Leviticus 7:26

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Moreover ye shall eat {H398} no manner of blood {H1818}, whether it be of fowl {H5775} or of beast {H929}, in any of your dwellings {H4186}.

Complete Jewish Bible

You are not to eat any kind of blood, whether from birds or animals, in any of your homes.

Berean Standard Bible

You must not eat the blood of any bird or animal in any of your dwellings.

American Standard Version

And ye shall eat no manner of blood, whether it be of bird or of beast, in any of your dwellings.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 7:26 presents a stringent and comprehensive divine prohibition against the consumption of any animal blood—whether from fowl or beast—by the Israelites, regardless of their location. This command, deeply embedded within the Mosaic Law, underscored the profound sanctity of life, which belongs exclusively to God, and highlighted the unique, sacred role of blood in atonement. It served as a critical differentiator for God's covenant people, distinguishing them from surrounding pagan cultures and reinforcing the pervasive demand for holiness in all aspects of their daily existence, from ritual worship to domestic life.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within the detailed instructions for the various offerings, specifically following the regulations for the peace offering (Leviticus 7:11-36). The "Law of the Offerings" (Leviticus 6-7) meticulously outlines the procedures for sacrifices and the portions allocated to priests and offerers. The recurring prohibition against consuming blood, found throughout Leviticus and often alongside dietary and purity laws, emphasizes that the principles of holiness and atonement were not confined to the Tabernacle rituals but extended into the daily lives and consumption habits of every Israelite. Its inclusion here reinforces that the sacredness of life, symbolized by blood, permeated all aspects of their covenant relationship with Yahweh.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The command to abstain from blood consumption was a defining characteristic of Israel's covenant with Yahweh, setting them distinctly apart from the surrounding ancient Near Eastern cultures. Many pagan peoples, including the Canaanites, practiced rituals involving the ingestion of blood, often believing it conferred divine power, facilitated communion with deities, or served as a magical conduit. In stark contrast, God's directive to Israel underscored His sole proprietorship over life and the exclusive, sacred purpose of blood for atonement. This foundational principle predates the Mosaic Law, having been first articulated to Noah after the flood in [Genesis 9:4](/genesis/9-4 "Genesis 9:4 - Prohibition of Blood after the Flood"), establishing it as a universal directive before its specific re-emphasis and application within the Mosaic covenant, thereby reinforcing its theological weight.
* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 7:26 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Leviticus and the Pentateuch. Foremost is the **sanctity of life**, consistently affirmed as residing in the blood and belonging to God alone, as explicitly stated in [Leviticus 17:11](/leviticus/17-11 "Leviticus 17:11 - Life is in the Blood for Atonement"). This prohibition also highlights the theme of **atonement**, establishing blood as the unique medium for expiation and reconciliation with God, poured out on the altar rather than consumed. Furthermore, it underscores the theme of **holiness and separation**, marking Israel as a distinct people set apart for Yahweh, whose practices were to be antithetical to the defiling rituals of their pagan neighbors. Finally, it reinforces the theme of **obedience to divine command**, demonstrating that God's covenant demands permeated every facet of Israelite existence, from worship to daily sustenance, ensuring a comprehensive walk of faith.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **eat (Hebrew, _ʼâkal'_):** This primitive root signifies the act of consuming food, whether literally or figuratively. In the context of Leviticus 7:26, its use in the negative ("ye shall eat no manner of blood") emphasizes the absolute prohibition against the ingestion of blood, underscoring that this vital substance, representing life, is not to be treated as common sustenance but is reserved for a sacred purpose.
* **blood (Hebrew, _dâm'_):** This central term, derived from a root implying "that which when shed causes death," is profoundly significant. In biblical theology, _dâm_ is intrinsically linked to life itself ("the life of the flesh is in the blood"). Its sacredness stems from God as the ultimate giver and sustainer of all life, making it uniquely designated for atonement and strictly forbidden for common consumption, thereby reinforcing God's dominion over life and death.
* **dwellings (Hebrew, _môwshâb'_):** This term refers to any place of habitation or abode, encompassing tents, towns, or cities. Its inclusion in the command ("in any of your dwellings") extends the prohibition beyond the confines of the Tabernacle or sacrificial rituals to the everyday lives and dietary practices of the entire Israelite community. It emphasizes that the principles of holiness and obedience to God were to permeate every aspect of their existence, wherever they might settle.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Moreover ye shall eat no manner of blood":** This opening clause delivers a direct, emphatic, and absolute command. The phrase "no manner of blood" (Hebrew: *kol-dam*) signifies a comprehensive ban, allowing for no exceptions regarding the source, quantity, or context of blood. This underscores the profound sacredness attributed to blood as the symbol of life, which belongs exclusively to God and is therefore not to be treated as ordinary food.
* **"[whether it be] of fowl or of beast":** This specifies the broad scope of the prohibition, applying to all categories of warm-blooded animals commonly consumed or hunted by the Israelites. By explicitly mentioning both "fowl" and "beast," the command ensures that all potential sources of animal blood are covered, reinforcing its universal application within their diet and leaving no room for ambiguity or circumvention.
* **"in any of your dwellings":** This concluding phrase extends the prohibition beyond the specific context of the Tabernacle or sacrificial rituals to the everyday lives of the Israelites, wherever they might reside. It emphasizes that the principles of holiness, the sanctity of life, and obedience to God were to permeate every aspect of their existence, not merely their formal worship, but their domestic and communal life as well.

#### Literary Devices
The prohibition in Leviticus 7:26 employs several literary devices to convey its gravity, scope, and theological depth. The most prominent is **repetition**, as the command against consuming blood appears multiple times throughout the Pentateuch (e.g., [Genesis 9:4](/genesis/9-4 "Genesis 9:4 - Prohibition of Blood after the Flood"), [Leviticus 3:17](/leviticus/3-17 "Leviticus 3:17 - Prohibition of Blood and Fat"), [Leviticus 17:10-14](/leviticus/17-10 "Leviticus 17:10-14 - Life is in the Blood")), underscoring its foundational and non-negotiable importance within the Mosaic covenant. The phrase "of fowl or of beast" functions as a **merism**, a rhetorical device where two contrasting or complementary parts represent a whole, thereby encompassing all types of animals from which blood might be obtained and emphasizing the universal application of the prohibition across the entire animal kingdom. Finally, and most significantly, the verse relies heavily on **symbolism**. Blood is consistently presented as the potent symbol of life, and its prohibition for common consumption reinforces the profound theological truth that life belongs solely to God and is uniquely designated for the sacred purpose of atonement, setting Israel apart in their understanding of life, death, and divine ownership.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The prohibition against consuming blood in Leviticus 7:26 is deeply rooted in several core theological principles that transcend a mere dietary restriction, serving as a cornerstone of Israelite theology. Foremost among these is the **sanctity of life**, which the Bible consistently declares to reside in the blood ([Leviticus 17:11](/leviticus/17-11 "Leviticus 17:11 - Life is in the Blood for Atonement")). By forbidding its consumption, God instilled in Israel a profound reverence for life, recognizing it as belonging solely to Him, the Creator and Sustainer. This command also highlights the unique role of blood in **atonement**, as it was to be poured out on the altar as a substitute for life, not ingested. This distinction set Israel apart from pagan practices and underscored their **holiness and separation** as God's covenant people, called to reflect His character in all aspects of their lives. Ultimately, it was a direct divine command requiring **obedience**, shaping their understanding of life, death, and worship, and pointing to a deeper spiritual reality.
* [Genesis 9:4](/genesis/9-4 "Genesis 9:4 - Prohibition of Blood after the Flood")
* [Leviticus 17:11](/leviticus/17-11 "Leviticus 17:11 - Life is in the Blood for Atonement")
* [Deuteronomy 12:23](/deuteronomy/12-23 "Deuteronomy 12:23 - The Life is in the Blood")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific dietary laws of the Old Covenant are understood by Christians to have been fulfilled in Christ, the profound principles embedded in Leviticus 7:26 remain eternally relevant for our faith and practice. This verse calls us to cultivate a deep and abiding respect for all life, recognizing its sacred origin and inherent value as a gift from God. It challenges us to consider how we uphold the dignity of human life, from conception to natural death, and how we treat the animal kingdom entrusted to our stewardship, reflecting God's care for His creation. Furthermore, understanding the prohibition on blood consumption illuminates the immense significance of Christ's sacrifice. His blood was not consumed but poured out as the perfect, once-for-all atonement for sin, securing our redemption and new life. This should lead us to profound gratitude and a commitment to living lives of obedience and holiness, set apart for God's purposes, reflecting His character in all our choices, including our ethical consumption and stewardship, recognizing that our lives are not our own but belong to Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the biblical emphasis on the sanctity of blood inform your understanding of the value of life today, particularly concerning ethical issues like abortion or euthanasia?**
* **In what ways does the Old Testament prohibition on consuming blood deepen your appreciation for the ultimate significance of Christ's shed blood for atonement?**
* **Beyond literal dietary restrictions, how can we, as New Testament believers, apply the underlying principles of holiness, obedience, and reverence for God's creation found in this verse to our contemporary lives?**

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

Answer: The prohibition was based on the profound theological principle that "the life of the flesh is in the blood" ([Leviticus 17:11](/leviticus/17-11 "Leviticus 17:11 - Life is in the Blood for Atonement")). Since life belongs exclusively to God, blood, as its symbol, was considered sacred and uniquely designated for atonement on the altar, serving as a substitute for the sinner's life. It was not to be treated as common food. This command also served to set Israel apart from pagan nations who often consumed blood in their rituals, emphasizing Israel's holiness and distinct covenant relationship with God. The command was initially given to Noah after the flood, indicating its universal significance before its specific inclusion in the Mosaic Law ([Genesis 9:4](/genesis/9-4 "Genesis 9:4 - Prohibition of Blood after the Flood")).

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

Answer: For New Testament believers, the ceremonial and dietary laws of the Old Covenant, including the prohibition on blood consumption, are generally understood to have been fulfilled in Christ, who is the ultimate sacrifice. The Jerusalem Council in [Acts 15](/acts/15 "Acts 15 - The Jerusalem Council") addressed this, advising Gentile converts to abstain from things polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from what is strangled, and from blood ([Acts 15:29](/acts/15-29 "Acts 15:29 - Jerusalem 15:29 - Council's Decree")). While some interpret this as a continuing dietary command for all believers, many scholars view it primarily as a pastoral concession to avoid offending Jewish believers and to promote unity within the early church, rather than a binding moral or ceremonial law for all time. The underlying principles—respect for life and understanding of atonement—remain vital, but the literal dietary restriction is not typically enforced in most Christian traditions, as Christ is the ultimate fulfillment of the law.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 7:26, with its emphatic prohibition against consuming blood, finds its profound and ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament consistently teaches that "the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you upon the altar to make atonement for your souls" ([Leviticus 17:11](/leviticus/17-11 "Leviticus 17:11 - Life is in the Blood for Atonement")). This foundational truth points directly to the necessity of a blood sacrifice for the expiation of sin. Jesus, as the perfect [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), poured out His own precious blood on the cross, not for human consumption, but as the ultimate, once-for-all atonement for the sins of humanity ([Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Without Shedding of Blood There is No Forgiveness")). His shed blood established the [New Covenant](/matthew/26-28 "Matthew 26:28 - The New Covenant in Christ's Blood"), providing complete forgiveness, reconciliation with God, and eternal life, a reality far surpassing the temporary cleansing offered by animal sacrifices. When believers partake in the Lord's Supper, they symbolically "drink" His blood, not literally consuming it, but spiritually participating in the life-giving benefits of His finished work, remembering that His life was given for theirs and that through His blood, they have peace with God ([Colossians 1:20](/colossians/1-20 "Colossians 1:20 - Peace Through Christ's Blood")). Thus, the ancient command regarding blood powerfully prefigures the supreme sacrifice of Christ, through whom true life and atonement are found, transforming a literal prohibition into a spiritual participation in His redemptive work.

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.

Acts 15:20

But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and [from] fornication, and [from] things strangled, and [from] blood.

Leviticus 3:17

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

Leviticus 17:10

¶ 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.

Leviticus 17:14

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.

Ephesians 1:7

In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;

1 Timothy 4:4

For every creature of God [is] good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: