Leviticus 1:10 kjv
And if his offering be of the flocks, namely, of the sheep, or of the goats, for a burnt sacrifice; he shall bring it a male without blemish.
Leviticus 1:10 nkjv
'If his offering is of the flocks?of the sheep or of the goats?as a burnt sacrifice, he shall bring a male without blemish.
Leviticus 1:10 niv
"?'If the offering is a burnt offering from the flock, from either the sheep or the goats, you are to offer a male without defect.
Leviticus 1:10 esv
"If his gift for a burnt offering is from the flock, from the sheep or goats, he shall bring a male without blemish,
Leviticus 1:10 nlt
"If the animal you present as a burnt offering is from the flock, it may be either a sheep or a goat, but it must be a male with no defects.
Leviticus 1 10 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference ||--------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------|| Lev 1:3 | If his offering be a burnt sacrifice of the herd, let him offer a male without blemish. | Same principle for cattle. || Lev 1:14 | If the burnt sacrifice for his offering to the LORD be of fowls... | Provides an option for the poorest. || Lev 3:1 | And if his oblation be a sacrifice of peace offering... | Distinguishes from other types of offerings. || Lev 22:19 | Ye shall offer at your own will a male without blemish, of the beeves... | Reiterates the "without blemish" rule. || Lev 22:20 | Whatsoever hath a blemish, that shall ye not offer: for it shall not be acceptable. | Prohibits blemished offerings. || Exo 12:5 | Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male of the first year... | Passover lamb's unblemished requirement. || Deut 15:21 | If there be any blemish therein, as if it be lame, or blind... thou shalt not sacrifice it. | Emphasizes strict quality control. || Mal 1:8 | If ye offer the blind for sacrifice, is it not evil? and if ye offer the lame... | Condemns presenting inferior offerings. || Mal 1:14 | But cursed be the deceiver, which hath in his flock a male, and voweth... | Warns against deceptive, blemished offerings. || Psa 40:6 | Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire; mine ears hast thou opened... | Highlights God's preference for obedience. || Psa 51:17 | The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart... | Spiritualization of sacrifice. || Heb 9:14 | How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot... | Christ's perfect, unblemished sacrifice. || Heb 10:10 | By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. | Christ's sacrifice completes all others. || Heb 10:14 | For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. | Christ's singular, all-sufficient offering. || 1 Pet 1:19 | But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: | Christ as the ultimate unblemished sacrifice. || Jn 1:29 | The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. | Jesus as the ultimate sacrificial lamb. || Isa 53:7 | He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter... | Prophecy of Christ's quiet suffering. || Rom 12:1 | I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God... | Application: believers as living sacrifices. || Eph 5:2 | And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour. | Christ's sacrifice as a fragrant offering. || Phil 2:17 | Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy... | Paul's self-giving as an offering. || Col 1:22 | In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: | Believers' perfection through Christ. |
Leviticus 1 verses
Leviticus 1 10 Meaning
Leviticus 1:10 specifies the regulations for a burnt offering when the animal is chosen from the smaller livestock, specifically sheep or goats. For such an offering, the animal presented must be a male and completely without any physical defect or blemish, ensuring its purity and fitness for dedication to God as an entirely consumed sacrifice. This provision makes offerings accessible to individuals with varying economic means.
Leviticus 1 10 Context
Leviticus chapter 1 establishes the initial and most significant category of sacrificial offerings: the burnt offering (ʿōlāh). These instructions were given by God to Moses, to be conveyed to the Israelites at Mount Sinai. The burnt offering symbolized complete devotion and atonement, as the entire animal, excluding the hide, was consumed by fire on the altar. Verse 10 specifically addresses the offering when the animal is chosen from the "flocks" (sheep or goats), providing an option for those who could not afford a costly bull (Lev 1:3) or if they simply preferred to offer a smaller animal. This part of the law demonstrates God's gracious provision, allowing individuals of different economic statuses to participate in worship and make atonement, ensuring no one was excluded due to poverty. The "without blemish" requirement underscores the sanctity and perfection demanded in approaching a holy God.
Leviticus 1 10 Word analysis
- And if: Connects this provision to the previous (cattle offerings), indicating it's an alternative option.
- his offering (קָרְבָּן, qorbān): Literally "that which is brought near." Signifies a voluntary gift brought by the worshiper to draw near to God. It underscores personal initiative in worship.
- be of the flocks (צֹאן, tsō'n): A collective term for sheep and goats, highlighting accessibility for ordinary Israelites. It indicates the broader category of small ruminants available for sacrifice.
- namely, of the sheep (כֶּשֶׂב, kesev): Specifies one common animal within the flocks, likely a young ram or lamb. This was a very common domestic animal, familiar and widely available.
- or of the goats (עֵז, ʿēz): Presents the alternative option within the "flocks." Goats were equally common and served the same sacrificial purpose.
- for a burnt sacrifice (עֹלָה, ʿōlāh): From a root meaning "to go up" or "to ascend." This type of offering was entirely consumed by fire, symbolizing total dedication to God, ascending as a pleasing aroma, and serving as a general atonement for unintended sins or bringing oneself into a right relationship with God.
- he shall bring it: Emphasizes the personal act of the worshiper, their responsibility to bring the offering.
- a male (זָכָר, zākhār): A specific gender requirement for the burnt offering (male was also required for cattle burnt offerings, Lev 1:3). This may symbolize strength, vitality, or firstborn quality, pointing to the excellence expected in the offering.
- without blemish (תָּמִים, tāmîm): Critical term meaning "perfect," "whole," "complete," "sound," "faultless." This applied not just to physical perfection but also metaphorically to spiritual integrity. It signifies that only the best, untainted, and most valuable should be presented to a holy God. It foreshadows the absolute perfection of Christ, the ultimate sacrificial lamb.
Words-group by words-group analysis
- "if his offering be of the flocks, namely, of the sheep, or of the goats": This phrase establishes the specific animal choices for the burnt offering when a bull is not offered. It reflects God's provision for people of various economic statuses to offer sacrifices. The progression from cattle (Lev 1:3) to flocks (Lev 1:10) to birds (Lev 1:14) showcases divine accessibility to all.
- "for a burnt sacrifice; he shall bring it a male without blemish": This phrase summarizes the two most vital qualifications for the chosen animal in an olah: its gender and its physical and spiritual perfection. The olah demands the worshiper's very best, without defect, reflecting the unblemished character required for approach to a holy God and foreshadowing the flawless nature of the future ultimate sacrifice for sin.
Leviticus 1 10 Bonus section
The "without blemish" requirement for offerings in the Old Testament laws served multiple purposes. Theologically, it established God's utter holiness, accepting nothing less than perfection. Symbolically, it was an educational tool, constantly pointing to the need for a perfect intermediary or a perfect atonement, something animal sacrifices, inherently flawed, could never fully provide on their own. Sociologically, it ensured that the offerings were of significant value, discouraging casual or disrespectful worship by offering inferior animals. Spiritually, it impressed upon the worshiper the serious nature of approaching God and the cost associated with sin and redemption.
Leviticus 1 10 Commentary
Leviticus 1:10 forms a vital part of the divine blueprint for approaching God through sacrifice. By detailing the options of sheep or goats for the olah, God extends the means of worship and atonement to the average Israelite, not just the wealthy who could afford cattle. The core principle embedded in "male without blemish" is paramount. "Male" speaks to vitality and strength, perhaps signifying a wholehearted dedication. "Without blemish" is foundational; it communicates that God is worthy of the absolute best, untainted and perfect. This requirement went beyond mere physical appearance; it spoke to the inner purity and intention of the worshiper. Moreover, it profoundly prefigures the flawless and perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ (1 Pet 1:19, Heb 9:14), the "Lamb of God" (Jn 1:29), whose sinless life and ultimate death perfectly fulfilled and transcended all Old Testament offerings, making possible an unblemished approach to God for all who believe. Practically, this teaches us to offer God our absolute best – our time, talents, resources, and very lives (Rom 12:1), unstained by the world's impurities.