King James Version

What Does Leviticus 22:24 Mean?

Leviticus 22:24 in the King James Version says “Ye shall not offer unto the LORD that which is bruised, or crushed, or broken, or cut; neither shall ye make any offerin...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Leviticus 22:24 · KJV

Context

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.

25

Neither from a stranger's hand shall ye offer the bread of your God of any of these; because their corruption is in them, and blemishes be in them: they shall not be accepted for you.

26

And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

Read Leviticus 22 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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.

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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. 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 ways does this verse challenge contemporary cultural values or your personal attitudes?
  3. What does this verse teach about the seriousness of sin, the cost of redemption, or the beauty of holiness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
וּמָע֤וּךְ1 of 10

“that which is bruised”

H4600

to press, i.e., to pierce, emasculate, handle

וְכָתוּת֙2 of 10

“or crushed”

H3807

to bruise or violently strike

וְנָת֣וּק3 of 10

“or broken”

H5423

to tear off

וְכָר֔וּת4 of 10

“or cut”

H3772

to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt

לֹ֥א5 of 10
H3808

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

תַקְרִ֖יבוּ6 of 10

“Ye shall not offer”

H7126

to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose

לַֽיהוָ֑ה7 of 10

“unto the LORD”

H3068

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

וּֽבְאַרְצְכֶ֖ם8 of 10

“any offering thereof in your land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

לֹ֥א9 of 10
H3808

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

תַֽעֲשֽׂוּ׃10 of 10

“neither shall ye make”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

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 22:24 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 22:24 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 22:20Deuteronomy 23:1Leviticus 21:20

Test Your Knowledge

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

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