Overview
The Bible addresses blemish across 14 verses, drawn from the Old Testament. These passages cluster most in Leviticus. Closely related themes include Priests, Sanctification, Vows and Scab. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Aaron.
Key Bible verses about blemish
Old Testament
Leviticus
Speak unto Aaron, saying, Whosoever he be of thy seed in their generations that hath any blemish, let him not approach to offer the bread of his God. bread: or, food
For whatsoever man he be that hath a blemish, he shall not approach: a blind man, or a lame, or he that hath a flat nose, or any thing superfluous,
Or a man that is brokenfooted, or brokenhanded,
Or crookbackt, or a dwarf, or that hath a blemish in his eye, or be scurvy, or scabbed, or hath his stones broken; a dwarf: or, too slender
No man that hath a blemish of the seed of Aaron the priest shall come nigh to offer the offerings of the LORD made by fire: he hath a blemish; he shall not come nigh to offer the bread of his God.
He shall eat the bread of his God, both of the most holy, and of the holy.
Only he shall not go in unto the vail, nor come nigh unto the altar, because he hath a blemish; that he profane not my sanctuaries: for I the LORD do sanctify them.
Ye shall offer at your own will a male without blemish, of the beeves, of the sheep, or of the goats.
But whatsoever hath a blemish, that shall ye not offer: for it shall not be acceptable for you.
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. sheep: or, goats
Blind, or broken, or maimed, or having a wen, or scurvy, or scabbed, ye shall not offer these unto the LORD, nor make an offering by fire of them upon the altar unto the LORD.
Either a bullock or a lamb that hath any thing superfluous or lacking in his parts, that mayest thou offer for a freewill offering; but for a vow it shall not be accepted. lamb: or, kid
Ye shall not offer unto the LORD that which is bruised, or crushed, or broken, or cut; neither shall ye make any offering thereof in your land.
Neither from a stranger's hand shall ye offer the bread of your God of any of these; because their corruption is in them, and blemishes be in them: they shall not be accepted for you.
People in the Bible and blemish
Biblical figures whose stories intersect with this theme.
In the Bible dictionary
Studying blemish for yourself
- Begin with Leviticus 21:17, then read the passages below in canonical order.
- Consider the lives of Aaron and how their stories intersect with it.
- Widen the study to related themes: Priests, Sanctification, Vows and Scab.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Bible say about blemish?
The Bible addresses blemish across 14 verses, drawn from the Old Testament. These passages cluster most in Leviticus. Closely related themes include Priests, Sanctification, Vows and Scab. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Aaron.
How many Bible verses are about blemish?
The Bible references blemish in 14 verses (King James Version).
Where does the Bible first mention blemish?
In canonical order, the first of these passages is Leviticus 21:17: “Speak unto Aaron, saying, Whosoever he be of thy seed in their generations that hath any blemish, let him not approach to offer the bread of his God. bread: or, food”
Which people in the Bible are associated with blemish?
Aaron.
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