In the context of the Bible, the term "deformed" often refers to physical imperfections or abnormalities that are considered deviations from the norm. The concept of deformity is addressed in various passages, particularly in the Old Testament, where physical wholeness was often associated with ritual purity and suitability for certain roles, especially in the priesthood.

Old Testament References

1. Leviticus 21:16-23: This passage outlines the requirements for the priesthood, emphasizing the need for physical perfection. The LORD spoke to Moses, saying, "No man of your descendants in future generations who has a defect may come near to offer the food of his God. No man who has any defect may come near: no man who is blind, lame, disfigured, or deformed" (Leviticus 21:17-18). The list continues to include other physical imperfections, such as a broken foot or hand, a hunchback, or a dwarf. The emphasis here is on maintaining the sanctity and perfection of those who serve in the tabernacle, reflecting the holiness required in worship.

2. Deuteronomy 15:21: In the context of sacrificial offerings, animals with defects were not acceptable. "But if an animal has a defect, is lame or blind, or has any serious flaw, you must not sacrifice it to the LORD your God" (Deuteronomy 15:21). This requirement underscores the importance of offering the best and most perfect to God, symbolizing the purity and holiness expected in worship.

New Testament Perspective

While the Old Testament places significant emphasis on physical perfection, the New Testament shifts the focus towards spiritual wholeness and the inner condition of the heart. Jesus' ministry often highlighted the value and dignity of individuals regardless of physical condition.

1. John 9:1-3: In this passage, Jesus encounters a man born blind. His disciples ask, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" Jesus responds, "Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him" (John 9:2-3). Here, Jesus challenges the prevailing notion that physical deformities are a direct result of sin, instead presenting them as opportunities for God's glory to be revealed.

2. Matthew 15:30-31: Jesus' healing ministry often included those with physical deformities. "Large crowds came to Him, bringing the lame, the blind, the crippled, the mute, and many others, and laid them at His feet; and He healed them" (Matthew 15:30). This demonstrates Jesus' compassion and the inclusivity of His message, affirming the worth of every individual.

Theological Implications

The biblical treatment of deformity reflects broader theological themes of purity, holiness, and the transformative power of God's grace. While physical perfection was a requirement for certain roles and offerings in the Old Testament, the New Testament reveals a deeper understanding of God's kingdom, where spiritual integrity and faith are paramount. The healing miracles of Jesus serve as a testament to the restoration and redemption available through Him, transcending physical limitations and affirming the inherent value of every person created in the image of God.1. (imp. & p. p.) of Deform.

2. (a.) Unnatural or distorted in form; having a deformity; misshapen; disfigured; as, a deformed person; a deformed head.

8311. sara -- to extend
... 8310, 8311. sara. 8312 . to extend. Transliteration: sara Phonetic Spelling:
(saw-rah') Short Definition: deformed. Word Origin a prim. ...
/hebrew/8311.htm - 6k

Whether those who are Deformed in those Parts Should be Anointed?
... (SEVEN ARTICLES) Whether those who are deformed in those parts should be anointed? ...
Therefore all should be applied to those who are deformed. ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether those who are deformed.htm

Is the Soul Deformed by the Body's Imperfections?
... Book IV. Chapter 28."Is the Soul Deformed by the Body's Imperfections?
Now, again, what means it that you say, "The soul acquires ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 28 is the soul deformed.htm

Must the Deformed Rise Deformed?
... Chapter IV."Must the deformed rise deformed? Well, they say, if then the
flesh rise, it must rise the same as it falls; so that ...
/.../chapter iv must the deformed rise.htm

Whether Unformed Faith is a Gift of God
... 2. Again, just as an act is said to be deformed because it lacks the form which
it ought to have, so is faith said to be unformed because it lacks the form ...
/.../aquinas/nature and grace/article two whether unformed faith.htm

Whether Lifeless Faith is a Gift of God?
... Objection 2: Further, just as an act is said to be deformed through lacking its
due form, so too is faith called lifeless [informis] when it lacks the form due ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether lifeless faith is a.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, Mark viii. 5, Etc. , Where the Miracle ...
... 3143] For to the marriage had that Bridegroom invited them who is "fair in beauty
above the children of men." That Bridegroom became deformed because of His ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon xlv on the words.htm

A God in Pain
... him"he was a favourite. But what did they care for poor, ugly, deformed,
unfortunate, foolish wretches? Surely the gods despised ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/the good news of god/sermon xxxv a god in.htm

The Faithful Servant
... Within the Roman lines was a bent and deformed figure of an old waif that the soldiers
had picked up attempting to run the lines into Jerusalem the second day ...
/.../miller/the city of delight/chapter xxi the faithful servant.htm

Tichonius
... of the unrighteous, but maintains that there will be one simultaneous resurrection
of all, at which shall arise even the aborted and the deformed lest any ...
/.../jerome and gennadius lives of illustrious men /chapter xviii tichonius.htm

The Misery of Your Fall Ariseth Naturally from the Greatness of ...
... For to sin against infinite love; is to make oneself infinitely deformed: to be
infinitely deformed, is to be infinitely odious in His eyes who once loved us ...
/.../traherne/centuries of meditations/4 the misery of your.htm

Deformed (3 Occurrences)
... 2. (a.) Unnatural or distorted in form; having a deformity; misshapen; disfigured;
as, a deformed person; a deformed head. ...Deformed (3 Occurrences). ...
/d/deformed.htm - 7k

Crooked (31 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (imp. & pp) of Crook. 2. (a.) Characterized by a
crook or curve; not straight; turning; bent; twisted; deformed. ...
/c/crooked.htm - 17k

Ugly (7 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (superl.) Offensive to the sight; contrary to beauty;
being of disagreeable or loathsome aspect; unsightly; repulsive; deformed. ...
/u/ugly.htm - 8k

Inform (24 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (a.) Without regular form; shapeless; ugly;
deformed. 2. (vt) To give form or share to; to give vital ...
/i/inform.htm - 14k

Ill-favored (5 Occurrences)
Ill-favored. Illfavored, Ill-favored. Ill-favoured . Noah Webster's Dictionary
(a.) Wanting beauty or attractiveness; deformed; ugly; ill-looking. Int. ...
/i/ill-favored.htm - 8k

Informed (39 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (imp. & pp) of Inform. 2. (a.) Unformed or ill-formed;
deformed; shapeless. Multi-Version Concordance Informed (39 Occurrences). ...
/i/informed.htm - 17k

Eunuch (20 Occurrences)
... The religious disabilities under which men thus deformed labored under the Mosaic
law had the effect of making the practice abominable to the Jews as a people ...
/e/eunuch.htm - 22k

Definitely (4 Occurrences)

/d/definitely.htm - 7k

Deformity (2 Occurrences)

/d/deformity.htm - 7k

Maimed (10 Occurrences)
... declared to be unfit to be offered in sacrifice as a peace offering (Leviticus
22:22); although under certain conditions a congenitally deformed animal might ...
/m/maimed.htm - 11k

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