Leviticus 22:19

[Ye shall offer] at your own will a male without blemish, of the beeves, of the sheep, or of the goats.

Ye shall offer at your own will {H7522} a male {H2145} without blemish {H8549}, of the beeves {H1241}, of the sheep {H3775}, or of the goats {H5795}.

in order for you to be accepted, you must bring a male without defect from the cattle, the sheep or the goats.

must offer an unblemished male from the cattle, sheep, or goats in order for it to be accepted on your behalf.

that ye may be accepted, ye shall offer a male without blemish, of the bullocks, of the sheep, or of the goats.

Commentary

Commentary on Leviticus 22:19 (KJV)

Leviticus 22:19 is part of a larger section (Leviticus 21-22) detailing the laws concerning the holiness of priests and the sacrifices they were to offer or receive. These regulations underscore the meticulous standards God required for worship and offerings in ancient Israel, reflecting His own perfect and holy character. The verse specifically addresses the qualifications for an acceptable peace offering or a voluntary offering, emphasizing the worshipper's attitude and the sacrifice's quality.

Key Themes

  • Voluntary Offering ("at your own will"): The phrase "at your own will" (Hebrew: lirtzonchem, לִרְצֹנְכֶם) signifies that the offering, particularly a burnt offering or peace offering, was to be presented willingly and wholeheartedly, not under compulsion. This willingness was crucial for the offering to be accepted by God. It highlights that true worship involves a sincere heart, a principle echoed throughout Scripture concerning cheerful giving and willing service.
  • Perfection and Purity ("without blemish"): The requirement that the animal be "without blemish" (Hebrew: tamiym, תָּמִים, meaning 'whole,' 'complete,' 'sound,' 'perfect') was paramount for any acceptable sacrifice. This standard applied to all major offerings, as seen in Leviticus 1:3. An unblemished animal represented purity, wholeness, and the best that could be offered to a holy God. This foreshadows the perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who was without sin or defect, making Him the spotless Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.
  • Male Animal: The specification of a "male" animal for certain offerings (like the burnt offering and some peace offerings) often indicated a sacrifice of prime value and strength. Males were typically considered more valuable for breeding or labor, thus offering a male represented a greater sacrifice.
  • Acceptable Animals: The verse lists "beeves" (cattle), "sheep," or "goats" as suitable animals. These were common domesticated animals in ancient Israel, readily available for sacrifice, and were clean animals according to the dietary laws.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew term tamiym (תָּמִים), translated as "without blemish," carries a rich theological meaning beyond mere physical perfection. It implies integrity, completeness, and moral soundness. When applied to sacrifices, it underscored that anything offered to God must be of the highest quality, representing the giver's reverence and the seriousness of approaching a holy God. The concept of lirtzonchem (לִרְצֹנְכֶם), "at your own will" or "for your acceptance," highlights the divine acceptance that accompanies a sacrifice offered with the right attitude and according to God's precise standards.

Practical Application

While believers are no longer required to offer animal sacrifices due to Christ's definitive sacrifice, the principles embedded in Leviticus 22:19 remain highly relevant:

  • Offering Our Best: We are called to offer God our best, not our leftovers or what is convenient. This applies to our time, talents, resources, and devotion. Our worship should be characterized by excellence and sincerity.
  • Willingness and Sincerity: God values a willing heart over grudging obligation. Our service and giving should stem from a genuine desire to honor Him, not from compulsion or a sense of duty alone.
  • Christ as the Perfect Sacrifice: This verse beautifully points to the ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the perfect, unblemished sacrifice who voluntarily gave His life to atone for humanity's sins (Hebrews 9:14). Understanding the stringent Old Testament requirements helps us appreciate the immense value and efficacy of His sacrifice.

Leviticus 22:19 serves as a timeless reminder of God's holiness, His demand for purity in worship, and the profound significance of a sacrifice offered with a willing and sincere heart, all pointing to the perfect provision found in Christ.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Leviticus 1:10 (4 votes)

    ¶ And if his offering [be] of the flocks, [namely], of the sheep, or of the goats, for a burnt sacrifice; he shall bring it a male without blemish.

  • Leviticus 1:3 (4 votes)

    ¶ If his offering [be] a burnt sacrifice of the herd, let him offer a male without blemish: he shall offer it of his own voluntary will at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation before the LORD.

  • Matthew 27:24 (2 votes)

    When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but [that] rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed [his] hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye [to it].

  • Luke 23:41 (2 votes)

    And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss.

  • Ephesians 5:27 (2 votes)

    That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

  • Luke 23:47 (2 votes)

    Now when the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, Certainly this was a righteous man.

  • Matthew 27:4 (2 votes)

    Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What [is that] to us? see thou [to that].