Leviticus 17:12

KJV

Therefore I said unto the children of Israel, No soul of you shall eat blood, neither shall any stranger that sojourneth among you eat blood.

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore I said {H559} unto the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478}, No soul {H5315} of you shall eat {H398} blood {H1818}, neither shall any stranger {H1616} that sojourneth {H1481} among {H8432} you eat {H398} blood {H1818}.

Complete Jewish Bible

This is why I told the people of Isra'el, 'None of you is to eat blood, nor is any foreigner living with you to eat blood.'

Berean Standard Bible

Therefore I say to the Israelites, ‘None of you may eat blood, nor may any foreigner living among you eat blood.’

American Standard Version

Therefore I said unto the children of Israel, No soul of you shall eat blood, neither shall any stranger that sojourneth among you eat blood.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 17:12 articulates a solemn divine prohibition against the consumption of blood, a command extended to both native Israelites and resident aliens dwelling among them. This decree is rooted in the profound theological understanding that the "life of the flesh is in the blood," making blood sacred and exclusively reserved for atonement on the altar. The verse thus underscores the sanctity of life as belonging to God and highlights the unique, divinely appointed means of reconciliation and purification within the Mosaic covenant, while also distinguishing Israel from the defiling practices of surrounding pagan cultures.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 17:12 serves as the direct application and emphatic reinforcement of the foundational theological principle declared in [Leviticus 17:11](/leviticus/17-11 "Leviticus 17:11 - The Life is in the Blood"). Verse 11 states, "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." Therefore, the prohibition in verse 12 is not an arbitrary dietary restriction but a logical and necessary consequence of blood's sacred nature and its singular purpose for expiation. Chapter 17 as a whole acts as a pivotal transition within the book of Leviticus, bridging the detailed sacrificial regulations of [Leviticus 1-16](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus 1 - Laws of Offerings") with the broader "Holiness Code" found in [Leviticus 18-27](/leviticus/18 "Leviticus 18 - Laws of Sexual Morality"). It emphasizes the proper place for sacrifice and the handling of blood, ensuring the purity required for a people in covenant with a holy God. The verses immediately following, such as [Leviticus 17:13-14](/leviticus/17-13-14 "Leviticus 17:13-14 - Blood of Hunted Animals"), further elaborate on the meticulous drainage of blood from hunted animals, underscoring the absolute and comprehensive nature of the prohibition.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The command in [Leviticus 17:12](/leviticus/17-12 "Leviticus 17:12 - Prohibition Against Eating Blood") was delivered to Israel shortly after their liberation from Egypt, as they were being consecrated as God's unique covenant nation at Mount Sinai. This prohibition served as a crucial demarcation, sharply distinguishing Israel from the surrounding pagan cultures. Many ancient Near Eastern peoples, including Canaanites and Egyptians, engaged in practices involving the consumption of blood in idolatrous rituals, often believing it would impart life, strength, or facilitate communion with their deities. Such practices were anathema to the worship of Yahweh. By forbidding the ingestion of blood, God was not only instilling a profound reverence for life, which He alone gives and sustains, but also safeguarding His people from syncretism and the defilement associated with pagan worship. This law also echoed an earlier, more general command given to Noah in [Genesis 9:4](/genesis/9-4 "Genesis 9:4 - Prohibition Against Eating Blood After the Flood"), indicating a foundational principle for humanity, now refined and codified for the covenant people. The explicit inclusion of "any stranger that sojourneth among you" (Hebrew: _ger_) highlights that fundamental moral and cultic laws of the covenant applied to all who resided within Israel's borders, fostering a common standard of conduct and worship and preventing the introduction of foreign, defiling practices into the holy community.

* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 17:12 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost among these is the **Sanctity of Life**, emphasizing that life, represented by blood, is sacred and belongs to God alone. This theme is foundational to the entire sacrificial system, where a life (blood) is offered to atone for sin. Another crucial theme is **Atonement and Reconciliation**, as the verse reinforces that blood's sole legitimate use is for making expiation on the altar, pointing to the divine provision for dealing with sin and restoring fellowship with a holy God, as stated in [Leviticus 17:11](/leviticus/17-11 "Leviticus 17:11 - The Life is in the Blood"). The prohibition also underscores **Holiness and Separation**, as it required Israel to be distinct from the defiling practices of pagan nations. By adhering to this command, Israel maintained its ritual and moral purity, reflecting God's own holy character. Finally, the inclusion of the resident alien (_ger_) highlights the theme of **Community Standards and Inclusivity**, demonstrating that God's covenant demands for holiness extended to all who lived within the land, ensuring a unified standard of conduct and preventing the introduction of foreign cultic practices that would defile the nation. These themes collectively prepare the reader for the comprehensive holiness instructions found in [Leviticus 18-27](/leviticus/18 "Leviticus 18 - Laws of Holiness").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Soul (Hebrew, _nephesh'_):** (H5315) In this context, _nephesh_ refers to the very essence of life, the living being, or the vitality of a creature. It is often translated as "life," "person," or "self." The phrase "No soul of you shall eat blood" emphasizes that this prohibition applies to every individual, to their very being, to their very "life" or "self." It underscores that life, represented by blood, is sacred and belongs to God, not to be consumed for sustenance or pleasure, thereby asserting God's ultimate ownership over all living things.
* **Blood (Hebrew, _dâm'_):** (H1818) _Dâm_ is central to the Levitical sacrificial system and the theological understanding of atonement. As explicitly stated in [Leviticus 17:11](/leviticus/17-11 "Leviticus 17:11 - The Life is in the Blood"), "the life of the flesh is in the blood." Therefore, blood is not merely a bodily fluid but the carrier of life itself, making it profoundly sacred. Its unique purpose, as revealed in the Law, is for making atonement on the altar, signifying the giving of a life for a life, a substitutionary act that cleanses from sin and provides reconciliation with God.
* **Stranger (Hebrew, _gêr'_), that sojourneth (Hebrew, _gûwr'_):** (H1616, H1481) The _gêr_ was a resident alien, a non-Israelite who had settled permanently or semi-permanently within the Israelite community, often enjoying certain legal protections and responsibilities. The verb _gûwr_ means "to turn aside from the road (for a lodging or any other purpose), i.e. sojourn (as a guest)." The inclusion of the _gêr_ who _gûwr_ among them in this command demonstrates the universal application of core covenant laws within the land of Israel. It signifies that adherence to fundamental principles of holiness and respect for God's ordinances was expected of all who lived under His divine rule, regardless of their ethnic origin, ensuring a unified standard of purity within the community and preventing the introduction of foreign, defiling practices.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore I said unto the children of Israel,"**: This opening phrase signals a direct, authoritative divine pronouncement from God to His covenant people. The word "Therefore" explicitly links this command to the preceding theological rationale in [Leviticus 17:11](/leviticus/17-11 "Leviticus 17:11 - The Life is in the Blood"), indicating that the prohibition is a logical and necessary consequence of the sacred nature and atoning purpose of blood. It emphasizes the non-negotiable and binding nature of the decree, establishing it as a foundational aspect of Israel's covenant relationship with God.
* **"No soul of you shall eat blood,"**: This is the core prohibition directed at the Israelites. The phrase "No soul of you" (Hebrew: _kol-nephesh_) stresses the absolute and comprehensive nature of the command, applying to every individual, every living being within the community, signifying that the prohibition is total and without exception. To "eat blood" refers to the consumption of blood in any form—whether raw, cooked, or mixed with food—reinforcing the sacred boundary around life itself, which belongs exclusively to God. This command serves to instill a profound reverence for life and to prevent its desecration through common consumption.
* **"neither shall any stranger that sojourneth among you eat blood."**: This crucial clause extends the prohibition to resident aliens (_gerim_) who had taken up residence within the Israelite community. It signifies that the fundamental laws concerning the sanctity of life and the proper handling of blood were not exclusive to native-born Israelites but applied to all who lived within the covenant community and within the land of Israel. This ensured a unified standard of holiness and prevented the introduction of defiling pagan practices into the land, thereby maintaining the purity and distinctiveness of the community before God and reinforcing the idea that God's moral and cultic standards transcended ethnic boundaries within His domain.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 17:12 employs several significant literary devices to convey its authoritative and foundational message with clarity and impact. The most prominent is **Legal Pronouncement**, characterized by its direct, declarative, and absolute language ("No soul of you shall eat blood"). This style leaves no room for ambiguity, underscoring the divine origin and binding nature of the command, presented as an immutable decree from God. The use of **Repetition** is evident in the phrase "eat blood," which is stated twice, once for Israelites and once for strangers, underscoring the absolute universality of the prohibition within the community. This repetition also serves as a form of **Emphasis**, highlighting the critical importance and non-negotiable nature of this particular law. Furthermore, there is a clear instance of **Parallelism** in the way the command is applied equally to "the children of Israel" and "any stranger that sojourneth among you," creating a balanced structure that reinforces the unified standard of holiness expected of all residents. The verse also functions as a **Summary Statement**, drawing a practical conclusion ("Therefore I said...") from the theological premise established in the preceding verse, effectively translating profound doctrine into a concrete, actionable commandment for daily life.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 17:12 is deeply rooted in the profound biblical understanding of the sanctity of life, which is viewed as a sacred gift from God. Because "the life of the flesh is in the blood" ([Leviticus 17:11](/leviticus/17-11 "Leviticus 17:11 - The Life is in the Blood")), the consumption of blood is a direct affront to the Giver of life and a violation of the principle that life belongs to God alone. This prohibition also inextricably links blood to atonement, establishing it as the exclusive medium for reconciliation with a holy God. The shedding of blood, therefore, is not for human sustenance but for divine propitiation, foreshadowing the ultimate sacrifice necessary for the remission of sins. Furthermore, the inclusion of resident aliens underscores the universal scope of God's moral and cultic demands within His covenant community, establishing a unified standard of holiness and separation from pagan practices that defiled both the individual and the land.

* [Genesis 9:4](/genesis/9-4 "Genesis 9:4 - Early Prohibition Against Eating Blood")
* [Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Necessity of Blood for Remission of Sins")
* [Acts 15:29](/acts/15-29 "Acts 15:29 - Jerusalem Council's Decree Regarding Blood")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the New Covenant frees believers from the ceremonial dietary laws of the Old Testament, the enduring principles embedded in Leviticus 17:12 remain profoundly relevant for Christian life. At its core, this verse calls us to a deep reverence for life itself, recognizing that all life is ultimately a gift from God and sacred in His sight. This should prompt us to consider how we value and protect life in all its forms, from conception to natural death, and how we treat creation as stewards, acknowledging God's ownership over all living things. Moreover, the prohibition against consuming blood powerfully directs our gaze to the unique and indispensable role of blood in atonement. It teaches us that forgiveness of sins is costly, requiring the shedding of life, and that this provision comes solely through God's gracious design. For the believer, this points directly to the finished work of Christ on the cross, whose shed blood is the perfect and final sacrifice, making true reconciliation with God possible. Our response should be one of profound gratitude, living lives of holiness and obedience out of love for the One who gave His life for us, and extending grace and a unified standard of moral conduct within our Christian communities, just as the standard was applied to both Israelite and stranger.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the principle that "the life of the flesh is in the blood" inform your understanding of the sanctity of human life today, from conception to natural death?**
* **In what ways does the Old Testament emphasis on blood for atonement deepen your appreciation for Jesus Christ's perfect and final sacrifice on the cross?**
* **How can we, as New Covenant believers, demonstrate reverence for God's gift of life in our daily choices and actions, even without adhering to the literal dietary prohibition?**
* **What does the inclusion of "strangers" in this command teach us about God's desire for a unified standard of holiness and moral conduct within His people, and how might this apply to the church today?**

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

Answer: Eating blood was strictly forbidden primarily because blood was understood to contain the "life of the flesh" ([Leviticus 17:11](/leviticus/17-11 "Leviticus 17:11 - The Life is in the Blood")), and thus life itself was considered sacred and belonged exclusively to God. Consuming blood would have been a desecration of this sacred principle, implying human ownership or control over life. Furthermore, God specifically appointed blood as the unique means for atonement for sins on the altar, making it set apart for this holy, redemptive purpose. The prohibition also served to distinguish Israel sharply from surrounding pagan nations who often consumed blood in idolatrous rituals, ensuring Israel's holiness and separation unto the Lord. This command echoed an earlier, universal prohibition given to Noah in [Genesis 9:4](/genesis/9-4 "Genesis 9:4 - Prohibition Against Eating Blood After the Flood"), indicating its foundational importance within God's moral order.

**Does this prohibition apply to Christians today?**

Answer: While the literal dietary prohibition against eating blood, as part of the Mosaic ceremonial law, is generally not considered binding for New Covenant Christians, the underlying theological principles remain profoundly significant. The New Testament teaches that Jesus declared all foods clean ([Mark 7:19](/mark/7-19 "Mark 7:19 - Jesus Declares All Foods Clean")) and that believers are not bound by Old Testament dietary regulations ([Colossians 2:16-17](/colossians/2-16-17 "Colossians 2:16-17 - Freedom from Dietary Laws")). However, the early church, in the Jerusalem Council, did advise Gentile converts to "abstain from things strangled, and from blood" ([Acts 15:29](/acts/15-29 "Acts 15:29 - Jerusalem Council's Decree Regarding Blood")). This was likely not to re-impose the Mosaic Law, but to promote unity and avoid offense between Jewish and Gentile believers, and to emphasize the continued reverence for the sanctity of life and the unique significance of blood in atonement, which finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ's sacrifice. The core message for Christians today is a deep reverence for life and a profound understanding of the atoning power of Christ's shed blood.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 17:12, with its solemn prohibition against consuming blood and its emphasis on blood as the exclusive means of atonement, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament sacrificial system, with its constant shedding of animal blood, was a divinely instituted shadow pointing to the reality of God's perfect provision for sin. The declaration that "the life of the flesh is in the blood" and that it is given "upon the altar to make an atonement" ([Leviticus 17:11](/leviticus/17-11 "Leviticus 17:11 - The Life is in the Blood")) is perfectly realized in Christ, who is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). His blood, shed on the cross, was not merely the life of an animal, but the precious, sinless life of God incarnate, offered as the perfect and final sacrifice for all humanity. As [Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Necessity of Blood for Remission of Sins") declares, "without shedding of blood is no remission." Christ's atoning blood cleanses us from all sin ([1 John 1:7](/1_john/1-7 "1 John 1:7 - Cleansing by Christ's Blood")), redeems us from futility ([1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18-19 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redemption by Precious Blood")), and grants us bold access to God's holy presence ([Hebrews 10:19](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19 - Access by the Blood of Jesus")). Thus, the ancient prohibition on blood consumption, by setting apart blood for atonement, powerfully prefigured the unique and saving power of Christ's own blood, through which we receive eternal life and reconciliation with a holy God.

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

Exodus 12:49

One law shall be to him that is homeborn, and unto the stranger that sojourneth among you.