### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **mʼûwm**, represented by `{{H3971}}`, primarily means a **blemish**, **blot**, or **spot**. It appears 22 times across 19 unique verses. The term is used to describe both physical imperfections, particularly in a ritual context, and moral or character flaws.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical law, `{{H3971}}` is a critical term for defining acceptability before God. It is frequently used in Leviticus to establish the standards for sacrificial offerings. Any animal with a **blemish** was not to be offered, as it would not be acceptable [[Leviticus 22:20]]. This principle applied to peace offerings, which had to be perfect and have no **blemish** to be accepted [[Leviticus 22:21]]. The requirement also extended to the priesthood; a descendant of Aaron with any **blemish** was forbidden from approaching to offer the bread of his God ([[Leviticus 21:17]], [[Leviticus 21:21]]). Beyond ritual, the word describes physical appearance, such as Absalom, who had no **blemish** from head to foot [[2 Samuel 14:25]], and is used figuratively for moral integrity, as when Job hopes to lift his face "without **spot**" [[Job 11:15]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the concept of a blemish by providing its contrast or specific examples:
* `{{H8549}}` **tâmîym** (without blemish, complete, perfect): This word is the direct opposite of `{{H3971}}` and is often used in the same verse to define what is acceptable. For example, a sacrificial animal must be **perfect** `{{H8549}}` to be accepted, with no **blemish** `{{H3971}}` in it [[Leviticus 22:21]].
* `{{H5787}}` **ʻivvêr** (blind): This is listed as a specific type of disqualifying **blemish** `{{H3971}}` for both priests and sacrificial animals ([[Leviticus 21:18]], [[Deuteronomy 15:21]]).
* `{{H6455}}` **piççêach** (lame): Similar to blindness, being **lame** is explicitly named as a **blemish** `{{H3971}}` that makes a person or animal unfit for sacred purposes ([[Leviticus 21:18]], [[Deuteronomy 15:21]]).
* `{{H4893}}` **mishchâth** (disfigurement, corruption): This term is used alongside `{{H3971}}` to describe why an offering from a stranger's hand is unacceptable, stating "their **corruption** is in them, and **blemishes** be in them" [[Leviticus 22:25]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H3971}}` is centered on the holiness of God and the standard of perfection required to approach Him.
* **The Standard for Offerings:** The repeated command that sacrifices must be without **blemish** establishes that only the best is suitable for God. An offering with a **blemish** or any **evilfavouredness** `{{H7451}}` is an abomination to the Lord [[Deuteronomy 17:1]].
* **The Standard for Priesthood:** By barring priests with a **blemish** from serving at the altar, the law underscores that those who minister before God must reflect His wholeness and perfection. A priest with a **blemish** could not come near, lest he profane God's sanctuaries [[Leviticus 21:23]].
* **The Symbol of Moral Flaw:** The term is used metaphorically to represent sin and moral failure. A corrupt generation is described by its **spot** [[Deuteronomy 32:5]], and Job speaks of a moral **blot** that can cleave to one's hands [[Job 31:7]]. In Proverbs, one who rebukes a wicked man gets a **blot** for his trouble [[Proverbs 9:7]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3971}}` is a crucial term that defines imperfection, both physical and moral. Its primary use in the context of sacrificial law and priestly duties highlights a core theological principle: that which is brought before a perfect and holy God must itself be whole and without defect. From a blemished animal unfit for the altar to a moral blot on one's character, **mʼûwm** consistently signifies a flaw that creates separation from the divine standard.
TRV