Deuteronomy 15:21
Deuteronomy 15:21 Meaning and Explanation
“And if there be any blemish therein, as if it be lame, or blind, or have any ill blemish, thou shalt not sacrifice it unto the LORD thy God.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →A blemished firstborn may not be sacrificed or offered to God.
The Context of Deuteronomy 15:21
Blemished firstborns are excluded from being offered.
What Does Deuteronomy 15:21 Mean?
The law recognized that not every firstborn was perfect. If an animal was lame, blind, or had any significant defect, it could not be offered to God. This principle—that God receives the best, not the flawed—appears throughout biblical law.
A blemished animal was not holy but ordinary. It retained value and use but could not fulfill the role of the firstborn. The standard protected the integrity of worship and the honour due to God.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deuteronomy 15:21
What does Deuteronomy 15:21 mean?
A blemished firstborn may not be sacrificed or offered to God.
What is the context of Deuteronomy 15:21?
Blemished firstborns are excluded from being offered.