Bible Dictionary
EVIL-FAVOREDNESS
A blemish, defect, or unattractive condition that made an otherwise acceptable animal unfit for sacrifice. The term also describes lean or poorly formed cattle in Pharaoh’s dream.
Definition
Evil-favoredness describes a blemish, defect, lack of symmetry, or lean condition. It could make an otherwise clean animal unfit for sacrifice and could also describe poorly formed or lean cattle.
Biblical Usage
The Law excludes an animal with such a defect from sacrificial use. Pharaoh’s dream likewise includes seven ill-favored and lean-fleshed cows.
Historical Background
The expression literally means “evil thing” and refers to an animal’s ritual unfitness because of physical defect or lack of acceptable form.
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>e-v'-l-fa'-verd-nes</p><p>The word is the translation of the Hebrew dabhar ra', lit "evil thing," and refers to the ritual unfitness for sacrifice of any animal which, though included in the class of clean beasts, yet possesses a blemish (see the word), or otherwise lacks beauty of symmetry, or is lean-fleshed (De 17:1 the King James Version; compare "ill blemish," De 15:21). We find these conditions combined in Ge 41:3,4,19,20,21,27, where the seven "ill-favored and lean-fleshed" kine of Pharaoh's dream are mentioned.</p>