Leviticus 17:10

KJV

¶ And whatsoever man [there be] of the house of Israel, or of the strangers that sojourn among you, that eateth any manner of blood; I will even set my face against that soul that eateth blood, and will cut him off from among his people.

KJV (with Strong's)

And whatsoever man {H376} there be of the house {H1004} of Israel {H3478}, or of the strangers {H1616} that sojourn {H1481} among {H8432} you, that eateth {H398} any manner of blood {H1818}; I will even set {H5414} my face {H6440} against that soul {H5315} that eateth {H398} blood {H1818}, and will cut him off {H3772} from among {H7130} his people {H5971}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When someone from the community of Isra'el or one of the foreigners living with you eats any kind of blood, I will set myself against that person who eats blood and cut him off from his people.

Berean Standard Bible

If anyone from the house of Israel or a foreigner living among them eats any blood, I will set My face against that person and cut him off from among his people.

American Standard Version

And whatsoever man there be of the house of Israel, or of the strangers that sojourn among them, that eateth any manner of blood, I will set my face against that soul that eateth blood, and will cut him off from among his people.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 17:10 establishes a profound and severe prohibition against the consumption of blood, a divine command applicable to all within the covenant community, encompassing both native Israelites and resident foreigners. This stricture underscores God's absolute sovereignty over life, His unique provision for atonement through blood, and His desire for a holy people distinct from pagan practices, with a clear and dire consequence for disobedience.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal part of Leviticus 17, a chapter dedicated to reinforcing the sanctity of life and the proper procedures for sacrifice and atonement. The preceding verses (Leviticus 17:1-9) emphatically mandate that all animal sacrifices must be brought to the tabernacle door, thereby centralizing worship, preventing unauthorized or idolatrous offerings, and ensuring adherence to God's prescribed methods for dealing with sin. The prohibition against eating blood in verse 10 directly follows and reinforces the principle articulated in verse 11, which declares, "For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you on the altar to make atonement for your souls; for it is the blood that makes atonement by reason of the life." This immediate textual proximity highlights that the sacredness of blood is intrinsically linked to its divinely ordained role in atonement.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The command against consuming blood served as a crucial differentiator for Israel amidst the pagan nations surrounding them. Many ancient Near Eastern cultures, such as the Canaanites, engaged in idolatrous rituals that sometimes involved the consumption of blood, believing it would impart divine power, life force, or communion with deities. By prohibiting this practice, God established a clear boundary for His people, separating them from the defiling customs of their neighbors and emphasizing their unique identity as a holy nation set apart for Him. This prohibition was not merely a dietary restriction but a theological statement, reinforcing the foundational truth that life, represented by blood, belongs exclusively to God. This principle was established even earlier, in the Noahic Covenant, where God commanded, "[But flesh with its life, that is, its blood, you shall not eat](/genesis/9-4 "Genesis 9:4 - Prohibition against eating blood")."

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Set my face against (Hebrew, _śîm pānî'_):** This powerful idiom denotes God's direct, personal, and unwavering opposition. It signifies a resolute determination to confront and judge the offender. Unlike a general displeasure, "setting one's face" implies a focused, intentional act of divine judgment, indicating the extreme gravity of the transgression in God's eyes. It conveys a sense of divine wrath and a purposeful turning away from the individual, withdrawing His favor and protection.
* **Cut him off (Hebrew, _kārath'_):** This term signifies a severe penalty, ranging from excommunication from the covenant community to premature death, or even the termination of one's lineage. It implies a complete severance from the blessings, protections, and identity associated with being part of Israel. In the context of the covenant, being "cut off" meant losing one's share in the promises and privileges of God's chosen people, often leading to social ostracism and potentially divine intervention in the form of death. It underscores the absolute seriousness of violating fundamental covenant stipulations.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And whatsoever man [there be] of the house of Israel, or of the strangers that sojourn among you":** This opening clause establishes the universal scope of the prohibition within the covenant community. It applies not only to native-born Israelites but also to "strangers" (Hebrew: _ger_), non-Israelites who had taken up residence among them and were expected to adhere to the fundamental moral and religious laws of the land. This highlights God's expectation of holiness for all who live under His covenant and within His people's sphere of influence.
* **"that eateth any manner of blood;":** This specifies the forbidden act – the consumption of blood in any form. The phrase "any manner of blood" emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the prohibition, leaving no room for exceptions or loopholes. It underscores the sacredness of blood itself, regardless of its source or preparation, because it represents life.
* **"I will even set my face against that soul that eateth blood,":** This declares the divine response to the transgression. As analyzed above, "set my face against" signifies God's direct, personal, and determined opposition. The term "soul" (Hebrew: _nephesh_) refers to the individual person, emphasizing that God's judgment is directed specifically at the one who commits the act, highlighting the personal accountability before a holy God.
* **"and will cut him off from among his people.":** This states the severe consequence for violating the command. Being "cut off" means removal from the covenant community, signifying a loss of identity, protection, and participation in the blessings of Israel. This could manifest as excommunication, social isolation, or even divine judgment leading to death, underscoring the absolute seriousness of defying God's explicit commands regarding the sanctity of life and the means of atonement.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 17:10 employs several potent literary devices to convey the gravity of its prohibition. The most prominent is **Idiom**, particularly in the phrases "set my face against" and "cut him off." These are not literal actions but powerful, culturally understood expressions of divine wrath and severe judgment. "Setting God's face against" someone vividly portrays His focused and unyielding opposition, while "cutting off" communicates a complete and irreversible severance from the community and its covenant blessings. The verse also utilizes **Emphasis** through its direct and declarative tone, leaving no ambiguity about the command or its consequences. The repetition of "that eateth blood" further emphasizes the specific nature of the transgression. Finally, there is profound **Symbolism** at play, as blood itself is a powerful symbol of life. By prohibiting its consumption, the text reinforces the theological truth that life belongs to God alone and that blood is reserved for the sacred purpose of atonement, a concept further elaborated in the subsequent verse.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 17:10 profoundly articulates several core theological truths. It establishes the **sanctity of life** as belonging solely to God, with blood serving as its physical representation. This principle demands reverence for all life and prohibits its casual or disrespectful treatment. Furthermore, the prohibition underscores the **divine appointment of blood for atonement**. By reserving blood for the altar, God instituted a powerful visual and spiritual lesson about the cost of sin and the necessity of a life given to cover it. This act of setting apart blood for atonement was crucial for Israel's **holiness and distinction**, marking them as a people consecrated to God and set apart from the defiling practices of surrounding pagan cultures. Finally, the severe consequence of being "cut off" highlights the **gravity of divine judgment** against disobedience, underscoring God's absolute authority and the seriousness with which He regards His covenant commands.

* [Leviticus 17:11](/leviticus/17-11 "Leviticus 17:11 - Life in the Blood for Atonement")
* [Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Necessity of Blood for Forgiveness")
* [Acts 15:29](/acts/15-29 "Acts 15:29 - Jerusalem Council's Decree on Blood")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the literal consumption of blood is not a common practice or concern for most people today, the enduring principles embedded in Leviticus 17:10 offer profound and timeless practical application for believers. This command calls us to cultivate a deep **reverence for life** in all its forms, recognizing that every breath and every creature ultimately belongs to God. It challenges us to consider how we treat not only human life but also animal life and the environment, reflecting God's ownership and sacred design. Moreover, the severity of the prohibition reminds us of the **gravity of God's commands** and the serious consequences of disobedience. It fosters a greater seriousness in approaching God's revealed will, understanding that His laws are not arbitrary but rooted in His holy character and His desire for our good. Finally, and perhaps most significantly, this verse, especially in conjunction with Leviticus 17:11, points us toward a deeper understanding of **atonement** and the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, whose shed blood perfectly fulfilled the sacrificial system, providing complete forgiveness and eternal life.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the biblical emphasis on the sanctity of blood inform our views on contemporary issues related to life, such as abortion, euthanasia, or the treatment of animals?**
* **In what areas of our lives might we be unknowingly "eating blood" by disregarding God's commands or taking His holiness lightly?**
* **How does understanding the Old Testament prohibition against blood consumption deepen our appreciation for the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ and the power of His shed blood?**

### FAQ
**Why was eating blood so strictly forbidden in the Old Testament?**

Answer: The prohibition against eating blood was strictly forbidden for several profound theological reasons. Primarily, the Bible teaches that "the life of the flesh is in the blood" ([Leviticus 17:11](/leviticus/17-11 "Leviticus 17:11 - Life in the Blood for Atonement")). Because life belongs to God, blood was considered sacred and reserved for Him. Its consumption would be a disregard for God's ownership of life. Secondly, blood was divinely appointed as the unique means for making atonement for sin on the altar. By reserving it for this sacred purpose, God established a powerful visual and spiritual lesson about the cost of sin and the necessity of a life given to cover it. This concept is reiterated in [Deuteronomy 12:23](/deuteronomy/12-23 "Deuteronomy 12:23 - The Life is in the Blood"). Finally, this command served to distinguish Israel from surrounding pagan nations whose idolatrous rituals sometimes involved the consumption of blood, reinforcing Israel's unique identity as a holy people set apart for God.

**Does the Old Testament prohibition against eating blood apply to Christians today?**

Answer: While the literal consumption of blood is not a common practice or concern for most Christians today, the New Testament provides guidance on this matter. The Jerusalem Council, in [Acts 15](/acts/15 "Acts 15 - The Jerusalem Council"), specifically advised Gentile converts to abstain from things polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from what has been strangled, and from blood ([Acts 15:29](/acts/15-29 "Acts 15:29 - Jerusalem Council's Decree on Blood")). This decision was not a re-imposition of the entire Mosaic Law but a pastoral directive aimed at fostering unity between Jewish and Gentile believers, avoiding unnecessary offense, and upholding core ethical and theological principles. For Christians, the ultimate significance of blood has been fulfilled in the shed blood of Jesus Christ, which provides perfect atonement for sins ([Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Blood for Eternal Redemption")). While the ceremonial aspects of the Old Testament law are fulfilled in Christ, the underlying principles of reverence for life and sensitivity to the conscience of others remain relevant.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The strict prohibition against consuming blood in Leviticus 17:10, along with the declaration that "the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you on the altar to make atonement for your souls" in [Leviticus 17:11](/leviticus/17-11 "Leviticus 17:11 - Life in the Blood for Atonement"), finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Old Testament sacrificial system, with its repeated shedding of animal blood, served as a powerful foreshadowing of the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice of the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). The blood of bulls and goats could only cover sins; it could not truly take them away ([Hebrews 10:4](/hebrews/10-4 "Hebrews 10:4 - Inadequacy of Animal Sacrifices")). However, Christ, through His own precious blood, entered the holy places once for all, having obtained eternal redemption ([Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Blood for Eternal Redemption")). His shed blood on the cross is the ultimate propitiation for our sins, demonstrating God's righteousness and providing forgiveness for all who believe ([Romans 3:25](/romans/3-25 "Romans 3:25 - Christ as Propitiation by His Blood")). Thus, the ancient command regarding blood, which underscored the sanctity of life and the necessity of atonement, points directly to the finished work of Christ, through whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace ([Ephesians 1:7](/ephesians/1-7 "Ephesians 1:7 - Redemption Through Christ's Blood")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Leviticus 17:11

For the life of the flesh [is] in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it [is] the blood [that] maketh an atonement for the soul.

Deuteronomy 12:16

Only ye shall not eat the blood; ye shall pour it upon the earth as water.

Leviticus 3:17

[It shall be] a perpetual statute for your generations throughout all your dwellings, that ye eat neither fat nor blood.

Deuteronomy 12:23

Only be sure that thou eat not the blood: for the blood [is] the life; and thou mayest not eat the life with the flesh.

Genesis 9:4

But flesh with the life thereof, [which is] the blood thereof, shall ye not eat.

Leviticus 26:17

And I will set my face against you, and ye shall be slain before your enemies: they that hate you shall reign over you; and ye shall flee when none pursueth you.

Leviticus 7:26

Moreover ye shall eat no manner of blood, [whether it be] of fowl or of beast, in any of your dwellings.