Leviticus 17:13 - “‘Whatever man there is of the children of Israel, or of the strangers who live as foreigners among them, who takes in hunting any animal or bird that may be eaten; he shall pour out its blood, and cover it with dust.
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What does "Leviticus 17:13" mean?
This verse from Leviticus 17:13 outlines a ritual requirement for the proper slaughter of animals or birds that are deemed permissible for consumption, specifically targeting both Israelites and foreigners residing among them. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
"Whatever man there is of the children of Israel, or of the strangers who live as foreigners among them..." This establishes the scope of the rule. It applies not only to native Israelites but also to any non-Israelite who resides within their community. This shows a concern for maintaining ritual purity within the entire population, regardless of origin.
"...who takes in hunting any animal or bird that may be eaten..." This specifies the activity. The rule applies to hunting, suggesting the act of killing a wild animal for food, and includes animals and birds that are considered "clean" (kosher) for consumption according to Levitical law. It's worth noting that domesticated animals that would be slaughtered wouldn't necessarily fall under this rule and may be slaughtered differently.
"...he shall pour out its blood, and cover it with dust." This is the central requirement. The hunter must drain the blood from the animal/bird and then cover the blood with dust. This action has a significant symbolic meaning:
Pouring out the blood: Blood is seen as containing the life force of the animal (Leviticus 17:11). Pouring it out is a way of acknowledging that life belongs to God, and that the hunter is not taking the life lightly. This also separates the animal's life from being consumed by humans.
Covering with dust: Covering the blood with dust symbolizes a return to the earth. It is a recognition that life comes from the earth and ultimately returns to it. It also serves as a form of atonement for the taking of the animal's life.
In summary, the verse is a ritual prescription dictating that anyone who hunts a permitted animal or bird must perform a specific ritual involving draining and covering its blood. This act acknowledges God's ownership of life, respects the animal's life force, and serves as a form of atonement for taking a life, even for sustenance. This demonstrates the sacredness of life within the Israelite worldview and the importance of ritual in everyday activities.
Leviticus 17:13 - “‘Whatever man there is of the children of Israel, or of the strangers who live as foreigners among them, who takes in hunting any animal or bird that may be eaten; he shall pour out its blood, and cover it with dust.
What does "Leviticus 17:13" mean?
This verse from Leviticus 17:13 outlines a ritual requirement for the proper slaughter of animals or birds that are deemed permissible for consumption, specifically targeting both Israelites and foreigners residing among them. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
"Whatever man there is of the children of Israel, or of the strangers who live as foreigners among them..." This establishes the scope of the rule. It applies not only to native Israelites but also to any non-Israelite who resides within their community. This shows a concern for maintaining ritual purity within the entire population, regardless of origin.
"...who takes in hunting any animal or bird that may be eaten..." This specifies the activity. The rule applies to hunting, suggesting the act of killing a wild animal for food, and includes animals and birds that are considered "clean" (kosher) for consumption according to Levitical law. It's worth noting that domesticated animals that would be slaughtered wouldn't necessarily fall under this rule and may be slaughtered differently.
"...he shall pour out its blood, and cover it with dust." This is the central requirement. The hunter must drain the blood from the animal/bird and then cover the blood with dust. This action has a significant symbolic meaning:
Pouring out the blood: Blood is seen as containing the life force of the animal (Leviticus 17:11). Pouring it out is a way of acknowledging that life belongs to God, and that the hunter is not taking the life lightly. This also separates the animal's life from being consumed by humans.
Covering with dust: Covering the blood with dust symbolizes a return to the earth. It is a recognition that life comes from the earth and ultimately returns to it. It also serves as a form of atonement for the taking of the animal's life.
In summary, the verse is a ritual prescription dictating that anyone who hunts a permitted animal or bird must perform a specific ritual involving draining and covering its blood. This act acknowledges God's ownership of life, respects the animal's life force, and serves as a form of atonement for taking a life, even for sustenance. This demonstrates the sacredness of life within the Israelite worldview and the importance of ritual in everyday activities.