings which were obligatory for atonement. They served to express thanksgiving, fulfill a vow, or simply to enjoy fellowship with God. A key distinction was the communal meal that often followed, where the worshiper and their family/friends would partake of the sacrificed animal, symbolizing shared communion with God. Perfection was critical for peace offerings, just as for other sacrifices, because it underscored God's absolute holiness and worthiness. Even though voluntary, the offering still had to meet God's highest standard, signifying that all worship, regardless of its motivation, must be of the highest quality and integrity to be acceptable to the perfectly holy God ([Leviticus 22:20](/leviticus/22-20 "Leviticus 22:20 - Unacceptable Offerings")).

**What did "perfect" and "without blemish" truly mean for the Israelites in practical terms?**

Answer: In practical terms, "perfect" (*tamiym*) and "without blemish" (*mum*) meant that the animal had to be physically whole, sound, and free from any defect, deformity, disease, or injury. This included things like blindness, lameness, broken bones, skin diseases, or any other physical imperfection that would render it less than ideal. The meticulous lists of disqualifying blemishes found in [Leviticus 22:22-24](/leviticus/22-22 "Leviticus 22:22-24 - Specific Blemishes") demonstrate the strictness of this requirement. For the Israelites, it was a tangible demonstration of their reverence for God, indicating that they were giving Him their very best, not something of lesser value or convenience. It also visually represented the purity and wholeness required for approaching a holy God.

**Does this verse imply that God only accepts perfect people or perfect offerings from us today?**

Answer: No, this verse does not imply that God only accepts perfect people or perfect offerings from us in the New Covenant era. The Old Testament sacrificial system, including the requirement for unblemished animals, was a shadow pointing to the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus Christ ([Hebrews 10:1-10](/hebrews/10-1 "Hebrews 10:1-10 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice")). Under the New Covenant, our acceptance by God is based solely on the perfect work of Christ, not on our own flawed efforts or "perfect" offerings. However, the principle of offering our best to God remains. Our "offerings" today are spiritual: our bodies as living sacrifices ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifices")), our praise ([Hebrews 13:15](/hebrews/13-15 "Hebrews 13:15 - Sacrifice of Praise")), our service, and our resources. While we are imperfect, God desires our sincere, wholehearted devotion and our commitment to strive for excellence in all that we do for His glory, empowered by the Holy Spirit.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 22:21, with its stringent demand for a "perfect" and "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 limited, requiring repeated offerings of imperfect animals to temporarily cover sin. These animal sacrifices served as a profound **type** and **shadow**, pointing forward to the one true Lamb of God. Jesus Christ is the quintessential "perfect" and "unblemished" sacrifice, the spotless 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")). He was born without sin, lived a life of perfect obedience, and offered Himself "without blemish or spot" to God through the eternal Spirit ([1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redemption by Christ's Precious Blood"); [Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Christ's Self-Sacrifice Through the Eternal Spirit")). His single, perfect offering on the cross fully satisfied God's righteous demands for holiness and justice, accomplishing what countless animal sacrifices could never do: the complete and eternal removal of sin ([Hebrews 10:10-14](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10-14 - Christ's One Sacrifice for All Time")). Through His flawless sacrifice, we, though imperfect, are made acceptable to God, not by our own merit, but by being "perfected forever" through His one offering ([Hebrews 10:14](/hebrews/10-14 "Hebrews 10:14 - Perfected Forever by One Offering")). Thus, Leviticus 22:21 not only highlights God's demand for perfection but also powerfully anticipates the perfect provision He would make through His Son.

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

Numbers 15:3

And will make an offering by fire unto the LORD, a burnt offering, or a sacrifice in performing a vow, or in a freewill offering, or in your solemn feasts, to make a sweet savour unto the LORD, of the herd, or of the flock:

Numbers 15:8

And when thou preparest a bullock [for] a burnt offering, or [for] a sacrifice in performing a vow, or peace offerings unto the LORD:

Leviticus 3:6

¶ And if his offering for a sacrifice of peace offering unto the LORD [be] of the flock; male or female, he shall offer it without blemish.

Ecclesiastes 5:4

¶ When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for [he hath] no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed.

Ecclesiastes 5:5

Better [is it] that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay.

Deuteronomy 23:21

When thou shalt vow a vow unto the LORD thy God, thou shalt not slack to pay it: for the LORD thy God will surely require it of thee; and it would be sin in thee.

Deuteronomy 23:23

That which is gone out of thy lips thou shalt keep and perform; [even] a freewill offering, according as thou hast vowed unto the LORD thy God, which thou hast promised with thy mouth.