Old Testament
Leviticus 22:21
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
"When anyone brings a peace offering to the LORD — whether to fulfill a vow or as a freewill offering — the animal from the herd or flock must be completely free of defects in order to be accepted."
Compare translations
And whosoever offereth a sacrifice of peace offerings unto the LORD to accomplish his vow, or a freewill offering in beeves or sheep, it shall be perfect to be accepted; there shall be no blemish therein.
What Leviticus 22:21 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Leviticus 22:21, God sets clear standards for offerings made to Him, specifically peace offerings. These offerings could be made to fulfill a vow or as a voluntary act of worship. The requirement is that the animal must be without any defects or blemishes. This reflects the importance of giving God our best and ensuring that what we offer is worthy of Him. The emphasis on perfection in the sacrifice symbolizes the holiness of God and the seriousness of approaching Him with our gifts. It teaches us that our offerings, whether they are material or spiritual, should be of high quality and sincere. This principle extends beyond animal sacrifices to our lives today, encouraging us to present ourselves and our actions in a way that honors God.
How to apply Leviticus 22:21 to your life
When we give to God, whether through service, time, or resources, we should strive to offer our best. This means being intentional and thoughtful about what we present to Him, ensuring it reflects our love and respect for His holiness.
Curated for this public verse page. Leviticus Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Daniel's story: Faithful at the King's Table (Daniel 1:1–21)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Daniel
Photo: Bukvoed, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 4.0. Source. Location: Burj Beitin, Beitin, Ramallah and al-Bireh Governorate, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Bethel
Where Jacob dreamed of a stairway to heaven and met God.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Leviticus 22:21
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Leviticus 22:21
Related Bible verses
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Leviticus
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Leviticus 22:21 mean?
Leviticus 22:21 outlines God's requirements for peace offerings, emphasizing that the animal must be without defects. This reflects the importance of offering our best to God and recognizing His holiness.
What is the significance of peace offerings in Leviticus 22:21?
Peace offerings in Leviticus 22:21 symbolize fellowship with God and can be made to fulfill a vow or as a voluntary act of worship. They highlight the need for sincerity and quality in what we offer to God.
How does Leviticus 22:21 apply to modern worship?
Leviticus 22:21 encourages modern worshippers to give their best in service, time, and resources. It reminds us that our offerings, whether material or spiritual, should be sincere and of high quality.
What can we learn from the requirements in Leviticus 22:21?
The requirements in Leviticus 22:21 teach us about the seriousness of our commitments to God and the importance of holiness in our offerings. It encourages us to approach God with intentionality and respect.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.