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Leviticus 17:13

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And whatsoever man [there be] of the children of Israel, or of the strangers that sojourn among you, which hunteth and catcheth any beast or fowl that may be eaten; he shall even pour out the blood thereof, and cover it with dust.

And whatsoever man {H376} there be of the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478}, or of the strangers {H1616} that sojourn {H1481} among {H8432} you, which hunteth {H6679} and catcheth {H6718} any beast {H2416} or fowl {H5775} that may be eaten {H398}; he shall even pour {H8210} out the blood {H1818} thereof, and cover {H3680} it with dust {H6083}.

"When someone from the community of Isra'el or one of the foreigners living with you hunts and catches game, whether animal or bird that may be eaten, he is to pour out its blood and cover it with earth.

And if any Israelite or foreigner living among them hunts down a wild animal or bird that may be eaten, he must drain its blood and cover it with dirt.

And whatsoever man there be of the children of Israel, or of the strangers that sojourn among them, who taketh in hunting any beast or bird that may be eaten; he shall pour out the blood thereof, and cover it with dust.

Commentary

Leviticus 17:13 (KJV) provides specific instructions regarding the handling of blood from animals hunted for food, emphasizing the sacredness of life and the distinct practices of the Israelite community.

Context

This verse is part of a broader section in Leviticus chapter 17, which primarily addresses the proper place for sacrifices and the sanctity of blood. Given to Moses at Mount Sinai, these laws were crucial for establishing Israel's unique identity as a holy nation, distinct from the pagan practices of surrounding cultures. While earlier verses in the chapter focus on sacrificial animals, verse 13 extends the principle of blood handling to animals caught through hunting, ensuring that even non-sacrificial killings adhered to God's regulations concerning life.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Sanctity of Blood: The primary message is the profound reverence for blood, which the Bible identifies as the very essence of life. This concept is powerfully articulated in Leviticus 17:11, stating, "For the life of the flesh is in the blood." By commanding that the blood be poured out and covered, God taught Israel that life belongs to Him and should not be consumed or treated irreverently.
  • Respect for Life: Even when an animal is killed for sustenance, its life force (blood) must be treated with respect, acknowledging God as the giver of all life. This principle extends to all "beast or fowl that may be eaten," whether hunted by an Israelite or a "stranger that sojourn among you," highlighting the inclusivity of God's moral and ritual laws.
  • Distinction from Pagan Practices: Many ancient pagan cultures consumed blood or used it in idolatrous rituals, believing it would impart strength or connect them with deities. This command served as a strong deterrent against such practices, reinforcing Israel's unique covenant relationship with God.
  • Purity and Holiness: Proper handling of blood contributed to the ritual purity of the individual and the community. Leaving blood exposed or consuming it would have been considered defiling.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "blood" is dam, which throughout the Old Testament is intrinsically linked to life and atonement. The command to "pour out" (Hebrew: shafach) implies a deliberate and respectful draining, while "cover it with dust" (Hebrew: kasah be'aphar) signifies returning the life essence to the ground, out of sight, and not to be misused or consumed. This act symbolizes returning what belongs to God back to the earth, from which all life ultimately comes.

Practical Application

While modern sanitation practices differ, the underlying principles of Leviticus 17:13 remain profoundly relevant. It teaches us about:

  • God's Ownership of Life: All life belongs to God, not just human life. This instills a sense of responsibility and stewardship over creation.
  • Reverence in Daily Life: God's commands are not confined to religious ceremonies but extend to everyday activities like hunting and eating. It calls believers to live a life of holiness in all aspects.
  • Ethical Consumption: Though not a dietary law in the sense of what can be eaten, it establishes an ethical framework for how animals are handled, promoting mindful and respectful consumption. The New Testament reiterates the importance for believers to abstain from blood, echoing the enduring significance of this ancient command.
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Cross-References

  • Deuteronomy 12:16 (5 votes)

    Only ye shall not eat the blood; ye shall pour it upon the earth as water.

  • Ezekiel 24:7 (3 votes)

    For her blood is in the midst of her; she set it upon the top of a rock; she poured it not upon the ground, to cover it with dust;

  • Deuteronomy 15:23 (3 votes)

    Only thou shalt not eat the blood thereof; thou shalt pour it upon the ground as water.

  • Leviticus 7:26 (3 votes)

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

  • Deuteronomy 12:24 (3 votes)

    Thou shalt not eat it; thou shalt pour it upon the earth as water.

  • Job 16:18 (2 votes)

    O earth, cover not thou my blood, and let my cry have no place.

  • 1 Samuel 14:32 (2 votes)

    And the people flew upon the spoil, and took sheep, and oxen, and calves, and slew [them] on the ground: and the people did eat [them] with the blood.