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.

LEVITICUS 22:23KJV
Know the Bible

Leviticus 22:23 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 22:23 mean?

Leviticus 22:23 says that an animal such as a bull or a lamb with something extra or missing in its body can be offered as a freewill offering, but it cannot be accepted for a vow offering. The verse draws a distinction between what is allowed for different types of offerings to God.

In this verse, God is giving instructions to the Israelites through Moses about the kinds of animals that are suitable for sacrifice. The focus is on the physical condition of the animal: if it has a deformity or is not whole, it may still be used for a voluntary gift (a freewill offering), but not for a more serious, promised offering (a vow). This shows that different offerings had different requirements for acceptability.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 22:23

  • The word "superfluous" is מַשְׁרִעַ (mashriaʿ), which means something extra or overgrown. This highlights that even an animal with an unusual growth or limb could be offered as a freewill gift, but not for a vow.
  • The word "parts" is שָׂרַע (saraʿ), often understood as limbs or body parts. The verse is specifically talking about animals that are physically incomplete or have something extra.
  • The word "offering" is נְדָבָה (nedavah), meaning a freewill or voluntary offering. This is different from a "vow" (נֶדֶר, neder), which is a promised or pledged offering, showing a higher standard for what could be given in fulfillment of a vow.
  • The word "accepted" is רָצָה (ratsah), meaning to be pleased with or to find favor. The verse clarifies that God would not be pleased with a defective animal as a fulfillment of a vow.

Why Leviticus 22:23 matters

  • Leviticus 22:23 clears up that not all offerings had the same requirements; voluntary offerings allowed more flexibility, while vowed offerings demanded higher standards.
  • The verse emphasizes the seriousness of fulfilling vows to God, requiring only unblemished animals, which underlines the importance of integrity and respect in keeping promises.
  • This distinction helps explain the broader system of offerings in Leviticus, showing that God made room for generosity (freewill offerings) but set strict guidelines for pledged commitments.

Where else these words appear

“superfluous” Hebrew H8311 · used in 3 verses

  • Leviticus 21:18 For whatsoever man he be that hath a blemish, he shall not approach: a blind man, or a lame, or he that hath a flat nose, or any thing superfluous,
  • Isaiah 28:20 For the bed is shorter than that a man can stretch himself on it: and the covering narrower than that he can wrap himself in it.

“offering” Hebrew H5071 · used in 25 verses

  • Exodus 35:29 The children of Israel brought a willing offering unto the LORD, every man and woman, whose heart made them willing to bring for all manner of work, which the LORD had commanded to be made by the hand of Moses.
  • Deuteronomy 12:6 And thither ye shall bring your burnt offerings, and your sacrifices, and your tithes, and heave offerings of your hand, and your vows, and your freewill offerings, and the firstlings of your herds and of your flocks:
  • Ezra 8:28 And I said unto them, Ye are holy unto the LORD; the vessels are holy also; and the silver and the gold are a freewill offering unto the LORD God of your fathers.

“lamb” Hebrew H7716 · used in 39 verses

  • Genesis 22:7 And Isaac spake unto Abraham his father, and said, My father: and he said, Here am I, my son. And he said, Behold the fire and the wood: but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?
  • Exodus 34:20 But the firstling of an ass thou shalt redeem with a lamb: and if thou redeem him not, then shalt thou break his neck. All the firstborn of thy sons thou shalt redeem. And none shall appear before me empty.
  • 1 Samuel 15:3 Now go and smite Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and spare them not; but slay both man and woman, infant and suckling, ox and sheep, camel and ass.

“accepted” Hebrew H7521 · used in 55 verses

  • Genesis 33:10 And Jacob said, Nay, I pray thee, if now I have found grace in thy sight, then receive my present at my hand: for therefore I have seen thy face, as though I had seen the face of God, and thou wast pleased with me.
  • Esther 10:3 For Mordecai the Jew was next unto king Ahasuerus, and great among the Jews, and accepted of the multitude of his brethren, seeking the wealth of his people, and speaking peace to all his seed.
  • Proverbs 3:12 For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.