Leviticus 22:24

KJV

Ye shall not offer unto the LORD that which is bruised, or crushed, or broken, or cut; neither shall ye make [any offering thereof] in your land.

KJV (with Strong's)

Ye shall not offer {H7126} unto the LORD {H3068} that which is bruised {H4600}, or crushed {H3807}, or broken {H5423}, or cut {H3772}; neither shall ye make {H6213} any offering thereof in your land {H776}.

Complete Jewish Bible

An animal with bruised, crushed, torn or cut genitals you are not to offer to ADONAI. You are not to do these things in your land,

Berean Standard Bible

You are not to present to the LORD an animal whose testicles are bruised, crushed, torn, or cut; you are not to sacrifice them in your land.

American Standard Version

That which hath its stones bruised, or crushed, or broken, or cut, ye shall not offer unto Jehovah; neither shall ye do thus in your land.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 22:24 establishes a strict prohibition against offering to the LORD any animal that is physically blemished—specifically, those that are bruised, crushed, broken, or cut. This command underscores God's absolute holiness and His demand for perfection in all that approaches Him, particularly in the context of sacrificial worship. It serves as a foundational principle illustrating that only the unblemished and whole are fitting for divine service, reflecting the integrity and purity required of both the offering and the worshipper in ancient Israelite religious practice.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 22:24 is situated within a broader section of Leviticus (chapters 21-22) that meticulously details the laws concerning the holiness of priests and the sanctity of the offerings they present to the LORD. Chapter 21 focuses on the physical and moral purity required of the priests themselves, as they are consecrated to God and handle holy things. Chapter 22 then extends this emphasis on holiness to the sacrificial animals and other offerings. Verses 1-16 outline who may eat the holy offerings, emphasizing that only those who are ceremonially clean and part of the priestly household are permitted. Verses 17-25 specifically address the requirements for acceptable animal sacrifices, listing various physical defects that render an animal unfit for the altar. Leviticus 22:24 is a pivotal verse within this list, comprehensively prohibiting severe physical damage. The subsequent verses (26-33) continue to establish regulations for the timing and manner of offerings, culminating in a reaffirmation of God's holiness and His covenant with Israel. This entire section reinforces the overarching theme of Leviticus: the necessity of holiness for a people in covenant with a holy God.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, animal sacrifice was the central act of worship, serving as the primary means of atonement, thanksgiving, and communion with God. The meticulous regulations surrounding these sacrifices, as seen throughout [the book of Leviticus](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus - Laws of Holiness and Sacrifice"), were designed to distinguish Israelite worship from the practices of surrounding pagan nations. While other cultures might offer sacrifices, the Israelite system uniquely emphasized the absolute perfection and unblemished nature of the offering. This was not merely an aesthetic preference but a profound theological statement. A blemished animal was considered an insult to the deity, signifying a lack of respect or a diminished value. For the LORD, who is perfectly holy and righteous, only the very best, the most complete and unblemished, was acceptable. This requirement ensured that the act of worship was taken with utmost seriousness and reverence, reflecting the worshipper's understanding of God's supreme worth. Furthermore, the prohibition against certain types of damage, such as "bruised" or "crushed" (often referring to injuries affecting reproductive organs), also had practical implications for the health and vitality of the flock from which offerings were drawn, ensuring that only prime specimens were consecrated to God. The phrase "neither shall ye make [any offering thereof] in your land" underscored that this was a nationwide standard, not just a temple regulation, reflecting a collective commitment to God's holy standards. This was a stark contrast to the later period, as seen in [Malachi 1:8](/malachi/1-8 "Malachi 1:8 - Condemnation of Blemished Offerings"), where the people offered blind, lame, and sick animals, incurring divine displeasure.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Bruised (מָעוּךְ, _ma'uch_):** This Hebrew term specifically refers to something that has been "pressed" or "squeezed," often implying severe internal damage, particularly to the testicles, rendering the animal castrated or incapable of reproduction. Such an animal would be considered incomplete and therefore unfit for an offering to a God who is the source of life and fruitfulness. The prohibition emphasizes the requirement for wholeness and vitality in the offering.
* **Crushed (כָּתוּת, _kathuth_):** Similar to _ma'uch_, _kathuth_ denotes something that has been "beaten small" or "pounded." While it can refer to general severe damage, in the context of sacrificial animals, it often carries the same implication of damage to reproductive organs, making the animal sterile. The repetition of such terms highlights the strictness of the purity laws concerning the animal's capacity for life and propagation, which was integral to its perceived perfection and value.
* **Broken (חָרוּץ, _charuts_):** This word signifies something that is "cut," "sharpened," or "incised," but in this context, it refers to a limb or bone that has been "broken" or "mutilated." This defect would severely impair the animal's physical integrity and movement, making it physically imperfect. The inclusion of this term ensures that any significant physical disfigurement or disability renders the animal unacceptable, reinforcing the demand for physical soundness and completeness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Ye shall not offer unto the LORD that which is bruised, or crushed, or broken, or cut;":** This opening clause issues a direct, unequivocal command prohibiting the presentation of animals bearing any of these specific, severe physical defects. The four participles (bruised, crushed, broken, cut) collectively describe a comprehensive range of injuries—from internal damage affecting reproductive capacity (bruised, crushed) to external physical mutilation (broken, cut). This detailed enumeration underscores the meticulousness of God's requirements for sacrificial animals, emphasizing that only those animals that are whole, sound, and unblemished are fitting to be consecrated to the perfectly holy LORD. The prohibition is not merely about aesthetics but about the integrity and perfection demanded by God's character.
* **"neither shall ye make [any offering thereof] in your land.":** This concluding phrase broadens the scope of the prohibition. It indicates that the unacceptability of such blemished animals is not confined to the Tabernacle or Temple precincts but applies throughout the entire land of Israel. This means that the people were not to even prepare or designate such animals for sacrifice, nor were they to engage in practices that produced such defects (e.g., castration for purposes other than sacrifice if the animal was intended for offering). This reinforces the collective responsibility of the Israelite community to uphold God's standards of holiness and purity in all their practices related to worship, ensuring that the nation as a whole reflected reverence for God's divine character.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 22:24 prominently employs **Legal Language** through its direct, prescriptive command ("Ye shall not offer..."). This imperative tone is characteristic of the Mosaic Law, emphasizing the divine authority behind the regulations and their non-negotiable nature. The verse also utilizes **Enumeration** by listing four distinct types of physical defects ("bruised, or crushed, or broken, or cut"). This detailed listing serves to create a comprehensive prohibition, leaving no ambiguity regarding the unacceptable conditions. This **Specificity** highlights the meticulousness of God's demands for holiness and perfection in worship. Furthermore, the verse employs **Symbolism**, where the physical integrity of the animal **Symbolizes** the spiritual integrity and wholeness required of the worshipper and the offering itself. The unblemished animal represents the ideal of purity and perfection that God demands, foreshadowing a greater, perfect sacrifice.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 22:24 profoundly articulates the theological principle of God's absolute holiness and His demand for perfection in all that approaches Him. The prohibition against blemished offerings underscores that worship is not a casual act but a sacred encounter with the divine, requiring the highest standards of integrity and reverence. It teaches that God is worthy of our very best, not our leftovers or that which is damaged or incomplete. This principle extends beyond the physical animal to the heart attitude of the worshipper, emphasizing that true worship must be offered with sincerity, wholeness, and a desire to honor God supremely. The physical perfection of the animal served as a tangible representation of the spiritual perfection God desires in His people and in their devotion.
* [Malachi 1:8](/malachi/1-8 "Malachi 1:8 - Condemnation of Blemished Offerings")
* [Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Presenting Our Bodies as Living Sacrifices")
* [1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redemption with the Precious Blood of Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the literal practice of animal sacrifice has been fulfilled and abolished in Christ, the profound spiritual principles embedded in Leviticus 22:24 remain eternally relevant for believers today. This verse challenges us to critically examine the quality of our "offerings" to God in the New Covenant era. It compels us to consider whether we are giving God our best—our undivided attention in worship, our most fervent prayers, our most dedicated service, our purest motives, and our most generous resources. Are we presenting Him with our "bruised" time, our "crushed" talents, our "broken" commitments, or our "cut" affections? Or are we striving for wholeness and excellence in every aspect of our devotion, recognizing that He is worthy of nothing less than our complete and unblemished selves? This passage calls us to cultivate a heart of integrity, sincerity, and wholeheartedness in our walk with Christ, ensuring that our lives are a fragrant offering, holy and pleasing to Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be offering God something "bruised, crushed, broken, or cut" instead of my best?**
* **How does the demand for an "unblemished" offering challenge my approach to worship, service, and daily living?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate greater integrity and wholeness in my devotion to God?**
* **How does understanding God's demand for perfection in the Old Testament deepen my appreciation for the perfect sacrifice of Christ?**

### FAQ

**Why did God forbid blemished animals from being offered as sacrifices?**

Answer: God forbade blemished animals because these regulations underscored His absolute holiness and the sacredness of worship. An offering to the LORD was not merely a transaction but an act of profound reverence and honor. A blemished animal, being imperfect, damaged, or incomplete, would have been considered an insult to God's perfect character. The requirement for an unblemished offering emphasized that God is worthy of the very best, symbolizing the purity and wholeness He demands from His people and in their approach to Him. It also served to distinguish Israelite worship from pagan practices, where often any animal might suffice. This principle of perfection in sacrifice ultimately pointed forward to the ultimate, perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who was without blemish or spot.

**Does Leviticus 22:24 still apply to Christians today, given that animal sacrifices are no longer practiced?**

Answer: While the literal practice of animal sacrifice has been fulfilled and abolished through the perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ (as highlighted in [Hebrews 10:1-10](/hebrews/10-1 "Hebrews 10:1-10 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice")), the underlying spiritual principles of Leviticus 22:24 remain profoundly relevant for Christians. The verse teaches us about the nature of God's holiness and His demand for excellence and integrity in our worship and service. For believers today, our "sacrifices" are spiritual: our bodies presented as living sacrifices ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Presenting Our Bodies as Living Sacrifices")), our praise ([Hebrews 13:15](/hebrews/13-15 "Hebrews 13:15 - The Sacrifice of Praise")), our good deeds and sharing ([Hebrews 13:16](/hebrews/13-16 "Hebrews 13:16 - The Sacrifice of Good Deeds")), and our financial offerings. The principle is that these should be offered with a whole heart, pure motives, and to the best of our ability, reflecting the unblemished character God desires to cultivate within us through Christ. We are called to offer God our best, not our leftovers or that which is compromised.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 22:24, with its stringent demand for unblemished sacrifices, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament sacrificial system, with its countless animals offered "without blemish," served as a powerful prefigurement of the one perfect sacrifice that would truly atone for sin. Jesus Christ is consistently presented in the New Testament as the "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")), the spotless and blameless offering. He was "without spot or blemish" ([1 Peter 1:19](/1_peter/1-19 "1 Peter 1:19 - Christ, the Lamb without Blemish")), perfectly righteous and sinless in every aspect of His life, unlike any animal or human priest. His sacrifice on the cross was not merely physically perfect but morally and spiritually perfect, offered "through the eternal Spirit" ([Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice")) and "once for all" ([Hebrews 10:10](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Christ's Single Sacrifice")). The defects forbidden in Leviticus 22:24—bruised, crushed, broken, or cut—ironically describe the physical suffering Christ endured for our sake, yet paradoxically, His suffering perfected the offering, transforming the brokenness of humanity into wholeness through His unblemished sacrifice. He became the ultimate, unblemished offering, perfectly satisfying God's demand for holiness and providing eternal redemption for all who believe.

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 22:20

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

Leviticus 21:20

Or crookbackt, or a dwarf, or that hath a blemish in his eye, or be scurvy, or scabbed, or hath his stones broken;

Deuteronomy 23:1

¶ He that is wounded in the stones, or hath his privy member cut off, shall not enter into the congregation of the LORD.