Deuteronomy 15:21If it have any blemish, as if it be lame or blind, any ill blemish whatever, you shall not sacrifice it to Yahweh your God.
The setting
Plains of Moab, ~1400 BC. Moses addresses Israel before entering Canaan, modern-day Jordan/Israel border. Establishing worship standards for the Promised Land...
The emotion here: passionate about God receiving proper honor
The original word
mûm (מוּם) — blemish, defect, anything that mars perfection
Why it matters
Ancient Near Eastern cultures also required perfect animals for sacrifice, but Israel's law was uniquely comprehensive
Read with care
What most readers miss in Deuteronomy 15:21
This isn't about animal welfare - it's about giving God your absolute best, not your leftovers
Common misconceptionPeople think this is about animal cruelty, but it's about the principle of excellence - God deserves our first and best, not our scraps and leftovers.
The thread continues
Verses that echo Deuteronomy 15:21
Bible Genome reading
Deuteronomy 15:21 — Bible Genome reading
Emotional genome
Deuteronomy 15:21 comes from the book of Deuteronomy, written during the exodus period. These words are attributed to Moses. The dominant emotion in this verse is worship, with a comfort power of 30% and a tone that is commanding. It belongs to the law genre of biblical literature. Key themes include perfection, standards, holiness. Notable phrases: any blemish; lame or blind; not sacrifice. This verse contains a command.
Emotionally similar
Verses that meet the same worship
“Hear, Israel: Yahweh is our God; Yahweh is one:”
— Deuteronomy 6:4
“and you shall love Yahweh your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might.”
— Deuteronomy 6:5
“For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven:”
— Ecclesiastes 3:1
“Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me.”
— John 14:6
“Jesus said to them, "Most certainly, I tell you, before Abraham came into existence, I AM."”
— John 8:58
Your reflection
What does Deuteronomy 15:21 mean to you, today?
A short note. A question. A prayer. Saved privately to your Soul Garden, dated, and tied to this verse forever.
Speak your heart →Get 3 verses for "worship"
Delivered to your inbox right now. Free.