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Leviticus 7:26

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

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}.

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

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

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

Commentary

Context of Leviticus 7:26

Leviticus 7:26 is part of a broader section in the book of Leviticus that details the laws concerning various offerings and sacrifices, as well as general dietary regulations for the Israelites. Specifically, this verse reinforces a strict prohibition against consuming blood, a command that is foundational to the Mosaic Law and predates it, first appearing in Genesis 9:4 after the flood. This particular instruction in Leviticus is given within the context of the peace offering, emphasizing purity and holiness in all aspects of the people's lives, including what they ate. It underscores God's meticulous instructions for maintaining a distinct and consecrated relationship with Him.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Sanctity of Life: The most significant theme is the sacredness of life itself. The Bible consistently teaches that "the life of the flesh is in the blood." By prohibiting the consumption of blood, God instilled in His people a profound respect for life, recognizing it as belonging solely to Him.
  • Atonement: Blood was uniquely designated for the purpose of atonement. As stated in Leviticus 17:11, "For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul." This meant blood was to be poured out as a symbol of life offered back to God for the expiation of sin, not consumed.
  • Holiness and Separation: This prohibition served to set Israel apart from the pagan nations around them, many of whom practiced rituals involving the consumption of blood. God desired His people to be holy, meaning "set apart," in their practices and worship.
  • Obedience to Divine Command: At its core, Leviticus 7:26 is a direct commandment from God, requiring simple obedience. It was not merely a health regulation but a spiritual directive designed to shape the Israelites' understanding of life, death, and worship.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "blood" is dam (דם). The repeated emphasis on *dam* throughout Leviticus and other Pentateuchal books highlights its profound symbolic and spiritual significance. The phrase "no manner of blood" (kol-dam) emphasizes the absolute and comprehensive nature of the prohibition, leaving no room for exceptions based on the type of animal.

Practical Application

While the ceremonial laws of the Old Testament, including dietary restrictions, are generally understood by Christians to have been fulfilled in Christ, the principles behind them remain highly relevant.

  • Respect for Life: This verse calls us to a deep respect for all life, understanding its sacred origin from God.
  • Understanding Atonement: The prohibition on blood consumption helps us grasp the immense significance of Christ's shed blood as the ultimate and perfect sacrifice for sin. His blood was not consumed but poured out, securing eternal atonement and a new covenant (Matthew 26:28).
  • Obedience and Holiness: The principle of obedience to God's clear commands, even when their full rationale may not be immediately apparent, remains a cornerstone of faith. We are called to live holy lives, set apart for God's purposes.
  • Dietary Choices: Though not a binding dietary law for New Testament believers as per the discussion in Acts 15:20 and Acts 15:29, some Christians still abstain from blood for conscience' sake, reflecting a continued reverence for the sanctity of life.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Genesis 9:4 (5 votes)

    But flesh with the life thereof, [which is] the blood thereof, shall ye not eat.

  • Acts 15:20 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

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

  • Leviticus 17:10 (3 votes)

    ¶ 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 (3 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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

  • 1 Timothy 4:4 (2 votes)

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