Bible Strands
Leviticus 22:20
You must not present anything with a defect, because it will not be accepted on your behalf.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — God instructs Moses, Aaron, and the Israelite community regarding tabernacle sacrificial procedures. The command establishes the procedural standard for offerings brought to the altar.
The words — מוּם (mum) translates to a physical blemish or defect, and רָצוֹן (ratzon) means acceptance or favor. The text explicitly states that anything possessing mum must not be presented, as it will not achieve ratzon on the offerer's behalf.
The thread — The prohibition against defective sacrifices appears in Deuteronomy 17:1, Deuteronomy 15:21, and Malachi 1:8. Each passage records the same requirement that altar offerings must be physically unblemished.
Why it lands — The text requires worshippers to inspect their animals and withhold any that bear a physical flaw. Readers must apply this standard by verifying that their commitments and actions meet the specified criteria before proceeding.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
But whatsoever hath a blemish, that shall ye not offer: for it shall not be acceptable for you.
Cross-references
- Deuteronomy 17:1 You shall not sacrifice to the LORD your God an ox or a sheep with any defect or serious flaw, for that is detestable to the LORD your God.
- Deuteronomy 15:21 But if an animal has a defect, is lame or blind, or has any serious flaw, you must not sacrifice it to the LORD your God.
- Malachi 1:8 When you offer blind animals for sacrifice, is it not wrong? And when you present the lame and sick ones, is it not wrong? Try offering them to your governor! Would he be pleased with you or show you favor?” asks the LORD of Hosts.
- Hebrews 9:14 how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself unblemished to God, purify our consciences from works of death, so that we may serve the living God!
- 1 Peter 1:19 but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or spot.
- Leviticus 22:25 Neither you nor a foreigner shall present food to your God from any such animal. They will not be accepted on your behalf, because they are deformed and flawed.’”
- Malachi 1:13 You also say: ‘Oh, what a nuisance!’ And you turn up your nose at it,” says the LORD of Hosts. “You bring offerings that are stolen, lame, or sick! Should I accept these from your hands?” asks the LORD.