Leviticus 7:27

Commentary on Leviticus 7:27

Leviticus 7:27, found within the detailed laws concerning the peace offering, delivers a stern prohibition against the consumption of blood, reinforcing a foundational principle of the Old Testament covenant: the sanctity of life and the sacredness of blood. This verse underscores the severe consequences for disobedience, stating that "Whatsoever soul [it be] that eateth any manner of blood, even that soul shall be cut off from his people."

Context

This verse is part of a larger section (Leviticus 7:1-38) detailing various regulations for priests and offerers regarding different types of sacrifices, specifically following instructions for the peace offering. The prohibition against eating fat and blood appears repeatedly in Leviticus (e.g., Leviticus 3:17) and is not unique to this passage. It reflects a broader divine command established even before the Mosaic Law (cf. Genesis 9:4), emphasizing God's ownership of life and the special role of blood in atonement. The Israelites were being set apart as a holy nation, and their practices, including dietary laws, distinguished them from pagan nations.

Key Themes and Messages

• Sanctity of Life: The primary reason for the prohibition is stated elsewhere: "For the life of the flesh is in the blood." Blood represents life itself, which belongs to God. To consume blood was to disregard this sacred truth and God's sovereignty over life.
• Holiness and Separation: God's people were called to be holy, as He is holy (Leviticus 11:44). Abstaining from blood was a practical way to maintain ritual purity and distinguish themselves from pagan practices that often involved consuming blood as part of idol worship or divination.
• Atonement: In the Old Covenant, blood was explicitly designated as the means of atonement for sin (Leviticus 17:11). By prohibiting its consumption, God reserved blood for its most sacred purpose: covering sin through sacrifice. This foreshadowed the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, whose blood provides remission of sins.
• Consequence of Disobedience: The phrase "shall be cut off from his people" (Hebrew: kareth) signifies a severe penalty. It could mean excommunication from the community, loss of covenant blessings, or in some cases, divine judgment resulting in premature death. It highlighted the seriousness of violating divine commands that pertained to the very core of Israel's identity and relationship with God.

Linguistic Insights

The term "soul" in this verse is the Hebrew word nephesh (נֶפֶשׁ), which commonly refers to a living being, person, or the life principle itself. It emphasizes that this prohibition applies to any individual within the community, regardless of status. The phrase "cut off from his people" is kareth (כָּרַת), a significant legal and theological term in the Pentateuch. It denotes a divine judgment that severs an individual from the covenant community, often implying loss of identity, inheritance, and ultimately, life within the covenant framework.

Practical Application

While Christians are no longer under the Mosaic dietary laws (cf. Mark 7:19, Acts 10:15), the principles behind Leviticus 7:27 remain highly relevant:

• Reverence for Life: The command instills a deep respect for life, recognizing it as a gift from God. This principle extends to how we value human life, from conception to natural death.
• Obedience to God's Word: The severity of the penalty underscores the importance of obedience to God's clear commands. Even seemingly minor transgressions can have significant spiritual consequences.
• Understanding Christ's Sacrifice: The sacredness of blood in the Old Testament points forward to the supreme significance of Jesus Christ's shed blood. His death on the cross is the ultimate atonement, providing full forgiveness and eternal life for all who believe (Romans 5:9). This verse helps us appreciate the depth of that sacrifice.