Translations
Modern
But you must not eat the blood; pour it on the ground like water.
Traditional
Only thou shalt not eat the blood thereof; thou shalt pour it upon the ground as water.
Literal
Only its blood you shall not eat; you shall pour it on the ground like water.
Latin
Hoc solum observabis, ut sanguinem eorum non comedas, sed effundes in terram quasi aquam.
Original
Hebrew
English
But you must not eat the blood; pour it on the ground like water.
Notes
The blood of an animal was understood to represent its life. Life was considered sacred because it comes from God.
For this reason, it was wrong to eat the blood (see 12:16).
The law of Moses included rules about borrowing and lending. Here, God commanded Israel to cancel debts in the seventh year and to lend generously to the poor.
These laws helped poor people survive times of need. They also placed limits on the wealthy so they would not take advantage of those who were vulnerable.
Theme notes and profiles
Parallels
Glossary
Archaeology and the Bible Biblical Concept of Law Covenant Deuteronomy, Book of Dietary Laws
Topics
Blood: Forbidden to be Used As Food Firstborn of Man and Beast, Reserved to Himself by God Sanitation: Food