Leviticus 22:21

Authorized King James Version

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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.

Original Language Analysis

וְאִ֗ישׁ And whosoever H376
וְאִ֗ישׁ And whosoever
Strong's: H376
Word #: 1 of 21
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)
כִּֽי H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 2 of 21
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יַקְרִ֤יב offereth H7126
יַקְרִ֤יב offereth
Strong's: H7126
Word #: 3 of 21
to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose
זֶֽבַח a sacrifice H2077
זֶֽבַח a sacrifice
Strong's: H2077
Word #: 4 of 21
properly, a slaughter, i.e., the flesh of an animal; by implication, a sacrifice (the victim or the act)
שְׁלָמִים֙ of peace offerings H8002
שְׁלָמִים֙ of peace offerings
Strong's: H8002
Word #: 5 of 21
properly, requital, i.e., a (voluntary) sacrifice in thanks
לַֽיהוָ֔ה unto the LORD H3068
לַֽיהוָ֔ה unto the LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 6 of 21
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
לְפַלֵּא to accomplish H6381
לְפַלֵּא to accomplish
Strong's: H6381
Word #: 7 of 21
properly, perhaps to separate, i.e., distinguish (literally or figuratively); by implication, to be (causatively, make) great, difficult, wonderful
נֶ֙דֶר֙ his vow H5088
נֶ֙דֶר֙ his vow
Strong's: H5088
Word #: 8 of 21
a promise (to god); also (concretely) a thing promised
א֣וֹ H176
א֣וֹ
Strong's: H176
Word #: 9 of 21
desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if
לִנְדָבָ֔ה or a freewill offering H5071
לִנְדָבָ֔ה or a freewill offering
Strong's: H5071
Word #: 10 of 21
properly (abstractly) spontaneity, or (adjectively) spontaneous; also (concretely) a spontaneous or (by inference, in plural) abundant gift
בַּבָּקָ֖ר in beeves H1241
בַּבָּקָ֖ר in beeves
Strong's: H1241
Word #: 11 of 21
a beeve or an animal of the ox family of either gender (as used for plowing); collectively, a herd
א֣וֹ H176
א֣וֹ
Strong's: H176
Word #: 12 of 21
desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if
בַצֹּ֑אן or sheep H6629
בַצֹּ֑אן or sheep
Strong's: H6629
Word #: 13 of 21
a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)
תָּמִ֤ים it shall be perfect H8549
תָּמִ֤ים it shall be perfect
Strong's: H8549
Word #: 14 of 21
entire (literally, figuratively or morally); also (as noun) integrity, truth
יִֽהְיֶה֙ H1961
יִֽהְיֶה֙
Strong's: H1961
Word #: 15 of 21
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
לְרָצ֔וֹן to be accepted H7522
לְרָצ֔וֹן to be accepted
Strong's: H7522
Word #: 16 of 21
delight (especially as shown)
כָּל H3605
כָּל
Strong's: H3605
Word #: 17 of 21
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
מ֖וּם there shall be no blemish H3971
מ֖וּם there shall be no blemish
Strong's: H3971
Word #: 18 of 21
a blemish (physically or morally)
לֹ֥א H3808
לֹ֥א
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 19 of 21
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יִֽהְיֶה H1961
יִֽהְיֶה
Strong's: H1961
Word #: 20 of 21
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
בּֽוֹ׃ H0
בּֽוֹ׃
Strong's: H0
Word #: 21 of 21

Analysis & 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.

Historical 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.

Questions for Reflection

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