Not to dedicate a blemished animal for the altar

This mitzvah prohibits dedicating an animal with a blemish as a korban. Even if one never brings the blemished animal to the altar, the very act of consecrating it for the Mikdash violates the Torah. The offering of unfit animals dishonors the Temple, disrupts the sanctity of avodah, and undermines the symbolic completeness that korbanot are meant to convey.

Rambam codifies this as a distinct prohibition separate from offering blemished animals, emphasizing that holiness begins at the point of consecration. Sefer HaChinuch explains that Hashem deserves only the finest; consecrating a blemished animal reveals carelessness or disregard for His service.

The Talmud discusses the range of blemishes — whether permanent or temporary — that disqualify an animal even from dedication. Ramban interprets that this mitzvah reflects an inner principle: we must not give Hashem what we ourselves would view as flawed or unworthy, but rather our choicest.

Commentary & Classical Explanation:

• Rambam (Hilchot Issurei Mizbeach 1:1–2): Establishes a separate prohibition against dedicating blemished animals, even before offering.
• Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 286): Teaches that consecration itself must reflect respect; blemished offerings are an affront to Hashem’s honor.
• Rashi (Lev. 22:20): Notes that unfit animals are “not acceptable” from the moment of consecration.
• Talmud (Bekhorot 40b; Zevachim 24a): Discusses blemishes that disqualify animals both for offering and for designation.
• Ramban: Explains that one must never attempt to sanctify something unworthy, for service of Hashem requires excellence from the outset.