Leviticus 22:23 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Animals with extra or missing parts may be offered as freewill offerings but not for vows.
The Context of Leviticus 22:23
Minor deformities are acceptable for freewill offerings but not for vowed sacrifices.
What Does Leviticus 22:23 Mean?
Here the law shows some flexibility. An animal with extra growth (like a supernumerary digit) or lacking a part (like a shortened tail) is not ideal but not as seriously defective as blindness or disease. Such an animal can be offered freely by someone's choice—a voluntary gift.
However, a vowed offering—a gift conditional on answered prayer or divine help—must meet the full standard of perfection. The distinction makes sense: a vow is a solemn promise, while a freewill offering is spontaneous. The stricter requirement applies to the more formal covenant act.
Frequently Asked Questions About Leviticus 22:23
What does Leviticus 22:23 mean?
Animals with extra or missing parts may be offered as freewill offerings but not for vows.
What is the context of Leviticus 22:23?
Minor deformities are acceptable for freewill offerings but not for vowed sacrifices.