King James Version

What Does Leviticus 22:21 Mean?

Leviticus 22:21 in the King James Version says “And whosoever offereth a sacrifice of peace offerings unto the LORD to accomplish his vow, or a freewill offering in bee... — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Leviticus 22:21 · KJV


Context

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

22

Blind, or broken, or maimed, or having a wen, or scurvy, or scabbed, ye shall not offer these unto the LORD, nor make an offering by fire of them upon the altar unto the LORD.

23

Either a bullock or a lamb that hath any thing superfluous or lacking in his parts, that mayest thou offer for a freewill offering; but for a vow it shall not be accepted. lamb: or, kid


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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

The five main offerings (burnt, grain, peace, sin, and guilt) addressed different aspects of relationship with God, all fulfilled in Christ's comprehensive sacrifice.
What Leviticus portrayed through types and shadows, Christ fulfilled in reality through His incarnation, perfect life, atoning death, and resurrection.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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. Archaeological discoveries at sites like Ugarit reveal Canaanite religious practices Israel's laws explicitly rejected, confirming the Bible's historical reliability and the distinctiveness of Israelite worship.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does this verse teach about the costliness of true worship and dedication to God?
  2. In what practical ways should this verse influence your church life, family relationships, or personal integrity?
  3. What does this verse teach about the seriousness of sin, the cost of redemption, or the beauty of holiness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
וְאִ֗ישׁ1 of 21

And whosoever

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

כִּֽי2 of 21
H3588

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

יַקְרִ֤יב3 of 21

offereth

H7126

to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose

זֶֽבַח4 of 21

a sacrifice

H2077

properly, a slaughter, i.e., the flesh of an animal; by implication, a sacrifice (the victim or the act)

שְׁלָמִים֙5 of 21

of peace offerings

H8002

properly, requital, i.e., a (voluntary) sacrifice in thanks

לַֽיהוָ֔ה6 of 21

unto the LORD

H3068

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

לְפַלֵּא7 of 21

to accomplish

H6381

properly, perhaps to separate, i.e., distinguish (literally or figuratively); by implication, to be (causatively, make) great, difficult, wonderful

נֶ֙דֶר֙8 of 21

his vow

H5088

a promise (to god); also (concretely) a thing promised

א֣וֹ9 of 21
H176

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

לִנְדָבָ֔ה10 of 21

or a freewill offering

H5071

properly (abstractly) spontaneity, or (adjectively) spontaneous; also (concretely) a spontaneous or (by inference, in plural) abundant gift

בַּבָּקָ֖ר11 of 21

in beeves

H1241

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

א֣וֹ12 of 21
H176

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

בַצֹּ֑אן13 of 21

or sheep

H6629

a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)

תָּמִ֤ים14 of 21

it shall be perfect

H8549

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

יִֽהְיֶה֙15 of 21
H1961

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

לְרָצ֔וֹן16 of 21

to be accepted

H7522

delight (especially as shown)

כָּל17 of 21
H3605

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

מ֖וּם18 of 21

there shall be no blemish

H3971

a blemish (physically or morally)

לֹ֥א19 of 21
H3808

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

יִֽהְיֶה20 of 21
H1961

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

בּֽוֹ׃21 of 21
H0

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 22:21 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 Leviticus 22:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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