Leviticus 22:21

Old Testament Law (Torah) ASV (1901)

What does Leviticus 22:21 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And whosoever offereth a sacrifice of peace-offerings unto Jehovah to accomplish a vow, or for a freewill-offering, of the herd or of the flock, it shall be perfect to be accepted; there shall be no blemish therein.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And whosoever offereth a sacrifice of peace-offerings unto Jehovah to accomplish a vow, or for a freewill-offering, of the herd or of the flock, it shall be perfect to be accepted; there shall be no blemish therein.
Leviticus 22:21 — American Standard Version

Context — Leviticus 22

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
21And whosoever offereth a sacrifice of peace-offerings unto Jehovah to accomplish a vow, or for a freewill-offering, of the herd or of the flock, it shall be perfect to be accepted; there shall be no blemish therein.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And whosoever offereth a sacrifice of peace offering unto the Lord, etc.] This, as Ben Gersom observes, is distinguished from a burnt offering; for though it was to be perfect, and without blemish, yet not obliged to be a male as that, (<030301>Leviticus 3:1). This was either by way of thanksgiving for mercies received, (<030712>Leviticus 7:12), or to accomplish [his] vow; made in any distress, that if God would deliver him, then he would offer such a sacrifice: or a freewill offering; either on account of favours received, or in order to obtain them: which sacrifice, whether in beeves or sheep; whether in bullocks or sheep, under which are comprehended goats, both being of the flock,…”
Read attributed excerpt →
Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“22:21 A peace offering could function in several ways: as a thanksgiving offering, an offering to fulfill a vow, or a voluntary offering (see 3:1-17).”
Read attributed excerpt →
Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“peace: Lev 3:1, Lev 3:6, 7:11-38 to accomplish: Gen 28:20, Gen 35:1-3; Num 15:3, Num 15:8; Deu 23:21-23; Psa 50:14; Pro 7:14; Ecc 5:4, Ecc 5:5 sheep: or, goats it shall be perfect: This law is so founded on the nature of the thing itself, that it has been in force among all nations that sacrificed victims to their deities. Leviticus 22:22”
Read attributed excerpt →
Keil & Delitzsch
C. F. Keil & F. Delitzsch · Commentary on the Old Testament · 19th-century historical commentary
“Every peace-offering was also to be faultless, whether brought "to fulfil a special (important) vow" (cf. Num 15:3, Num 15:8 : פּלּא, from פּלא to be great, distinguished, wonderful), or as a freewill gift; that is to say, it was to be free from such faults as blindness, or a broken limb (from lameness therefore: Deu 15:21), or cutting (i.e., mutilation, answering to חרוּם Lev 21:18), or an abscess (יבּלת, from יבל to flow, probably a flowing suppurating abscess). Leviticus 22:23”
Read attributed excerpt →

Related study paths

Sources and verification