Leviticus 17:14

Commentary on Leviticus 17:14 (KJV)

Leviticus 17:14 is a pivotal verse within the Mosaic Law, clearly articulating the divine prohibition against consuming blood. This command is rooted in a profound theological principle: the inseparable connection between blood and life itself, and God's exclusive claim over all life.

Context

Chapter 17 of Leviticus focuses on the proper location and method for offering sacrifices, emphasizing the sanctity of the altar and the blood. It also addresses the handling of animals hunted in the field. This verse reiterates and strengthens a prohibition first given to Noah after the Flood (Genesis 9:4). For the children of Israel, this law served to distinguish them from surrounding pagan nations who often consumed blood in idolatrous rituals or as a means of gaining strength. It was a fundamental aspect of their covenant relationship with God, highlighting His holiness and their required obedience.

Key Themes

• The Sanctity of Life and Blood: The core message is that "the life of all flesh is the blood thereof." Blood represents the very essence of life, the animating force that sustains a living being. Because life belongs to God, the source of all life, blood is considered sacred and not to be treated as common food.
• Divine Prohibition and Obedience: God's explicit command, "Ye shall eat the blood of no manner of flesh," underscores His authority and the necessity of Israel's obedience. This was not merely a dietary restriction but a spiritual one, teaching reverence for God's creation and His decrees.
• Atonement and Consequence: While not explicitly stated in this verse, the sanctity of blood is profoundly linked to its unique role in atonement for sins, as stated just three verses prior in Leviticus 17:11. The severe penalty of being "cut off" for violating this command highlights the seriousness of disregarding a divine decree concerning life and its sacred representation.

Linguistic Insights

• The Hebrew word for "life" used here is nephesh (נֶפֶשׁ), which can mean soul, life, living being, or even person. Its connection to blood emphasizes that the very vitality and essence of a creature resides in its blood.
• The phrase "cut off" comes from the Hebrew karath (כָּרַת), signifying a severe separation. This could imply exclusion from the community, excommunication, or even divine judgment leading to physical death, effectively severing the individual's covenant relationship with God and His people.

Practical Application

Leviticus 17:14 continues to teach believers profound truths:

• Reverence for Life: The verse instills a deep respect for all life, recognizing it as a precious gift from God. This principle extends beyond dietary laws to a broader ethic of cherishing and protecting life.
• Understanding God's Holiness: It reinforces God's absolute sovereignty and holiness, reminding us that He has the right to establish commands for His people, even those that may seem unusual to human reasoning.
• Symbolism Pointing to Christ: Ultimately, the Old Testament emphasis on the sanctity of blood and its unique role in atonement points forward to the perfect and final sacrifice of Jesus Christ. His shedding of blood on the cross serves as the ultimate payment for sin, establishing a new covenant and offering eternal life. While the literal prohibition against eating blood is interpreted differently among Christians today (with the early church's decision for Gentile converts found in Acts 15:29), the underlying spiritual truth about the sacredness of life and the power of blood for redemption remains foundational to Christian faith.