Leviticus 22:24 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 22:24 mean?

Leviticus 22:24 tells the Israelites not to offer animals to the LORD that have been bruised, crushed, broken, or cut, and not to make any such offerings in their land. The verse sets a clear rule that only whole, unblemished animals are acceptable for sacrifices to God.

In this verse, God is speaking to Moses, who is passing these instructions to the priests and the people of Israel. The setting is the giving of laws about acceptable offerings in worship. The verse emphasizes that sacrifices must be physically whole, reflecting respect and honor for God in their worship practices.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 22:24

• "offer" (קָרַב, qarav): This word means to bring near or present, especially in the context of sacrifices. The focus is on what is being brought before God, highlighting the importance of the condition of the offering.
• "bruised" (מָעוּךְ, ma‘ukh): This term refers to an animal that has been physically damaged, often understood as being crushed or injured in a way that affects its body. It shows the level of care required in selecting animals for sacrifice.
• "crushed" (כָּתוּת, kathut): This word means crushed or smashed, again pointing to a specific kind of injury that would disqualify an animal from being offered.
• "broken" (נָתוּק, nathuq): This refers to something torn or broken apart, such as a limb. It underlines that even unseen or internal injuries matter.
• "cut" (כָּרַת, karath): This word means cut off or severed. It includes animals that have had parts removed or mutilated, which are not acceptable for offerings.
• "make" (עָשָׂה, asah): This verb means to do or make, here referring to the act of making an offering. It stresses that even if someone tries to offer such an animal, it is not allowed.
• "land" (אֶרֶץ, erets): This word means land or country, making it clear the rule applies everywhere in Israel, not just at the sanctuary.

Why Leviticus 22:24 matters

• This verse clarifies that God required offerings to be the best and without physical defects, not just any animal someone wanted to give.
• The rule helps prevent people from using worship as a way to get rid of unwanted or damaged animals, showing that sacrifice was meant to be meaningful and costly.
• In the larger context of Leviticus 22, this verse fits into a series of laws about holiness and proper worship, highlighting the seriousness with which the Israelites were to approach God.