Leviticus 17:14

KJV

For [it is] the life of all flesh; the blood of it [is] for the life thereof: therefore I said unto the children of Israel, Ye shall eat the blood of no manner of flesh: for the life of all flesh [is] the blood thereof: whosoever eateth it shall be cut off.

KJV (with Strong's)

For it is the life {H5315} of all flesh {H1320}; the blood {H1818} of it is for the life {H5315} thereof: therefore I said {H559} unto the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478}, Ye shall eat {H398} the blood {H1818} of no manner of flesh {H1320}: for the life {H5315} of all flesh {H1320} is the blood {H1818} thereof: whosoever eateth {H398} it shall be cut off {H3772}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For the life of every creature - its blood is its life. Therefore I said to the people of Isra'el, 'You are not to eat the blood of any creature, because the life of every creature is its blood. Whoever eats it will be cut off.'

Berean Standard Bible

For the life of all flesh is its blood. Therefore I have told the Israelites, ‘You must not eat the blood of any living thing, because the life of all flesh is its blood; whoever eats it must be cut off.’

American Standard Version

For as to the life of all flesh, the blood thereof is all one with the life thereof: therefore I said unto the children of Israel, Ye shall eat the blood of no manner of flesh; for the life of all flesh is the blood thereof: whosoever eateth it shall be cut off.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 17:14 articulates a foundational theological principle within the Mosaic Law: the intrinsic connection between blood and life itself, declaring blood to be sacred and reserved for specific divine purposes, primarily atonement. This verse unequivocally prohibits the consumption of blood, underscoring God's absolute sovereignty over all life. The severe penalty for disobedience highlights the gravity of disregarding this decree, emphasizing the deep reverence required for life as God's exclusive possession and the seriousness of covenant violation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 17 serves as a pivotal chapter, bridging the detailed sacrificial regulations of the preceding chapters (Leviticus 1-16), which outline the mechanics and purposes of various offerings, with the subsequent Holiness Code (Leviticus 18-27), which delineates ethical and ritual purity laws for Israel. Specifically, [Leviticus 17:10-12](/leviticus/17-10-12 "Leviticus 17:10-12 - Prohibition of Blood and Atonement") introduces and reinforces the prohibition against eating blood, with [Leviticus 17:11](/leviticus/17-11 "Leviticus 17:11 - Blood for Atonement") providing the theological rationale: "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." Verse 13 then provides practical instructions for hunters to drain the blood of animals caught in the field, ensuring compliance. Leviticus 17:14 functions as a powerful reiteration and summary of these preceding verses, reinforcing both the theological rationale and the severe consequence for violation, thereby cementing the sanctity of blood as a central tenet of Israelite worship and daily life. It acts as a concluding, emphatic statement on this vital law.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prohibition against consuming blood was not a novel concept introduced solely at Sinai; it had been given universally to Noah after the Flood in [Genesis 9:4](/genesis/9-4 "Genesis 9:4 - Prohibition of Blood to Noah"), establishing a fundamental principle for all humanity. For the Israelites, however, this law gained heightened significance within their unique covenant relationship with Yahweh. Surrounding pagan nations, such as the Canaanites, commonly consumed blood in idolatrous rituals, believing it imparted strength, vitality, or facilitated communion with their deities, often in fertility rites or divinatory ceremonies. By strictly forbidding the consumption of blood, God emphatically distinguished Israel from these defiling pagan practices, reinforcing His holiness and their unique identity as His chosen, set-apart people. The severe "cut off" penalty, implying excommunication from the community or even divine judgment leading to death, served as a powerful deterrent, reinforcing the gravity of defiling something so intrinsically linked to life and, by extension, to God Himself, who is the author of all life.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost is the **Sanctity of Life**, emphasizing that life, represented by blood, belongs exclusively to God as the Creator and Sustainer. This theme is foundational to understanding God's moral order and His demand for reverence for all living things. Secondly, the verse highlights the theme of **Holiness and Separation**, as the prohibition distinguishes Israel from the defiling practices of surrounding nations, reinforcing their call to be a holy people set apart for God. Thirdly, it undergirds the theme of **Atonement and Sacrifice**, as the sacredness of blood is directly linked to its unique role in making expiation for sin, a concept explicitly stated in [Leviticus 17:11](/leviticus/17-11 "Leviticus 17:11 - Blood for Atonement"). Finally, the severe penalty of being "cut off" underscores the theme of **Covenant Obedience and Consequences**, demonstrating that adherence to God's commands is essential for maintaining one's relationship with Him and remaining within the covenant community. These themes collectively reveal God's character, His expectations for His people, and the profound theological significance of blood in the divine economy.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Life (Hebrew, _nephesh'_):** This Hebrew term (H5315) is rich in meaning, encompassing not only physical life but also the soul, inner being, self, or living essence. In the context of [Leviticus 17:14](/leviticus/17-14 "Leviticus 17:14 - The Life is in the Blood"), _nephesh_ emphasizes that the very vitality, consciousness, and animating principle of a creature resides in its blood. It signifies that blood is not merely a bodily fluid but the carrier of existence itself, making its treatment a matter of profound theological importance and underscoring God's ultimate ownership of all living beings.
* **Blood (Hebrew, _dâm'_):** This word (H1818) refers to the vital fluid that circulates within the body, consistently identified in biblical theology as the seat of life. Its sacredness is derived from this direct association with life, which ultimately belongs to God as the Creator and Sustainer of all existence. The prohibition against consuming it elevates _dâm_ from a common substance to a sacred symbol of life, reserved for God's purposes, particularly for atonement on the altar.
* **Cut off (Hebrew, _kârath'_):** This verb (H3772) signifies a severe act of separation, excision, or destruction. In the Mosaic Law, to be "cut off" could imply various forms of punishment: excommunication from the community, loss of covenant blessings, or even divine judgment leading to premature death. It represents a rupture of the relationship between the individual and the covenant people of God, underscoring the gravity of the transgression and the absolute necessity of obedience to God's decrees concerning life and holiness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For [it is] the life of all flesh; the blood of it [is] for the life thereof:":** This opening clause establishes the fundamental theological premise of the entire chapter: blood is intrinsically synonymous with life. It asserts that the animating principle, the very essence of existence for any living creature, is contained within its blood. This statement transcends mere biological observation, serving as a profound theological declaration about the sacredness of life itself, which ultimately belongs to God.
* **"therefore I said unto the children of Israel, Ye shall eat the blood of no manner of flesh:":** This segment presents the divine command as a direct, logical consequence of the preceding theological truth. Because blood embodies life, and life belongs to God, its consumption is strictly forbidden to the Israelites. This prohibition is presented as a direct utterance from God ("I said"), emphasizing its authoritative, non-negotiable nature and its binding force upon His covenant people.
* **"for the life of all flesh [is] the blood thereof:":** This phrase is a powerful and deliberate repetition of the initial declaration, serving to reinforce the rationale behind the prohibition. The reiteration underscores the absolute certainty and paramount importance of the principle that blood is life. It leaves no ambiguity as to *why* the command is given, grounding the dietary restriction in a deep, immutable theological reality concerning God's ownership of life.
* **"whosoever eateth it shall be cut off.":** This final clause pronounces the severe consequence for violating the divine command. The penalty of being "cut off" signifies a profound spiritual and social alienation from the covenant community, highlighting the extreme seriousness with which God views the desecration of life, as represented by blood. It serves as a stark warning and a testament to the sanctity of the law and the covenant relationship.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 17:14 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message with clarity, emphasis, and solemnity. **Repetition** is a prominent feature, with the phrase "the life of all flesh is the blood thereof" appearing twice. This deliberate reiteration serves to underscore the foundational theological principle, ensuring that the reader grasps the core reason for the prohibition and its non-negotiable nature. The verse also utilizes profound **Symbolism**, where blood stands as the ultimate symbol of life itself. By declaring blood sacred and prohibiting its common use, the text implicitly declares all life sacred and belonging to God. Furthermore, the verse functions as a direct **Prohibition** and **Legal Decree**, using imperative language ("Ye shall eat... no manner of flesh") followed by a clear and severe **Consequence** ("whosoever eateth it shall be cut off"). This structure is characteristic of legal pronouncements in the Mosaic Law, designed to leave no doubt about the divine will or the repercussions of disobedience, reinforcing the absolute authority of the Lawgiver.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 17:14 is a cornerstone for understanding the sanctity of life and the unique, sacred role of blood in biblical theology. It establishes that life, being a precious gift from God, is ultimately His exclusive possession, and therefore, the substance representing life (blood) is sacred and not for common use or consumption. This profound principle undergirds the entire Old Testament sacrificial system, where blood is designated not for human sustenance but for atonement, as explicitly stated in [Leviticus 17:11](/leviticus/17-11 "Leviticus 17:11 - Blood for Atonement"). The prohibition against eating blood thus teaches a deep reverence for God's creation, His absolute holiness, and the profound cost of sin, which requires a life (represented by the shedding of blood) to be given for its remission. It also served to distinguish Israel from pagan nations, whose irreverent and often idolatrous use of blood stood in stark contrast to God's holy commands.

* [Genesis 9:4](/genesis/9-4 "Genesis 9:4 - Prohibition of Blood to Noah")
* [Deuteronomy 12:23](/deuteronomy/12-23 "Deuteronomy 12:23 - Life is in the Blood")
* [Leviticus 17:11](/leviticus/17-11 "Leviticus 17:11 - Blood for Atonement")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Leviticus 17:14, though rooted in ancient dietary law, continues to impart profound and enduring spiritual truths for believers today. At its core, it instills a deep and abiding reverence for life, recognizing it as a sacred gift from the Creator, held in trust by humanity. This principle extends far beyond the literal consumption of blood, challenging us to consider our broader ethic regarding the preservation and sanctity of human life in all its stages, from conception to natural death. It powerfully reminds us of God's absolute sovereignty and His inherent right to establish commands that reflect His holy character, even if their full rationale is not immediately apparent to human reason. Furthermore, understanding the sacredness of blood in the Old Testament provides invaluable theological groundwork for grasping the immense value and redemptive power attributed to the blood of Christ in the New Testament, preparing our hearts to appreciate the ultimate, once-for-all sacrifice made for our redemption. This verse calls us to a life of humble obedience, profound awe, and consistent reverence before a God who values life so supremely.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the sanctity of blood in the Old Testament inform our understanding of the value of life today, particularly in contemporary ethical dilemmas such as abortion, euthanasia, or capital punishment?**
* **In what ways does God's prohibition against consuming blood reveal His character of holiness, sovereignty, and meticulous care for creation and His covenant people?**
* **How does the concept of being "cut off" from the community for disobedience reflect the seriousness of disregarding divine commands, and what does this imply about the importance of obedience in our relationship with God today?**

### FAQ
**Why is blood so sacred in the Old Testament, and what does "cut off" mean?**

Answer: Blood is considered profoundly sacred in the Old Testament because it is explicitly identified as the "life" (Hebrew: _nephesh_) of all flesh. Since all life ultimately belongs to God as the Creator and Sustainer, the substance that embodies life (blood) is reserved for Him and not for common human consumption. This sacredness is further emphasized by its unique, divinely appointed role in atonement, as powerfully stated in [Leviticus 17:11](/leviticus/17-11 "Leviticus 17:11 - Blood for Atonement"), where blood is given upon the altar to make atonement for souls. The phrase "cut off" (Hebrew: _karath_) signifies a severe separation or excision. Depending on the context, this could mean excommunication from the Israelite community, loss of covenant blessings and protection, or even direct divine judgment resulting in premature death. It underscores the extreme gravity of violating a divine command that touched upon the very essence of life and God's holiness.

**Does the prohibition against consuming blood apply to Christians today?**

Answer: The application of the Old Testament prohibition against consuming blood to Christians today is a matter of theological interpretation and historical context. While the New Testament consistently upholds the sanctity of life, the literal dietary prohibition is understood differently. In [Acts 15:29](/acts/15-29 "Acts 15:29 - Apostolic Decree on Blood"), the Jerusalem Council, addressing Gentile converts, advised abstaining from "things strangled, and from blood." This was likely a pastoral decision aimed at promoting unity and avoiding offense between Jewish and Gentile believers in the early church, rather than establishing a universal dietary law for all time. Theologically, Christians understand that the Old Testament sacrificial system, with its emphasis on blood for atonement, found its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Therefore, while the *principle* of revering life and understanding the profound significance of blood in redemption remains foundational, the literal dietary restriction is not universally enforced among Christians in the same way it was for ancient Israel. The focus shifts from animal blood to the spiritual cleansing and life-giving power of Christ's blood.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 17:14, with its profound emphasis on the sanctity of blood as the life-force and its unique, divinely appointed role in atonement, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament law, by declaring that "the life of all flesh is the blood thereof," meticulously prepared God's people to grasp the immense significance of a life given for life. This foreshadowed the ultimate 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 shedding of His precious blood on the cross was not merely a death, but the voluntary giving of His perfect, sinless life as the once-for-all atonement for humanity's sin, making peace with God through the blood of His cross ([Colossians 1:20](/colossians/1-20 "Colossians 1:20 - Peace Through His Blood")). As [Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Without Shedding of Blood There is No Forgiveness") emphatically declares, "without shedding of blood there is no remission [of sins]." Jesus' blood established the [new covenant](/jeremiah/31-31 "Jeremiah 31:31 - The New Covenant") promised by the prophets, a covenant sealed not with the blood of animals, but with His own eternal blood, granting believers direct access to the very presence of God with boldness ([Hebrews 10:19](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19 - Access to God by Jesus' Blood")). Thus, the ancient prohibition against consuming blood, rooted in the sacredness of life, ultimately points to the infinitely more sacred and life-giving blood of Christ, through which believers receive forgiveness, reconciliation, and eternal life.

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

Genesis 9:4

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

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.

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.

Leviticus 17:12

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.