מאוּם (m.um)
m.um
blemish
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 19 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew word ma’um refers to a blemish, spot, or defect that renders something imperfect. In the Old Testament, it appears most frequently in Leviticus and Deuteronomy, where it describes physical flaws in animals offered as sacrifices. The text insists that offerings must be without such defects, highlighting a standard of wholeness in worship.
While primarily used for tangible imperfections, the term also carries a metaphorical weight, occasionally pointing to moral stain or spiritual defect. This dual usage suggests that visible flaws serve as a mirror for inner integrity. Translators typically render it simply as "blemish," preserving the concrete image of something marred or damaged.
The consistent application of ma’um in sacrificial laws underscores the biblical theme that God desires completeness rather than brokenness. By requiring unblemished animals, the law provided a tangible reminder of the need for purity and perfection in approaching the divine.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ma’um describes a physical defect or blemish, primarily used in the Old Testament to specify that sacrificial animals must be without flaw. This requirement was not about God’s inability to accept imperfect gifts, but rather a tangible instruction to offer the very best of what one possessed. By demanding wholeness in worship, the law taught the people that approaching God requires sincerity and respect, reflecting an inner desire for purity alongside outward obedience.
While the term mostly refers to visible imperfections in animals or people, it also carries a metaphorical weight, occasionally pointing to moral stains or spiritual defects. This dual usage suggests that our external actions should mirror our internal integrity. The consistent application of ma’um underscores the biblical theme that God desires completeness rather than brokenness, inviting us to examine our hearts and lives with honesty.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 19 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- a blemish13×
- blemish3×
- from/ blemish1×
- defect/ his1×
- blemish/ their1×
- and/ [is] blemish1×
- [is] a blemish1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מ֣וּם4×
- מ֖וּם4×
- מ֔וּם3×
- מ֗וּם2×
- מוּמֽ/וֹ\׃1×
- מוּמָ֑/ם1×
- מוּם֩1×
- מוּם֙1×
- מֽוּם\׃1×
- מֻאֽוּם\׃\ \פ1×
- מִ/מּ֑וּם1×
- וּ/מ֖וּם1×
Key Verses
-
Leviticus 22:21
Whoever offers a sacrifice of peace offerings to Yahweh to accomplish a vow, or for a free will offering of the herd or of the flock, it shall be perfect to be accepted. It shall have no defect.
This verse explicitly links the absence of ma’um to the acceptance of peace offerings, showing that wholeness is a prerequisite for fulfilling vows.
-
Deuteronomy 17:1
You shall not sacrifice to Yahweh your God an ox or a sheep in which is a defect or anything evil; for that is an abomination to Yahweh your God.
Here, sacrificing an animal with a defect is called an abomination, emphasizing that God rejects anything less than perfect in worship.
-
Leviticus 21:23
He shall not come near to the veil, nor come near to the altar, because he has a defect; that he may not profane my sanctuaries, for I am Yahweh who sanctifies them.’”
The text clarifies that a priest with a defect cannot approach the altar, highlighting that physical wholeness was required for specific sacred duties.
-
Numbers 19:2
“This is the statute of the law which Yahweh has commanded. Tell the children of Israel to bring you a red heifer without spot, in which is no defect, and which was never yoked.
The red heifer must be without spot or defect, illustrating that even ritual purification required an unblemished vessel.
-
Deuteronomy 32:5
They have dealt corruptly with him. They are not his children, because of their defect. They are a perverse and crooked generation.
This verse metaphorically applies ma’um to Israel’s moral corruption, showing the word can describe spiritual imperfection as well as physical flaws.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does ma’um mean in the Bible?
Why did God require unblemished animals for sacrifice?
Does ma’um have a metaphorical meaning?
How is ma’um different from other words for sin?
Every Occurrence (19 verses across 8 books)
Leviticus 9 verses
“Say to Aaron, ‘None of your offspring throughout their generations who has a defect may approach to offer the bread of…
Leviticus 21:18For whatever man he is that has a defect, he shall not draw near: a blind man, or a lame, or he who has a flat nose, or…
Leviticus 21:21No man of the offspring of Aaron the priest who has a defect shall come near to offer the offerings of Yahweh made by…
Leviticus 21:23He shall not come near to the veil, nor come near to the altar, because he has a defect; that he may not profane my…
Leviticus 22:20But you shall not offer whatever has a defect, for it shall not be acceptable for you.
Leviticus 22:21Whoever offers a sacrifice of peace offerings to Yahweh to accomplish a vow, or for a free will offering of the herd or…
Leviticus 22:25You must not offer any of these as the bread of your God from the hand of a foreigner, because their corruption is in…
Leviticus 24:19If anyone injures his neighbor, it shall be done to him as he has done:
Leviticus 24:20fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth. It shall be done to him as he has injured someone.