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Deuteronomy 15:21 - Imperfect offerings rejected. Why?

Deuteronomy 15:21 - דברים 15:21

Hebrew Text

וְכִי־יִהְיֶה בוֹ מוּם פִּסֵּחַ אוֹ עִוֵּר כֹּל מוּם רָע לֹא תִזְבָּחֶנּוּ לַיהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ׃

English Translation

And if there be any blemish in it, as if it be lame, or blind, or have any ill blemish, thou shalt not sacrifice it to the Lord thy God.

Transliteration

Vechi-yihye bo mum piseach o iver kol mum ra lo tizbachenu la'Hashem Eloheicha.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְכִֽי־יִהְיֶ֨ה ב֜וֹ מ֗וּם פִּסֵּ֙חַ֙ א֣וֹ עִוֵּ֔ר כֹּ֖ל מ֣וּם רָ֑ע לֹ֣א תִזְבָּחֶ֔נּוּ לַיהֹוָ֖ה אֱלֹהֶֽיךָ׃
וְכִֽי־יִהְיֶ֨ה ב֜וֹ מ֗וּם פִּסֵּ֙חַ֙ א֣וֹ עִוֵּ֔ר כֹּ֖ל מ֣וּם רָ֑ע לֹ֣א תִזְבָּחֶ֔נּוּ לַיהֹוָ֖ה אֱלֹהֶֽיךָ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Prohibition of Sacrificing Blemished Animals

The verse (Devarim 15:21) prohibits bringing an animal with a physical blemish as a sacrifice to Hashem. This law is rooted in the principle of kavod Shamayim (honoring Heaven), as offering a defective animal demonstrates a lack of reverence for the Divine service.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Devarim 15:21) clarifies that the term kol mum ra ("any ill blemish") includes not only permanent defects like lameness or blindness but also temporary blemishes. He cites the Sifrei, which states that even if an animal has a minor blemish like a scratched eye or a torn ear, it is invalid for sacrifice.

Rambam's Classification

In Hilchot Issurei Mizbe'ach (1:2), the Rambam enumerates over 70 types of blemishes that disqualify an animal for sacrifice, categorizing them into:

  • Blemishes in the limbs (e.g., lameness)
  • Blemishes in the eyes (e.g., blindness)
  • Blemishes in the skin (e.g., boils or lesions)

Philosophical Significance

The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 446) explains that this commandment teaches us to offer only our best to Hashem. Just as we would not present damaged goods to an earthly king, how much more so must we be meticulous when approaching the King of Kings. This reflects the broader Torah value of hidur mitzvah (beautifying commandments).

Talmudic Discussion

The Gemara (Chullin 15a) discusses how this prohibition applies even if the blemish developed after the animal was designated as a sacrifice but before it was actually offered. The Sages derive from this that we must be vigilant in maintaining the sanctity of objects designated for holy purposes.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Bekhorot 37a
The verse is cited in a discussion about the disqualification of blemished animals for sacrifice, emphasizing the requirement for animals to be without blemish when offered to God.
📖 Chullin 24b
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the laws of slaughtering animals with blemishes and the prohibition against offering them as sacrifices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 15:21 mean?
A: Deuteronomy 15:21 teaches that an animal with any physical blemish—such as being lame or blind—cannot be offered as a sacrifice to Hashem. This emphasizes the importance of bringing only the best and unblemished offerings, as a sign of respect and devotion to G-d.
Q: Why is it important to bring unblemished sacrifices?
A: Bringing an unblemished sacrifice shows our dedication to serving Hashem with excellence. The Rambam (Hilchot Issurei Mizbe'ach 1:1) explains that just as we would not offer a flawed gift to a king, we must offer only the finest to G-d. This reflects the principle of 'hidur mitzvah'—enhancing a mitzvah by performing it in the best possible way.
Q: Does this law apply today even though we don’t have the Temple?
A: While we cannot bring sacrifices today without the Beit HaMikdash (Temple), the principle still applies in other areas of Jewish life. For example, when giving tzedakah (charity) or performing mitzvot, we should strive to give the best we can, not just what is leftover or imperfect (based on the concept of 'mehadrin min hamehadrin').
Q: What kinds of blemishes disqualify an animal for sacrifice?
A: The Torah lists examples like lameness or blindness, but the Talmud (Chullin 43a) expands on this, detailing many physical defects that render an animal unfit. These include broken limbs, missing limbs, or any condition that significantly impairs the animal. The general rule is that any noticeable defect disqualifies it.
Q: What can we learn from this verse in our daily lives?
A: This verse teaches us the value of giving our best in all aspects of avodat Hashem (service to G-d). Whether in prayer, acts of kindness, or mitzvot, we should approach them with sincerity and without 'blemishes'—meaning without laziness or half-hearted effort. The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim) connects this idea to personal refinement, urging us to 'fix our flaws' just as we avoid flawed sacrifices.