A visible difference in a person's body shape or structure that is not typical. It can be present from birth or caused by injury or disease.
Deformities and the Old Testament Sacrificial System
In the Old Testament sacrificial system, both the animal to be sacrificed and the priest who performed the sacrifice could not have defects or blemishes (Leviticus 1:3; 4:3; 21). By being perfect, they are both examples in the Old Testament that point to Christ.
Eleven of the defects could exclude a man from becoming a priest (Leviticus 21:17–20):
Seven defects in the muscles or skeleton
Two defects in the eyes
One defect with the skin
One defect in the reproductive system
Nose Deformities
Leviticus 21:18 mentions a condition that affects the nose, described as a "flat nose" in some translations or a "disfigurement" in others. This refers not to a common nose shape but a severe medical condition affecting the nose. Many genetic syndromes cause deformed noses, as do diseases like:
Syphilis
Tuberculosis
Leprosy
These diseases can destroy the bone and cartilage support of the nose. With the support gone, the skin of the nose sinks inward. This condition causes a “saddle-shaped” deformity in the nose.
Withered Arms and Hands
Both the Old and the New Testament describe an instance where a man has a “withered“ arm or hand. This is caused when the nerves supplying a limb are damaged, and the muscles decay. An injury, such as a sword striking an arm, can also cause this (Zechariah 11:17). In the New Testament, Jesus instantly healed a man with a paralyzed hand (Matthew 12:10; Mark 3:1; Luke 6:6).