Leviticus 17:12 - Therefore I have said to the children of Israel, “No person among you may eat blood, nor may any stranger who lives as a foreigner among you eat blood.”
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Leviticus 17:12" mean?
Leviticus 17:12 is part of a broader section of Leviticus dealing with the proper ritual sacrifice of animals and the avoidance of consuming blood. Here's a breakdown of what this verse and its context mean:
"Therefore I have said to the children of Israel...": This phrase indicates that what follows is a direct commandment from God to the Israelites.
"...“No person among you may eat blood...": This is the core of the prohibition. The Israelites were forbidden from consuming blood of any animal. This prohibition was not merely a dietary restriction; it had a deep theological significance.
"...nor may any stranger who lives as a foreigner among you eat blood.”": This extends the prohibition beyond native-born Israelites to include resident aliens or foreigners living within the Israelite community. This shows that this law was to be followed by anyone participating in the community, regardless of their origin.
Why the Prohibition of Eating Blood?
The reason for this prohibition is explained in the verses leading up to 17:12 and immediately following it. The primary reasons are:
Blood Represents Life: Leviticus 17:11 states, "For the life of a creature is in the blood, and I have given it to you to make atonement for yourselves on the altar; it is the blood that makes atonement for one’s life." Blood was seen as containing the very essence of life.
Blood is for Atonement: God designated blood to be used on the altar as a means of atonement for sins. Consuming it would be taking something sacred and using it for a common, secular purpose.
Respect for Life: By not consuming blood, the Israelites were demonstrating a respect for life, acknowledging that it ultimately belonged to God.
In summary, Leviticus 17:12 forbids both Israelites and foreigners living among them from eating blood. The reason for this prohibition is that blood represented life and was specifically designated for atonement rituals on the altar. Eating it would be considered disrespectful to the sacredness of life and the atoning power of blood.
Leviticus 17:12 - Therefore I have said to the children of Israel, “No person among you may eat blood, nor may any stranger who lives as a foreigner among you eat blood.”
What does "Leviticus 17:12" mean?
Leviticus 17:12 is part of a broader section of Leviticus dealing with the proper ritual sacrifice of animals and the avoidance of consuming blood. Here's a breakdown of what this verse and its context mean:
"Therefore I have said to the children of Israel...": This phrase indicates that what follows is a direct commandment from God to the Israelites.
"...“No person among you may eat blood...": This is the core of the prohibition. The Israelites were forbidden from consuming blood of any animal. This prohibition was not merely a dietary restriction; it had a deep theological significance.
"...nor may any stranger who lives as a foreigner among you eat blood.”": This extends the prohibition beyond native-born Israelites to include resident aliens or foreigners living within the Israelite community. This shows that this law was to be followed by anyone participating in the community, regardless of their origin.
Why the Prohibition of Eating Blood?
The reason for this prohibition is explained in the verses leading up to 17:12 and immediately following it. The primary reasons are:
Blood Represents Life: Leviticus 17:11 states, "For the life of a creature is in the blood, and I have given it to you to make atonement for yourselves on the altar; it is the blood that makes atonement for one’s life." Blood was seen as containing the very essence of life.
Blood is for Atonement: God designated blood to be used on the altar as a means of atonement for sins. Consuming it would be taking something sacred and using it for a common, secular purpose.
Respect for Life: By not consuming blood, the Israelites were demonstrating a respect for life, acknowledging that it ultimately belonged to God.
In summary, Leviticus 17:12 forbids both Israelites and foreigners living among them from eating blood. The reason for this prohibition is that blood represented life and was specifically designated for atonement rituals on the altar. Eating it would be considered disrespectful to the sacredness of life and the atoning power of blood.