Leviticus 22:23

KJV

Either a bullock or a lamb that hath any thing superfluous or lacking in his parts, that mayest thou offer [for] a freewill offering; but for a vow it shall not be accepted.

KJV (with Strong's)

Either a bullock {H7794} or a lamb {H7716} that hath any thing superfluous {H8311} or lacking in his parts {H7038}, that mayest thou offer {H6213} for a freewill offering {H5071}; but for a vow {H5088} it shall not be accepted {H7521}.

Complete Jewish Bible

If a bull or lamb has a limb which is too long or short, you may offer it as a voluntary offering; but for a vow it will not be accepted.

Berean Standard Bible

You may present as a freewill offering an ox or sheep that has a deformed or stunted limb, but it is not acceptable in fulfillment of a vow.

American Standard Version

Either a bullock or a lamb that hath anything superfluous or lacking in his parts, that mayest thou offer for a freewill-offering; but for a vow it shall not be accepted.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 22:23 meticulously details the acceptable physical conditions for animals presented as offerings, drawing a critical distinction between a freewill offering and an offering made in fulfillment of a vow. It stipulates that an animal with minor physical imperfections—either an excess ("superfluous") or a deficiency ("lacking") in its parts—may be presented as a spontaneous freewill offering, demonstrating God's gracious acceptance of sincere, voluntary devotion. However, such an animal is strictly forbidden and deemed unacceptable for an offering made to fulfill a solemn vow, underscoring the absolute integrity and perfection required when a worshiper enters into a binding commitment with the Almighty.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is intricately woven into the broader fabric of [Leviticus 22](/leviticus/22 "Leviticus 22 - Priestly Purity and Acceptable Sacrifices"), a chapter primarily concerned with the holiness required of priests and the purity of offerings presented to the Lord. The immediate preceding verses, specifically [Leviticus 22:17-25](/leviticus/22-17-25 "Leviticus 22:17-25 - Requirements for Unblemished Offerings"), establish the foundational principle that most sacrifices must be "without blemish," reflecting God's perfect holiness and His demand for the worshiper's very best. Within this stringent framework, verse 23 introduces a nuanced exception, differentiating between the standards for a freewill offering and a vow offering. This distinction is crucial, as it highlights the varying degrees of obligation and the divine understanding of spontaneous devotion versus solemn commitment, reinforcing the overarching theme of God's meticulousness regarding worship.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the sacrificial system was the divinely ordained means for humanity to approach a holy God, express worship, seek atonement, and fulfill religious obligations. The detailed regulations found throughout [the book of Leviticus](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus - Laws of Holiness and Sacrifice") were not arbitrary; they served as pedagogical tools, instructing the Israelites about God's absolute holiness, the gravity of sin, and the purity essential for communion with Him. Vows (Hebrew: *neder*) were exceptionally serious, binding promises made to God, often in exchange for divine favor or as a profound act of dedication, as further elucidated in [Numbers 30](/numbers/30 "Numbers 30 - Laws Concerning Vows"). Conversely, freewill offerings (Hebrew: *nedabah*) were voluntary, spontaneous expressions of gratitude, devotion, or love, given without prior obligation or condition, exemplified by the offerings for the Tabernacle in [Exodus 35:29](/exodus/35-29 "Exodus 35:29 - Freewill Offerings for the Tabernacle"). The differing standards for animal quality in these two types of offerings reveal God's profound insight into human motivation and the integrity required when making a solemn promise to the Creator.
* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 22:23 contributes significantly to several key themes prevalent in the book of Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it reinforces the theme of **Holiness and Purity**, emphasizing that God's sacred character demands unblemished offerings, particularly for binding commitments. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Integrity in Worship**, teaching that the nature of the worshiper's intention and commitment profoundly impacts the acceptability of their offering. The distinction between freewill offerings and vows underscores the importance of **Distinction and Discernment** in divine law, demonstrating God's nuanced understanding of human spiritual acts. Finally, it subtly introduces the theme of **God's Grace and Understanding**, as His allowance for minor imperfections in freewill offerings reveals His receptiveness to sincere, spontaneous devotion, even when material perfection is not fully met, while simultaneously upholding the absolute seriousness of promises, a theme echoed in [Deuteronomy 23:21-23](/deuteronomy/23-21-23 "Deuteronomy 23:21-23 - Fulfilling Vows to the Lord").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Superfluous (Hebrew, _sâraʻ'_):** From H8311, this term describes an animal that is "deformed by excess of members." It refers to a physical deformity characterized by an extra or redundant body part, such as an additional digit, an abnormal growth, or a limb that is malformed due to excess tissue. It denotes a visible, congenital, or acquired physical anomaly that makes the animal less than perfectly formed.
* **Lacking in his parts (Hebrew, _qâlaṭ'_):** From H7038, this word means "to maim" or to be "lacking in his parts." It signifies a deficiency or absence of a body part, such as a missing limb, an underdeveloped organ, or a part that is shrunken, withered, or incomplete. This term indicates a defect in the animal's physical structure that renders it incomplete or imperfect.
* **Freewill offering (Hebrew, _nᵉdâbâh'_):** From H5071, this noun denotes "spontaneity" or a "spontaneous gift." It refers to an offering given voluntarily and without prior obligation, stemming from a willing heart. It is an act of spontaneous devotion, gratitude, or love, not compelled by a vow or command, and is distinct from other obligatory sacrifices.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Either a bullock or a lamb":** This clause specifies the types of domestic animals permitted for these particular offerings. Bullocks (cattle) and lambs (sheep or goats) were the most common and valuable livestock in ancient Israel, serving as the primary animals for sacrificial worship, indicating their accessibility and significance in the cultic system.
* **"that hath any thing superfluous or lacking in his parts":** This phrase precisely defines the specific physical imperfections that are under consideration. It refers to an animal born with an extra part (superfluous) or one that is missing or has a shrunken part (lacking), distinguishing these particular deformities from general sickness, injury, or other blemishes that would render an animal unfit for any offering.
* **"that mayest thou offer [for] a freewill offering":** This is the permissive aspect of the statute. It declares that an animal with the aforementioned minor, non-debilitating physical imperfections is acceptable when presented as a *nedabah*. This allowance highlights God's gracious acceptance of sincere, voluntary devotion, valuing the worshiper's willing heart even when the material offering is not absolutely perfect in form.
* **"but for a vow it shall not be accepted":** This is the restrictive and emphatic counter-clause. It unequivocally states that an animal with any such blemish is strictly forbidden and unacceptable when offered to fulfill a *neder*, a solemn and binding promise made to God. This underscores the absolute integrity, perfection, and faithfulness required when fulfilling a covenantal commitment, emphasizing the profound seriousness with which vows were to be regarded before the Lord.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 22:23 masterfully employs **Contrast** and **Juxtaposition** as its central literary devices, setting the "freewill offering" against the "vow" offering. This stark comparison immediately highlights the differing divine expectations based on the nature of the worshiper's intent and the binding quality of their commitment. The precise legal language used, characteristic of **Casuistic Law** prevalent throughout Leviticus, presents a specific condition ("superfluous or lacking in his parts") and then provides clear, distinct consequences for different scenarios ("mayest thou offer" versus "it shall not be accepted"). Furthermore, there is a profound layer of **Symbolism** at play: the demand for a "perfect" animal for a vow symbolizes the integrity, seriousness, and unwavering faithfulness required of the worshiper in fulfilling their solemn promise, reflecting God's own absolute holiness and His demand for unblemished commitment. Conversely, the gracious allowance for a "blemished" animal in a freewill offering subtly symbolizes God's understanding and acceptance of sincere, spontaneous devotion, acknowledging that true worship originates from a willing spirit, even if the material expression falls short of absolute perfection.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 22:23 offers profound theological insights into God's nuanced understanding of human worship and commitment. While God consistently demands excellence and integrity in approaching Him, particularly in the fulfillment of solemn promises, His gracious allowance for minor imperfections in freewill offerings reveals a divine valuing of the heart's sincere desire to give, even when the material offering may not be absolutely flawless. This teaches us that while our best is always expected, God's grace extends to our spontaneous expressions of love, acknowledging that true worship originates from a willing spirit. However, it simultaneously underscores the absolute seriousness of promises made to God, demanding the highest standard of faithfulness and integrity. The verse thus balances divine expectation with divine grace, providing a framework for understanding the nature of our offerings—whether spontaneous or obligated—to a holy God.

* [Deuteronomy 23:21-23](/deuteronomy/23-21-23 "Deuteronomy 23:21-23 - Fulfilling Vows to the Lord")
* [Ecclesiastes 5:4-5](/ecclesiastes/5-4-5 "Ecclesiastes 5:4-5 - Do Not Delay in Fulfilling Vows")
* [Malachi 1:8](/malachi/1-8 "Malachi 1:8 - Rebuke for Blemished Offerings")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This ancient regulation holds profound relevance for believers today, offering timeless insights into the nature of our relationship with God and the integrity of our commitments. It reminds us that God looks beyond the outward appearance of our offerings to the sincerity of our hearts. While we are always called to give our very best to the Lord, especially when fulfilling promises made to Him, this verse provides comfort and encouragement that our spontaneous acts of worship and service, even if imperfect in human eyes, are graciously received when offered with genuine love and devotion. It challenges us to examine the motivations behind our spiritual disciplines and acts of service, ensuring that our "vows"—our commitments to God, whether formal or informal, such as commitments to prayer, service, or financial stewardship—are upheld with unwavering integrity, reflecting the seriousness with which we regard our relationship with the Almighty. Conversely, it encourages us to cultivate a spirit of spontaneous generosity and worship, knowing that God cherishes every sincere expression of our love and devotion, even those that may not meet an impossible standard of human perfection.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this verse challenge my understanding of "giving my best" to God, especially concerning spontaneous acts of devotion versus deliberate commitments?**
* **In what areas of my life have I made "vows" or commitments to God (e.g., in prayer, service, financial giving), and how faithfully am I upholding them?**
* **What does God's acceptance of imperfect freewill offerings teach me about His grace and His focus on the heart's intention?**
* **How can I cultivate a more spontaneous and sincere spirit of worship and generosity in my daily life, recognizing that God values the heart behind the offering?**

### FAQ
**Why did God allow imperfect animals for freewill offerings but not vows?**

Answer: The distinction lies profoundly in the nature of the offering and the underlying commitment. A freewill offering (Hebrew: *nedabah*) was a voluntary, spontaneous gift given out of devotion, gratitude, or love, without any prior obligation. For these, God graciously permitted animals with minor physical imperfections—specifically, those "superfluous or lacking in his parts"—demonstrating His understanding that the heart's sincere intent and willingness were paramount, even if the material aspect wasn't absolutely perfect. This reflects God's grace and His desire to encourage heartfelt, spontaneous worship. In contrast, an offering made "for a vow" (Hebrew: *neder*) was a binding promise or solemn commitment made to God, often conditional or in exchange for a request. Such vows were taken with extreme seriousness in ancient Israelite society, as highlighted in [Numbers 30:2](/numbers/30-2 "Numbers 30:2 - The Binding Nature of Vows"). Therefore, offerings fulfilling a vow demanded the highest standard of perfection, symbolizing the integrity, seriousness, and unwavering faithfulness required in fulfilling a promise made to the Almighty. This dual standard emphasizes God's meticulousness regarding promises and His compassionate grace towards spontaneous devotion.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 22:23, with its intricate regulations concerning blemish and acceptance, ultimately points forward to the perfect, unblemished sacrifice of Jesus Christ. While the Old Covenant sacrifices, even the most perfect, were merely shadows and types, Christ's offering was the ultimate fulfillment of all God's righteous demands. He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), perfectly fulfilling the requirement of being "without blemish and without spot," as powerfully affirmed in [1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18-19 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redemption by Christ's Precious Blood"). Unlike the Old Testament system where even the best human efforts could only offer imperfect animals for freewill offerings, Christ's sacrifice was not a "freewill offering" in the sense of being less than perfect; rather, it was the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice that fully satisfied God's justice and perfectly fulfilled every "vow" of redemption God made to humanity. Through His flawless offering, we are now enabled to present ourselves as "living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God," which is our "spiritual worship," as exhorted in [Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifices as Spiritual Worship"). Our worship and service, though inherently imperfect in our human execution, are made acceptable not by their own inherent flawlessness, but by the perfect, finished work of Christ, who was the ultimate, unblemished offering for all humanity, enabling us to draw near to God with confidence and grace, as described in [Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19-22 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Confidence to Enter the Most Holy Place").

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 21:18

For whatsoever man [he be] that hath a blemish, he shall not approach: a blind man, or a lame, or he that hath a flat nose, or any thing superfluous,