King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 15:21 Mean?

Deuteronomy 15:21 in the King James Version says “And if there be any blemish therein, as if it be lame, or blind, or have any ill blemish, thou shalt not sacrifice it un...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And if there be any blemish therein, as if it be lame, or blind, or have any ill blemish, thou shalt not sacrifice it unto the LORD thy God.”

Deuteronomy 15:21 · KJV

Context

19

All the firstling males that come of thy herd and of thy flock thou shalt sanctify unto the LORD thy God: thou shalt do no work with the firstling of thy bullock, nor shear the firstling of thy sheep.

20

Thou shalt eat it before the LORD thy God year by year in the place which the LORD shall choose, thou and thy household.

21

And if there be any blemish therein, as if it be lame, or blind, or have any ill blemish, thou shalt not sacrifice it unto the LORD thy God.

22

Thou shalt eat it within thy gates: the unclean and the clean person shall eat it alike, as the roebuck, and as the hart.

23

Only thou shalt not eat the blood thereof; thou shalt pour it upon the ground as water.

Read Deuteronomy 15 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And if there be any blemish therein, as if it be lame, or blind, or have any ill blemish, thou shalt not sacrifice it unto the LORD thy God—Blemished animals (מוּם, mum, 'defect, flaw') are unacceptable offerings. God deserves the best, not leftovers. Malachi confronts Israel: Ye offer polluted bread...and ye say, Wherein have we polluted thee?...Ye offered the blind for sacrifice...offer it now unto thy governor; will he be pleased with thee? (Malachi 1:7-8).

The blemish requirement foreshadows Christ: a lamb without blemish and without spot (1 Peter 1:19). His sinless perfection qualified Him as the ultimate sacrifice. The standard calls worshipers to excellence: Whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31). Offering God our second-best (leftover time, minimal effort, token generosity) insults His worth. He gave His flawless Son; we owe wholehearted devotion.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Temple priests examined animals for blemishes before accepting sacrifices (Leviticus 22:17-25). This quality control maintained worship standards and prevented Israelites from treating God casually—offering diseased animals they couldn't sell while keeping healthy stock for personal profit.

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'blemished' offerings (half-hearted obedience, leftover time, token generosity) are you tempted to give God?
  2. How does Christ's perfect sacrifice (unblemished Lamb) both judge and enable your worship?
  3. In what specific areas is God calling you to 'first-quality' devotion rather than convenient minimums?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וְכִֽי1 of 14
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

יִהְיֶ֨ה2 of 14
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

ב֜וֹ3 of 14
H0
מ֣וּם4 of 14

“And if there be any blemish”

H3971

a blemish (physically or morally)

פִּסֵּ֙חַ֙5 of 14

“therein as if it be lame”

H6455

lame

א֣וֹ6 of 14
H176

desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if

עִוֵּ֔ר7 of 14

“or blind”

H5787

blind (literally or figuratively)

כֹּ֖ל8 of 14
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

מ֣וּם9 of 14

“And if there be any blemish”

H3971

a blemish (physically or morally)

רָ֑ע10 of 14

“or have any ill”

H7451

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

לֹ֣א11 of 14
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תִזְבָּחֶ֔נּוּ12 of 14

“thou shalt not sacrifice”

H2076

to slaughter an animal (usually in sacrifice)

לַֽיהוָ֖ה13 of 14

“it unto the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֱלֹהֶֽיךָ׃14 of 14

“thy God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Deuteronomy. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Deuteronomy 15:21 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Deuteronomy 15:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Malachi 1:7-8Deuteronomy 17:1Leviticus 22:19-25

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