King James Version

What Does Leviticus 22:25 Mean?

Leviticus 22:25 in the King James Version says “Neither from a stranger's hand shall ye offer the bread of your God of any of these; because their corruption is in them... — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Leviticus 22:25 · KJV


Context

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,

27

When a bullock, or a sheep, or a goat, is brought forth, then it shall be seven days under the dam; and from the eighth day and thenceforth it shall be accepted for an offering made by fire unto the LORD.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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


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. 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. How does this verse help you understand both God's justice and His mercy in salvation?
  2. How can you use this verse to worship God more fully, obey Him more faithfully, or love others more sacrificially?
  3. What does this verse teach about the seriousness of sin, the cost of redemption, or the beauty of holiness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
וּמִיַּ֣ד1 of 18

hand

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

בֶּן2 of 18
H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

נֵכָ֗ר3 of 18

Neither from a stranger's

H5236

foreign, or (concretely) a foreigner, or (abstractly) heathendom

לֹ֥א4 of 18
H3808

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

תַקְרִ֛יבוּ5 of 18

shall ye offer

H7126

to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose

אֶת6 of 18
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

לֶ֥חֶם7 of 18

the bread

H3899

food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)

אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶ֖ם8 of 18

of your 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

מִכָּל9 of 18
H3605

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

אֵ֑לֶּה10 of 18
H428

these or those

כִּ֣י11 of 18
H3588

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

מָשְׁחָתָ֤ם12 of 18

of any of these because their corruption

H4893

disfigurement

בָּהֶם֙13 of 18
H0
מ֣וּם14 of 18

is in them and blemishes

H3971

a blemish (physically or morally)

בָּ֔ם15 of 18
H0
לֹ֥א16 of 18
H3808

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

יֵֽרָצ֖וּ17 of 18

be in them they shall not be accepted

H7521

to be pleased with; specifically, to satisfy a debt

לָכֶֽם׃18 of 18
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 22:25 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 22:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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