And thou shalt offer thy burnt offerings, the flesh and the blood, upon the altar of the LORD thy God: and the blood of thy sacrifices shall be poured out upon the altar of the LORD thy God, and thou shalt eat the flesh.

DEUTERONOMY 12:27KJV
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Deuteronomy 12:27 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 12:27 mean?

Deuteronomy 12:27 instructs the Israelites to bring their burnt offerings to the altar of the LORD their God, where the blood of the sacrifices is to be poured out on the altar, and the flesh of the sacrifices is to be eaten. This verse sets out the proper way to handle offerings, emphasizing that sacrifices must be made at the designated place God chooses.

Moses is speaking to the Israelites as they prepare to enter the Promised Land, giving them detailed instructions on worship. The verse highlights the importance of following God's commands about sacrifices, especially the distinction between what is offered to God (the blood) and what may be eaten by the people (the flesh). This guidance is part of a larger section about centralizing worship and avoiding the practices of the surrounding nations.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 12:27

  • "Offer" (עָשָׂה, ʿasah) means to do or make, and here it refers to performing the ritual of sacrifice. It stresses that the act must be intentional and according to God's instructions.
  • "Burnt offerings" (עֹלָה, ʿolah) are sacrifices completely burned on the altar, symbolizing total dedication to God.
  • "Flesh" (בָּשָׂר, basar) and "blood" (דָּם, dam) are treated differently: the blood is poured out to God, while the flesh can be eaten, showing respect for the life in the blood.
  • "Altar" (מִזְבֵּחַ, mizbeach) is the specific place God designates for sacrifices, underlining the need for worship to happen where God commands.

Why Deuteronomy 12:27 matters

  • This verse clarifies that sacrifices were not to be made just anywhere, but only at the altar God chose, which helped unify Israelite worship and avoid pagan practices.
  • The careful handling of blood and flesh shows the seriousness of sacrifice and respect for God's instructions, especially the idea that life (represented by blood) belongs to God.
  • Deuteronomy 12:27 connects to the broader theme of the chapter, which is about worshiping God in the way He commands, not according to personal preference or local custom.

Where else these words appear

“out” Hebrew H8210 · used in 111 verses

  • Genesis 9:6 Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man.
  • Psalms 22:14 I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint: my heart is like wax; it is melted in the midst of my bowels.
  • Ezekiel 16:36 Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because thy filthiness was poured out, and thy nakedness discovered through thy whoredoms with thy lovers, and with all the idols of thy abominations, and by the blood of thy children, which thou didst give unto them;