Leviticus 22:23
New International Version
You may, however, present as a freewill offering an ox or a sheep that is deformed or stunted, but it will not be accepted in fulfillment of a vow.

New Living Translation
If a bull or lamb has a leg that is too long or too short, it may be offered as a voluntary offering, but it may not be offered to fulfill a vow.

English Standard Version
You may present a bull or a lamb that has a part too long or too short for a freewill offering, but for a vow offering it cannot be accepted.

Berean Standard Bible
You may present as a freewill offering an ox or sheep that has a deformed or stunted limb, but it is not acceptable in fulfillment of a vow.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
Either a bull or a lamb that has any limb too long or too short you may offer as a freewill offering, but for a vow it shall not be accepted.

New American Standard Bible
Now as for an ox or a lamb which has an overgrown or stunted member, you may present it as a voluntary offering, but for a vow it will not be accepted.

NASB 1995
In respect to an ox or a lamb which has an overgrown or stunted member, you may present it for a freewill offering, but for a vow it will not be accepted.

NASB 1977
‘In respect to an ox or a lamb which has an overgrown or stunted member, you may present it for a freewill offering, but for a vow it shall not be accepted.

Legacy Standard Bible
Now in respect to an ox or a lamb which has an overgrown or stunted member, you may offer it for a freewill offering, but for a votive offering it will not be accepted.

Amplified Bible
For a freewill offering you may offer either a bull or a lamb which has an overgrown or stunted member (deformity), but for [the payment of] a vow it will not be accepted.

Christian Standard Bible
You may sacrifice as a freewill offering any animal from the herd or flock that has an elongated or stunted limb, but it is not acceptable as a vow offering.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
You may sacrifice as a freewill offering any animal from the herd or flock that has an elongated or stunted limb, but it is not acceptable as a vow offering.

American Standard Version
Either a bullock or a lamb that hath anything superfluous or lacking in his parts, that mayest thou offer for a freewill-offering; but for a vow it shall not be accepted.

Contemporary English Version
If one of your cattle or lambs has a leg that is longer or shorter than the others, you may offer it voluntarily, but not as part of a promise.

English Revised Version
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.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
You may use a bull or a sheep with a deformity or one that is stunted in growth as a freewill offering. However, it will not be accepted for a vow.

Good News Translation
As a freewill offering you may offer an animal that is stunted or not perfectly formed, but it is not acceptable in fulfillment of a vow.

International Standard Version
"You may offer a bull or lamb that has one limb longer than the other or that is stunted as a free will offering, but it's not acceptable in fulfillment of a promise.

Majority Standard Bible
You may present as a freewill offering an ox or sheep that has a deformed or stunted limb, but it is not acceptable in fulfillment of a vow.

NET Bible
As for an ox or a sheep with a limb too long or stunted, you may present it as a freewill offering, but it will not be acceptable for a votive offering.

New Heart English Bible
Either a bull or a lamb that has any deformity or lacking in his parts, that you may offer for a freewill offering; but for a vow it shall not be accepted.

Webster's Bible Translation
Either a bullock, or a lamb that hath any thing superfluous or lacking in his parts, that mayest thou offer for a free-will-offering; but for a vow it shall not be accepted.

World English Bible
Either a bull or a lamb that has any deformity or lacking in his parts, that you may offer for a free will offering; but for a vow it shall not be accepted.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
As for an ox or sheep [that] is deformed or stunted—you make it a willing-offering, but it is not pleasing for a vow.

Young's Literal Translation
'As to an ox or a sheep enlarged or dwarfed -- a willing-offering ye do make it, but for a vow it is not pleasing.

Smith's Literal Translation
And an ox, and a sheep stretched out, and contracted, thou shalt do it a voluntary gift; and for a vow it shall not be accepted.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
An ox or a sheep, that hath the ear and the tail cut off, thou mayst offer voluntarily: but a vow may not be paid with them.

Catholic Public Domain Version
An ox or a sheep, having an amputated ear or tail, you are able to offer voluntarily, but a vow is not able to be fulfilled by these.

New American Bible
An ox or a sheep that has a leg that is too long or is stunted you may indeed present as a voluntary offering, but it will not be acceptable as a votive offering.

New Revised Standard Version
An ox or a lamb that has a limb too long or too short you may present for a freewill offering; but it will not be accepted for a vow.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
A bullock or a lamb which has the ear or the tail cut off you may offer for a freewill offering; but for a vow it shall not be accepted.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And a bull, or lamb which has been notched in its ear, or a male fattail you may make an offering, however it shall not be accepted for a vow.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Either a bullock or a lamb that hath any thing too long or too short, that mayest thou offer for a freewill-offering; but for a vow it shall not be accepted.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And a calf or a sheep with the ears cut off, or that has lost its tail, thou shalt slay them for thyself; but they shall not be accepted for thy vow.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Worthy Offerings
22You are not to present to the LORD any animal that is blind, injured, or maimed, or anything with a running sore, a festering rash, or a scab; you must not put any of these on the altar as an offering made by fire to the LORD. 23You may present as a freewill offering an ox or sheep that has a deformed or stunted limb, but it is not acceptable in fulfillment of a vow. 24You are not to present to the LORD an animal whose testicles are bruised, crushed, torn, or cut; you are not to sacrifice them in your land.…

Cross References
Malachi 1:8
When you offer blind animals for sacrifice, is it not wrong? And when you present the lame and sick ones, is it not wrong? Try offering them to your governor! Would he be pleased with you or show you favor?” asks the LORD of Hosts.

Deuteronomy 15:21
But if an animal has a defect, is lame or blind, or has any serious flaw, you must not sacrifice it to the LORD your God.

Deuteronomy 17:1
You shall not sacrifice to the LORD your God an ox or a sheep with any defect or serious flaw, for that is detestable to the LORD your God.

Leviticus 1:3
If his offering is a burnt offering from the herd, he is to present an unblemished male. He must bring it to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting for its acceptance before the LORD.

Leviticus 3:1
“If one’s offering is a peace offering and he offers an animal from the herd, whether male or female, he must present it without blemish before the LORD.

Leviticus 22:20-21
You must not present anything with a defect, because it will not be accepted on your behalf. / When a man presents a peace offering to the LORD from the herd or flock to fulfill a vow or as a freewill offering, it must be without blemish or defect to be acceptable.

Leviticus 22:25
Neither you nor a foreigner shall present food to your God from any such animal. They will not be accepted on your behalf, because they are deformed and flawed.’”

Leviticus 22:19
must offer an unblemished male from the cattle, sheep, or goats in order for it to be accepted on your behalf.

Numbers 28:19
Present to the LORD a food offering, a burnt offering of two young bulls, one ram, and seven male lambs a year old, all unblemished.

Numbers 29:8
Present as a pleasing aroma to the LORD a burnt offering of one young bull, one ram, and seven male lambs a year old, all unblemished,

Isaiah 56:7
I will bring them to My holy mountain and make them joyful in My house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be accepted on My altar, for My house will be called a house of prayer for all the nations.”

Ezekiel 43:22-23
On the second day you are to present an unblemished male goat as a sin offering, and the altar is to be cleansed as it was with the bull. / When you have finished the purification, you are to present a young, unblemished bull and an unblemished ram from the flock.

Ezekiel 45:18
This is what the Lord GOD says: ‘On the first day of the first month you are to take a young bull without blemish and purify the sanctuary.

Matthew 5:48
Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Hebrews 9:14
how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself unblemished to God, purify our consciences from works of death, so that we may serve the living God!


Treasury of Scripture

Either a bullock or a lamb that has any thing superfluous or lacking in his parts, that may you offer for a freewill offering; but for a vow it shall not be accepted.

lamb.

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,

Jump to Previous
Accepted Bull Bullock Deformed Deformity Dwarfed Enlarged Free Freewill Freewill-Offering Free-Will-Offering Fulfillment However ing Lamb Less Mayest Member Natural Oath Offer Offering Overgrown Ox Part Parts Payment Pleasing Respect ring Sheep Short Superfluous Votive Vow Willing-Offering
Jump to Next
Accepted Bull Bullock Deformed Deformity Dwarfed Enlarged Free Freewill Freewill-Offering Free-Will-Offering Fulfillment However ing Lamb Less Mayest Member Natural Oath Offer Offering Overgrown Ox Part Parts Payment Pleasing Respect ring Sheep Short Superfluous Votive Vow Willing-Offering
Leviticus 22
1. The priests in their uncleanness must abstain from the holy things
6. How they shall be cleansed
10. Who of the priest's house may eat of the holy things
17. The sacrifices must be without blemish
26. The age of the sacrifice
29. The law of eating the sacrifice of thanksgiving














You may present as a freewill offering
In the context of Leviticus, a freewill offering is a voluntary act of worship, not required by law, but given out of gratitude or devotion. This type of offering is distinct from mandatory sacrifices, such as sin or guilt offerings. The freewill offering reflects the worshiper's personal relationship with God, emphasizing the heart's intent over the perfection of the offering itself. This concept is echoed in the New Testament, where believers are encouraged to give cheerfully and willingly (2 Corinthians 9:7).

an ox or sheep
Oxen and sheep were common livestock in ancient Israel, often used in sacrifices due to their value and significance in agrarian society. These animals were integral to the economy and daily life, symbolizing wealth and sustenance. The choice of these animals for offerings underscores their importance and the sacrifice involved in giving them to God. In a broader biblical context, sheep are frequently used as symbols of God's people, and Jesus is referred to as the Lamb of God (John 1:29), highlighting the sacrificial system's foreshadowing of Christ's ultimate sacrifice.

that has a deformed or stunted limb
The mention of a deformed or stunted limb indicates a physical imperfection in the animal. While such animals were not suitable for mandatory offerings, they were permitted for freewill offerings. This allowance highlights the distinction between offerings that fulfill specific vows or requirements and those given voluntarily. The emphasis on physical perfection in other offerings points to the holiness and perfection required by God, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who was without blemish (1 Peter 1:19).

but it is not acceptable in fulfillment of a vow
Vows in the biblical context were solemn promises made to God, often accompanied by a specific offering. The requirement for offerings fulfilling vows to be without blemish underscores the seriousness and sanctity of vows. This reflects the principle that what is promised to God must be of the highest quality, symbolizing the worshiper's commitment and reverence. The distinction between freewill offerings and vow fulfillments highlights the varying levels of obligation and the importance of integrity in one's promises to God. This principle is echoed in Ecclesiastes 5:4-5, which warns against making rash vows to God.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Moses
The author of Leviticus, who received the laws from God to instruct the Israelites on how to live holy lives.

2. Israelites
The chosen people of God, to whom the laws in Leviticus were given, including instructions on offerings and sacrifices.

3. Tabernacle
The place where the Israelites worshiped God and offered sacrifices, serving as the central place of worship during their journey in the wilderness.

4. Priests
The descendants of Aaron, responsible for performing the sacrifices and maintaining the holiness of the Tabernacle.

5. Freewill Offering
A voluntary offering made by the Israelites to express devotion and gratitude to God, distinct from obligatory sacrifices.
Teaching Points
Holiness in Worship
God desires offerings that reflect our best, symbolizing our respect and reverence for Him. Even in voluntary offerings, the quality of what we present matters.

Integrity in Vows
The distinction between freewill offerings and vows underscores the importance of integrity and commitment in our promises to God.

Heart of Worship
While the physical condition of the offering is important, the heart behind the offering is crucial. Our worship should be sincere and wholehearted.

Grace and Freedom
The allowance for deformed or stunted animals in freewill offerings reflects God's grace, allowing for expressions of worship from all, regardless of their means.

Living Sacrifices
As New Testament believers, we are called to offer ourselves as living sacrifices, emphasizing a life of holiness and dedication to God.(23) Either a bullock or a lamb.--Better, And bullock and one of the flock.

That hath any thing superfluous.--That is one member of the animal being more elongated or contracted than the other, being out of proportion. The same blemish also unfitted the priest for performing sacerdotal functions (see Leviticus 21:18).

Or lacking in his parts.--This, according to the authorities during the second Temple, denotes contracted hoofs, or undivided hoofs, making them resemble those of an ass or horse.

That mayest thou offer for a freewill offering.--Better, that thou mayest make a freewill offering. As Leviticus 22:18-20 most emphatically declare that an animal with any blemish whatsoever must not be offered "for any manner of freewill offering," it is hardly conceivable that the lawgiver would contradict this enactment within the space of three verses, and say "that the animals with those serious organic defects enumerated in the verse before us, thou mayest offer for a freewill offering." Hence, during the second Temple, the passage before us was interpreted to mean that the animals in question were only allowed to be consecrated for the maintenance and repair of the sanctuary, but not to be offered as a sacrifice on the altar. They were sold, or the offerer paid the value himself, and the money was applied to these sacred purposes. The opinion that a freewill offering was of less importance than a vow, and that therefore the lawgiver allows animals with the two kinds of defects here described to be offered for a freewill offering but not for a vow, is contrary to the regulations laid down in Leviticus 22:18-20, and is against the practice during the second Temple (see Leviticus 7:16). It is far more probable that the text is disarranged, and that it originally was, "that thou mayest not offer for a freewill offering, and for a vow it shall not be accepted." . . .

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
You may present
תַּעֲשֶׂ֣ה (ta·‘ă·śeh)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 6213: To do, make

as a freewill offering
נְדָבָה֙ (nə·ḏā·ḇāh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5071: Spontaneity, spontaneous, a spontaneous, abundant gift

an ox
וְשׁ֥וֹר (wə·šō·wr)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7794: A head of cattle (bullock, ox, etcetera)

or sheep
וָשֶׂ֖ה (wā·śeh)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7716: A member of a, flock, a sheep, goat

that has a deformed
שָׂר֣וּעַ (śā·rū·a‘)
Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - masculine singular
Strong's 8311: To prolong, be deformed by excess of members

or stunted limb,
וְקָל֑וּט (wə·qā·lūṭ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - masculine singular
Strong's 7038: To be stunted

but it is not
לֹ֥א (lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

acceptable
יֵרָצֶֽה׃ (yê·rā·ṣeh)
Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7521: To be pleased with, to satisfy a, debt

to fulfill a vow.
וּלְנֵ֖דֶר (ū·lə·nê·ḏer)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5088: A promise, a thing promised


Links
Leviticus 22:23 NIV
Leviticus 22:23 NLT
Leviticus 22:23 ESV
Leviticus 22:23 NASB
Leviticus 22:23 KJV

Leviticus 22:23 BibleApps.com
Leviticus 22:23 Biblia Paralela
Leviticus 22:23 Chinese Bible
Leviticus 22:23 French Bible
Leviticus 22:23 Catholic Bible

OT Law: Leviticus 22:23 Either a bull or a lamb that (Le Lv Lev.)
Leviticus 22:22
Top of Page
Top of Page