In the biblical context, the term "blemish" refers to any physical defect or imperfection in animals that were to be offered as sacrifices to God. The concept of offering unblemished animals is rooted in the desire to present offerings that are perfect and without defect, symbolizing purity and holiness before the Lord.

The requirement for unblemished animals is primarily outlined in the Old Testament, particularly in the books of Leviticus and Deuteronomy. Leviticus 22:20-21 states, "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 to fulfill a vow or as a freewill offering from the herd or flock, it must be without blemish to be acceptable; there must be no defect in it."

The prohibition against offering blemished animals underscores the importance of giving God the best of what one has, reflecting the worshiper's reverence and devotion. This requirement is reiterated in Deuteronomy 17:1 : "You must not sacrifice to the LORD your God an ox or a sheep that has any defect or flaw, for that would be detestable to Him."

The types of blemishes that disqualified an animal from being used in sacrifices are detailed in Leviticus 22:22-24 : "You are not to present to the LORD an animal that is blind, injured, maimed, or has a wart, festering rash, or scabs. You are not to place any of these on the altar as a food offering presented to the LORD. 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."

The insistence on unblemished offerings is not merely a matter of ritualistic precision but is deeply symbolic. It reflects the holiness and perfection of God, who is worthy of the best and most perfect offerings. The sacrificial system, with its emphasis on unblemished animals, foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who is described as the "Lamb of God" without blemish or defect (1 Peter 1:19).

The New Testament continues this theme of purity and perfection in offerings, as believers are called to present themselves as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God (Romans 12:1). The requirement for unblemished sacrifices in the Old Testament serves as a precursor to the call for spiritual purity and wholehearted devotion in the life of a believer.Leviticus 22:19-25
You shall offer at your own will a male without blemish, of the beeves, of the sheep, or of the goats.
Nave's Topical Index

Whether There Can be any Suitable Cause for the Sacraments of the ...
... are perfect, "in which there" was "no blemish"; "and which ... tabernacle and its vessels,
and in the animals to be ... Thus it is forbidden that he should be blind, ie ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether there can be any 2.htm

Whether a Man May Make Oblations of Whatever He Lawfully Possesses ...
... 1: In the Old Law it was forbidden to make ... Yet other unclean animals were redeemed
and their price ... not evil?" and it behooved sacrifices to be without blemish. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether a man may make.htm

The Ecclesiastical Canons of the Same Holy Apostles.
... of wine, any necessaries, or birds, or animals, or pulse ... let him be deprived; for
this the law itself has forbidden. ... a bishop; for it is not a blemish of the ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/the ecclesiastical canons of the.htm

Miscellaneous Subjects.
... There is no power in the blood of animals to redeem ... of Christ, as of a lamb without
blemish and without ... refrain from such acts because it is forbidden in the ...
/.../orr/the gospel day /chapter xvi miscellaneous subjects.htm

Letter cvii. To Laeta.
... is lame or maimed or marked with any blemish is held ... The superstitious Jews reject
certain animals and products as ... and even oil and apples are forbidden as food ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter cvii to laeta.htm

A Plea Regarding Christians by Athenagoras, the Athenian
... differ in no way from the vilest animals, then they ... sacrifice the steers if they
are without blemish and the ... adultery." [954] Thus a man is forbidden both to ...
/.../richardson/early christian fathers/a plea regarding christians by.htm

From the Latin Translation of Cassiodorus.
... says, [3723] "as of a lamb without blemish and without ... not as being inferior to the
other animals, but that ... to preach the kingdom of heaven is forbidden to put ...
/.../who is the rich man that shall be saved/i from the latin translation of.htm

Chaldaean Civilization
... of Babylon had to present a gazelle without blemish to Sin ... be recited; at another
time it was forbidden to eat ... believed to be no mere ordinary animals, but were ...
/.../chapter iiichaldaean civilization.htm

Against Jovinianus.
... more expressive Greek word poikiles, ie, varied, is used. ... force to virgins, since
marriage is forbidden even to ... Hence it was that all the animals which Noah ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/against jovinianus.htm

Conclusion --Repent Ye, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at Hand.
... is stated in all catechisms or books used in schools. ... at violence in self-defense
is forbidden, where the ... is fostered that they are inferior animals, bound to ...
/.../the kingdom of god is within you/chapter xii conclusionrepent ye for.htm

Summary of the Book of Numbers - Bible Survey | GotQuestions.org

What is a sin offering? | GotQuestions.org

Was Jesus sinless? | GotQuestions.org

Blemish: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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