Deuteronomy 15:21
And if there be any blemish therein, as if it be lame, or blind, or have any ill blemish, thou shalt not sacrifice it unto the LORD thy God.
Original Language Analysis
וְכִֽי
H3588
וְכִֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 14
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יִהְיֶ֨ה
H1961
יִהְיֶ֨ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
2 of 14
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
א֣וֹ
H176
א֣וֹ
Strong's:
H176
Word #:
6 of 14
desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if
כֹּ֖ל
H3605
כֹּ֖ל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
8 of 14
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
11 of 14
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תִזְבָּחֶ֔נּוּ
thou shalt not sacrifice
H2076
תִזְבָּחֶ֔נּוּ
thou shalt not sacrifice
Strong's:
H2076
Word #:
12 of 14
to slaughter an animal (usually in sacrifice)
Historical Context
Temple priests examined animals for blemishes before accepting sacrifices (Leviticus 22:17-25). This quality control maintained worship standards and prevented Israelites from treating God casually—offering diseased animals they couldn't sell while keeping healthy stock for personal profit.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'blemished' offerings (half-hearted obedience, leftover time, token generosity) are you tempted to give God?
- How does Christ's perfect sacrifice (unblemished Lamb) both judge and enable your worship?
- In what specific areas is God calling you to 'first-quality' devotion rather than convenient minimums?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And if there be any blemish therein, as if it be lame, or blind, or have any ill blemish, thou shalt not sacrifice it unto the LORD thy God—Blemished animals (מוּם, mum, 'defect, flaw') are unacceptable offerings. God deserves the best, not leftovers. Malachi confronts Israel: Ye offer polluted bread...and ye say, Wherein have we polluted thee?...Ye offered the blind for sacrifice...offer it now unto thy governor; will he be pleased with thee? (Malachi 1:7-8).
The blemish requirement foreshadows Christ: a lamb without blemish and without spot (1 Peter 1:19). His sinless perfection qualified Him as the ultimate sacrifice. The standard calls worshipers to excellence: Whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31). Offering God our second-best (leftover time, minimal effort, token generosity) insults His worth. He gave His flawless Son; we owe wholehearted devotion.