Leviticus 17:14 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 17:14 mean?

Leviticus 17:14 says that blood represents the life of every living creature, so the Israelites were commanded not to eat blood in any form. Anyone who did so would be separated from the community, showing how seriously this command was taken.

In this verse, God is speaking to the Israelites through Moses, giving them specific instructions about how to treat blood when preparing meat. The idea is that blood is closely tied to life itself, and so it is set apart as something sacred. This command is part of a larger section where God explains the importance of respecting life and following His instructions for worship and daily living.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 17:14

• נֶפֶשׁ (nephesh, H5315) — "life" or "soul": This word is used several times in the verse and points to the deep connection between blood and the living essence of a creature, not just physical existence.
• בָּשָׂר (basar, H1320) — "flesh": This word refers to the meat or body of an animal, clarifying that the command is about eating animal flesh and its blood.
• דָּם (dam, H1818) — "blood": The repeated use of this word emphasizes that blood is not just a part of the body but carries a special, set-apart meaning as the life-force.
• כָּרַת (karat, H3772) — "cut off": This phrase means to be excluded or separated from the community, showing the seriousness of breaking this command.

Why Leviticus 17:14 matters

• Leviticus 17:14 clarifies that the prohibition against eating blood is not just a ritual rule but is rooted in the idea that blood is sacred because it represents life itself.
• This verse helps explain why blood was so important in sacrifices and rituals throughout the Old Testament, as it was seen as the carrier of life.
• The command connects to the broader theme in Leviticus of respecting what God declares holy, and it sets Israel apart from other nations with different eating and worship practices.