King James Version

What Does Leviticus 22:19 Mean?

Leviticus 22:19 in the King James Version says “Ye shall offer at your own will a male without blemish, of the beeves, of the sheep, or of the goats.” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Leviticus 22:19 · KJV

Context

17

And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

18

Speak unto Aaron, and to his sons, and unto all the children of Israel, and say unto them, Whatsoever he be of the house of Israel, or of the strangers in Israel, that will offer his oblation for all his vows, and for all his freewill offerings, which they will offer unto the LORD for a burnt offering;

19

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

20

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

21

And whosoever offereth a sacrifice of peace offerings unto the LORD to accomplish his vow, or a freewill offering in beeves or sheep, it shall be perfect to be accepted; there shall be no blemish therein. sheep: or, goats

Read Leviticus 22 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Ye shall offer at your own will a male without blemish, of the beeves, of the sheep, or of the goats.

This verse falls within the section on Acceptable Sacrifices. Requirements for acceptable sacrifices and those who may eat sacred offerings, maintaining sacrifice quality.


The New Testament reveals that Christ's sacrifice accomplishes what the Levitical system could only symbolize—complete forgiveness and restoration of relationship with God.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Requirements for acceptable sacrifices and those who may eat sacred offerings, maintaining sacrifice quality. Chapters 17-27, often called the 'Holiness Code,' expand covenant obligations beyond ritual to encompass all of life—sexuality, economics, justice, and relationships. The repeated refrain 'I am the LORD' grounds these laws in God's character and covenant relationship with Israel. Israel received these laws while encamped at Sinai, before entering Canaan. The laws prepared them for life in the promised land, distinguishing them from Canaanite practices and establishing their identity as God's holy nation. The portable tabernacle, central to Levitical worship, accompanied them through wilderness wanderings and eventually found permanent form in Solomon's temple. The Israelite dietary laws in Leviticus 11 have no exact parallel in surrounding cultures, though some ancient cultures had food taboos, suggesting unique revelation rather than borrowed customs.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse reveal God's character, and how should that revelation shape your relationship with Him?
  2. What does this verse teach about the seriousness of sin, the cost of redemption, or the beauty of holiness?
  3. In what ways does this verse challenge contemporary cultural values or your personal attitudes?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
לִֽרְצֹנְכֶ֑ם1 of 6

“Ye shall offer at your own will”

H7522

delight (especially as shown)

תָּמִ֣ים2 of 6

“without blemish”

H8549

entire (literally, figuratively or morally); also (as noun) integrity, truth

זָכָ֔ר3 of 6

“a male”

H2145

properly, remembered, i.e., a male (of man or animals, as being the most noteworthy sex)

בַּבָּקָ֕ר4 of 6

“of the beeves”

H1241

a beeve or an animal of the ox family of either gender (as used for plowing); collectively, a herd

בַּכְּשָׂבִ֖ים5 of 6

“of the sheep”

H3775

a young sheep

וּבָֽעִזִּֽים׃6 of 6

“or of the goats”

H5795

a she-goat (as strong), but masculine in plural (which also is used elliptically for goat's hair)

Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Leviticus 22:19 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 Leviticus 22:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 1:3Leviticus 1:10Exodus 12:52 Corinthians 5:211 Peter 1:19Ephesians 5:27

Test Your Knowledge

Leviticus 22 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterLeviticus Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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