Deuteronomy 15:21 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 15:21 mean?

Deuteronomy 15:21 says that if an animal has any defect—such as being lame, blind, or having any serious flaw—it must not be offered as a sacrifice to the LORD your God. The verse sets a clear standard that only animals without blemish are acceptable for sacrifice.

In this verse, Moses is speaking to the people of Israel as they prepare to live in the land God is giving them. The instruction is part of a larger section about proper worship and offerings. The focus is on respecting God by bringing only the best, unblemished animals for sacrifice, not those with visible defects or illnesses.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 15:21

• "blemish" (מוּם, mum): This word means a physical defect or imperfection. The verse repeats it to stress that any kind of flaw disqualifies an animal from being sacrificed.
• "lame" (פִּסֵּחַ, pisseach): This refers to an animal that cannot walk properly. Such a condition made the animal unfit for offering.
• "blind" (עִוֵּר, iver): This describes an animal that cannot see. Blindness is listed as another disqualifying defect.
• "ill" (רַע, ra‘): This word often means "bad" or "evil," but here it refers to a serious or harmful blemish—any condition that makes the animal unhealthy or unsuitable.
• "sacrifice" (זָבַח, zavach): This is the verb for offering an animal as a ritual sacrifice. The command is not to use any animal with these defects for this sacred purpose.
• "LORD" (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name of Israel’s God, emphasizing that the offering is to the one true God.
• "God" (אֱלֹהִים, Elohim): This is a more general term for God, used here alongside YHWH to highlight the relationship and reverence due.

Why Deuteronomy 15:21 matters

• Deuteronomy 15:21 clarifies that not every animal is suitable for sacrifice, correcting any idea that God would accept whatever is offered.
• The verse emphasizes the importance of giving God the best, not leftovers or animals that are unwanted for other reasons.
• This instruction ties into the broader biblical theme of holiness and respect in worship, showing that God’s standards for offerings are both specific and meaningful.