King James Version

What Does Leviticus 22:22 Mean?

Leviticus 22:22 in the King James Version says “Blind, or broken, or maimed, or having a wen, or scurvy, or scabbed, ye shall not offer these unto the LORD, nor make an...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Leviticus 22:22 · KJV

Context

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

24

Ye shall not offer unto the LORD that which is bruised, or crushed, or broken, or cut; neither shall ye make any offering thereof in your land.

Read Leviticus 22 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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.
Every sacrifice and ritual in Leviticus points forward to Jesus Christ, who fulfills the entire sacrificial system as both perfect sacrifice and eternal high priest.

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. Ancient sacrificial texts from cultures surrounding Israel demonstrate the widespread practice of animal sacrifice, but Israel's system uniquely emphasized moral atonement over magical efficacy.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does this verse teach about the costliness of true worship and dedication to God?
  2. What practical steps can you take this week to apply the principles taught in this verse?
  3. How does this verse reveal God's character, and how should that revelation shape your relationship with Him?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 22 words
עַוֶּרֶת֩1 of 22

“Blind”

H5788

blindness

א֨וֹ2 of 22
H176

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

שָׁב֜וּר3 of 22

“or broken”

H7665

to burst (literally or figuratively)

אֽוֹ4 of 22
H176

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

חָר֣וּץ5 of 22

“or maimed”

H2782

properly, to point sharply, i.e., (literally) to wound; figuratively, to be alert, to decide

אֽוֹ6 of 22
H176

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

יַבֶּ֗לֶת7 of 22

“or having a wen”

H2990

having running sores

א֤וֹ8 of 22
H176

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

גָרָב֙9 of 22

“or scurvy”

H1618

scurf (from itching)

א֣וֹ10 of 22
H176

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

יַלֶּ֔פֶת11 of 22

“or scabbed”

H3217

scurf or tetter

לֹֽא12 of 22
H3808

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

תַקְרִ֥יבוּ13 of 22

“ye shall not offer”

H7126

to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose

אֵ֖לֶּה14 of 22
H428

these or those

לַֽיהוָֽה׃15 of 22

“these unto the LORD”

H3068

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

וְאִשֶּׁ֗ה16 of 22

“an offering by fire”

H801

properly, a burnt-offering; but occasionally of any sacrifice

לֹֽא17 of 22
H3808

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

תִתְּנ֥וּ18 of 22

“nor make”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

מֵהֶ֛ם19 of 22
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

עַל20 of 22
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

הַמִּזְבֵּ֖חַ21 of 22

“of them upon the altar”

H4196

an altar

לַֽיהוָֽה׃22 of 22

“these unto the LORD”

H3068

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

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 22:22 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 22:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 22:20Malachi 1:8Leviticus 21:18-21Leviticus 3:3Leviticus 3:5Leviticus 1:9

Test Your Knowledge

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

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