Leviticus 7:27

KJV

Whatsoever soul [it be] that eateth any manner of blood, even that soul shall be cut off from his people.

KJV (with Strong's)

Whatsoever soul {H5315} it be that eateth {H398} any manner {H3605} of blood {H1818}, even that soul {H5315} shall be cut off {H3772} from his people {H5971}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Whoever eats any blood will be cut off from his people.'"

Berean Standard Bible

If anyone eats blood, that person must be cut off from his people.’”

American Standard Version

Whosoever it be that eateth any blood, that soul shall be cut off from his people.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 7:27, a crucial verse within the detailed regulations governing the peace offering, issues a severe prohibition against the consumption of blood, establishing a foundational principle of the Mosaic covenant: the sanctity of life and the sacred nature of blood as belonging exclusively to God. This command underscores the gravity of disobedience, stipulating that any individual who partakes of blood "shall be cut off from his people," highlighting the profound spiritual and communal consequences of violating divine decrees concerning life and atonement.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 7:27 is situated within a broader section (Leviticus 7:1-38) that meticulously outlines the various laws pertaining to different types of sacrifices, particularly following the detailed instructions for the peace offering (Leviticus 7:11-36). This specific prohibition against eating blood and fat (which is also mentioned in the preceding verse, Leviticus 7:26, and throughout Leviticus, such as in [Leviticus 3:17, which prohibits the consumption of fat and blood](/leviticus/3-17 "Leviticus 3:17 - Prohibition on Fat and Blood")) serves as a crucial reiteration of a fundamental divine command. Its placement here emphasizes that even in the context of communal fellowship and thanksgiving offerings, the sanctity of life, represented by blood, must be strictly observed. The peace offering, designed to foster communion between God and His people, ironically contains a command that highlights the absolute boundary set by God regarding what is permissible for consumption, thereby reinforcing His ultimate sovereignty.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prohibition against consuming blood was deeply rooted in the ancient Near Eastern context, where many pagan cultures engaged in practices that involved the consumption of blood as part of idol worship, divination, or fertility rituals, believing it would impart life or power. God's command to Israel to abstain from blood profoundly distinguished them from these surrounding nations, marking them as a holy and set-apart people. This divine decree was not new to the Mosaic Law; it echoed an earlier, universal command given to Noah after the flood in [Genesis 9:4, establishing the principle that "the life of the flesh is in the blood"](/genesis/9-4 "Genesis 9:4 - Early Prohibition Against Blood Consumption"). For Israel, this prohibition served as a constant reminder of God's exclusive ownership of life and the sacredness of blood as the designated means of atonement, a concept profoundly elaborated in [Leviticus 17:11, stating that "it is the blood that makes atonement for the soul"](/leviticus/17-11 "Leviticus 17:11 - The Life is in the Blood for Atonement"). Therefore, the command was not merely a dietary restriction but a theological statement about God's sovereignty, Israel's distinct identity, and the sacred purpose of blood in the covenant.
* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 7:27 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost among these is the **Sanctity of Life**, emphasizing that life, represented by blood, belongs solely to God, the Creator. This principle undergirds the entire sacrificial system, where blood is reserved for atonement rather than consumption. Another key theme is **Holiness and Separation**, as the prohibition distinguishes Israel from the pagan practices of surrounding nations, reinforcing their identity as a people set apart for God's purposes. The verse also highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Authority**, demonstrating God's absolute right to dictate laws concerning life and death, and what is permissible for His people. Finally, the severe penalty of being "cut off" underscores the theme of **Covenant Obedience and Consequence**, revealing the gravity of violating divine commands and the profound implications for one's relationship with God and the covenant community. This command, therefore, is not merely a ritualistic detail but a foundational theological statement on life, holiness, and obedience within the covenant.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Soul (Hebrew, _nephesh'_):** (H5315) From נָפַשׁ (naphash); properly, a breathing creature, i.e., an animal or, abstractly, vitality. Used here, it refers to a living being, a person, or the life principle itself. Its use emphasizes that the prohibition applies universally to every individual within the covenant community, highlighting the personal accountability of each Israelite before God regarding this sacred command. The violation is not merely a communal offense but a direct affront by the individual "soul" against God's decree concerning life.
* **Blood (Hebrew, _dâm'_):** (H1818) From דָּמַם (damam); blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal. This term is central to the verse's meaning. In the Old Testament, blood is intrinsically linked to life, as the life of the flesh is said to be in the blood. Its sacredness is paramount, as it is designated by God as the means for atonement. The prohibition against its consumption underscores its unique, consecrated purpose and God's exclusive ownership of life.
* **Cut off (Hebrew, _kârath'_):** (H3772) A primitive root; to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutting flesh and passing between the pieces). This is a potent theological and legal term in the Pentateuch, signifying a severe divine judgment. It denotes the severance of an individual from the covenant community, implying a loss of identity, inheritance, and often, divine judgment resulting in premature death or excommunication. It represents a spiritual and existential rupture from the blessings and protection of the covenant, underscoring the absolute seriousness of the transgression.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Whatsoever soul [it be]":** This opening phrase, utilizing the Hebrew term _nephesh_ (H5315), emphasizes the universal applicability of the command. It means "any person," "any living being," or "any individual." The law applies to everyone in Israel, leaving no room for exceptions based on status or circumstance. It highlights personal responsibility before God for adherence to this divine decree.
* **"that eateth any manner of blood":** This clause clearly and unequivocally prohibits the consumption of blood in any form. The phrase "any manner of blood" (כָּל־דָּם, _kol-dam_, H3605 + H1818) signifies that no type of blood—whether from clean or unclean animals, or prepared in any way—is permissible for consumption. This strictness underscores the absolute nature of the prohibition, rooted in the theological understanding that blood represents life, which belongs solely to God and is reserved for sacred purposes.
* **"even that soul shall be cut off from his people":** This clause pronounces the severe consequence for violating the command. The phrase "shall be cut off" (_kârath_, H3772) indicates a divinely ordained penalty that could range from excommunication from the community, loss of covenant blessings and inheritance, to divine judgment resulting in premature death. It signifies a profound separation from the covenant people and, by extension, from the covenant relationship with God. The repetition of "that soul" reinforces the direct and personal nature of the judgment, emphasizing individual accountability.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 7:27 employs several literary devices to convey its profound message and enforce its divine authority. The most prominent is **Legal Language**, characteristic of the entire book of Leviticus, which uses precise and unambiguous terms to establish divine statutes and their corresponding penalties. The phrase "shall be cut off from his people" is a fixed legal formula, emphasizing the non-negotiable nature of the command and the certainty of its consequence. This formula also functions as a form of **Emphasis** through **Repetition**, as the prohibition against consuming blood and the "cut off" penalty appear multiple times throughout the Pentateuch (e.g., [Leviticus 17:10, which reiterates the prohibition on blood consumption and its penalty](/leviticus/17-10 "Leviticus 17:10 - Prohibition on Blood Consumption and Penalty") and [Genesis 9:4, an early prohibition on blood](/genesis/9-4 "Genesis 9:4 - Early Prohibition on Blood")). This repetition underscores the critical importance of the law and its underlying theological principle. Furthermore, the stark contrast between the act of consumption and the severe consequence creates a sense of **Foreshadowing**, subtly pointing to the ultimate significance of blood as a sacred element reserved for atonement, a theme that will find its ultimate fulfillment in the New Testament.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The prohibition against consuming blood in Leviticus 7:27 is not merely a dietary restriction but a profound theological statement about the sanctity of life, the holiness of God, and the unique role of blood in atonement. Life, represented by blood, is understood as belonging exclusively to God, the Creator and Sustainer of all existence. To consume blood was to usurp God's prerogative over life and to desecrate that which He had set apart for a sacred purpose: the making of atonement for sin. This command served to instill in Israel a deep reverence for life and a clear understanding of God's holiness, distinguishing them from the pagan nations around them who often treated blood with irreverence or used it in idolatrous rituals. The severity of the "cut off" penalty underscored that this was a fundamental covenant requirement, violation of which severed one's relationship with the holy God and His people.

* [Genesis 9:4](/genesis/9-4 "Prohibition on Blood After the Flood")
* [Leviticus 17:11](/leviticus/17-11 "Life in the Blood for Atonement")
* [Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Without Shedding of Blood There is No Forgiveness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Leviticus 7:27, while part of the Mosaic ceremonial law, carries enduring spiritual principles that resonate deeply with believers today. The foundational truth that "the life of the flesh is in the blood" (Leviticus 17:11) compels us to recognize that all life is sacred and belongs to God. This instills in us a profound reverence for human life, from conception to natural death, challenging us to champion its dignity and protection in all spheres. Furthermore, the severity of the "cut off" penalty for disobedience highlights the absolute importance of obedience to God's clear commands, reminding us that even seemingly minor transgressions against His revealed will can have significant spiritual consequences, impacting our relationship with Him and His community. Ultimately, this verse serves as a powerful backdrop against which to appreciate the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament's sacredness of blood, reserved for atonement, points forward to the precious, sinless blood of Christ, which alone provides perfect and eternal atonement, cleansing us from all sin and granting us access to God. Understanding the gravity of the Old Covenant prohibition deepens our gratitude for the New Covenant, where Christ's shed blood fulfills all righteousness and offers complete redemption.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the Old Testament prohibition against consuming blood deepen your understanding of the sanctity of all life?**
* **In what ways does the concept of being "cut off" from God's people challenge your view of obedience and the seriousness of sin?**
* **How does the sacredness of blood in Leviticus prepare our hearts to appreciate the ultimate significance of Jesus Christ's shed blood on the cross?**

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

Answer: The prohibition against consuming blood was strictly forbidden for several profound theological and practical reasons. Primarily, it was because "the life of the flesh is in the blood" (as stated in [Leviticus 17:11, where it explains that blood makes atonement for the soul](/leviticus/17-11 "Leviticus 17:11 - The Life is in the Blood for Atonement")). Since life belongs to God alone, blood, as the essence of life, was considered sacred and reserved for Him. It was explicitly designated as the means of atonement, to make propitiation for sins on the altar. By prohibiting its consumption, God ensured that His people recognized His sovereignty over life and understood the unique, sacred purpose of blood in the covenant. Additionally, this command served to distinguish Israel from surrounding pagan nations who often consumed blood in idolatrous rituals, marking Israel as a holy and set-apart people. This prohibition, first given to Noah in [Genesis 9:4, an early command against consuming blood](/genesis/9-4 "Genesis 9:4 - Early Prohibition Against Consuming Blood"), underscored a universal principle that became a cornerstone of the Mosaic Law.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 7:27, with its stern prohibition against consuming blood and its severe penalty, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament's insistence on the sanctity of blood, reserving it exclusively for atonement, powerfully foreshadows the singular and perfect 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"), Jesus Christ. His blood, unlike that of bulls and goats, is not merely a symbolic covering but the very substance of the new covenant, poured out "for the forgiveness of sins" ([Matthew 26:28, referring to the blood of the new covenant](/matthew/26-28 "Matthew 26:28 - Blood of the New Covenant")). Where the Old Covenant demanded blood as the means of atonement, and prohibited its consumption to emphasize its sacredness and the cost of sin, the New Covenant invites us to spiritually partake of Christ's shed blood through faith, symbolizing our complete identification with His atoning death and our reception of eternal life ([John 6:53-56, where Jesus speaks of eating His flesh and drinking His blood](/john/6-53 "John 6:53-56 - Eating the Flesh and Drinking the Blood of the Son of Man")). The penalty of being "cut off" for violating the blood prohibition in Leviticus finds its counterpoint in Christ; through His precious blood, we are not cut off but are instead brought near to God, reconciled and made righteous ([Ephesians 2:13, explaining that we are brought near by the blood of Christ](/ephesians/2-13 "Ephesians 2:13 - Brought Near by the Blood of Christ"), [Romans 5:9, stating we are justified by His blood](/romans/5-9 "Romans 5:9 - Justified by His Blood")). Thus, the very strictness of Leviticus 7:27 serves to magnify the infinite value and efficacy of Christ's once-for-all sacrifice, through which we receive not judgment, but life and inclusion into God's eternal family.

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

Hebrews 10:29

Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?

Leviticus 7:20

But the soul that eateth [of] the flesh of the sacrifice of peace offerings, that [pertain] unto the LORD, having his uncleanness upon him, even that soul shall be cut off from his people.

Leviticus 7:21

Moreover the soul that shall touch any unclean [thing, as] the uncleanness of man, or [any] unclean beast, or any abominable unclean [thing], and eat of the flesh of the sacrifice of peace offerings, which [pertain] unto the LORD, even that soul shall be cut off from his people.

Leviticus 7:25

For whosoever eateth the fat of the beast, of which men offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD, even the soul that eateth [it] shall be cut off from his people.