Deuteronomy 12:16
Only ye shall not eat the blood; ye shall pour it upon the earth as water.
Original Language Analysis
רַ֥ק
H7535
רַ֥ק
Strong's:
H7535
Word #:
1 of 8
properly, leanness, i.e., (figuratively) limitation; only adverbial, merely, or conjunctional, although
הַדָּ֖ם
the blood
H1818
הַדָּ֖ם
the blood
Strong's:
H1818
Word #:
2 of 8
blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
3 of 8
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
5 of 8
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
הָאָ֥רֶץ
it upon the earth
H776
הָאָ֥רֶץ
it upon the earth
Strong's:
H776
Word #:
6 of 8
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
Cross References
Genesis 9:4But flesh with the life thereof, which is the blood thereof, shall ye not eat.Deuteronomy 15:23Only thou shalt not eat the blood thereof; thou shalt pour it upon the ground as water.Acts 15:29That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.
Historical Context
Blood prohibition predates Mosaic law (Genesis 9:4). Ancient Near Eastern cultures had varying blood practices; some consumed blood in ritual. Israel's prohibition distinguished them and taught life's sanctity. Pagan sacrifice often involved drinking blood to commune with gods. Yahweh's prohibition emphasized His transcendence—humans don't 'consume' divine life but receive it as gift. Christ's blood shed and 'drink' (John 6:53-56) paradoxically fulfills and supersedes this, as His blood brings life rather than taking it.
Questions for Reflection
- What does blood representing life teach about the seriousness of Christ's atonement—life poured out for life?
- How does the blood prohibition instill respect for life and prevent casual violence?
- How do we understand Jesus's command to 'drink his blood' (John 6) in light of this prohibition?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The blood prohibition: 'Only ye shall not eat the blood; ye shall pour it upon the earth as water.' This reiterates Levitical law (Leviticus 17:10-14). Blood represents life (nephesh, נֶפֶשׁ) and belongs to God. Pouring blood on ground shows respect for life and acknowledges God as life-giver. The comparison 'as water' indicates complete drainage—blood must not be consumed. This command persists even in decentralized slaughter, maintaining theological principle: life is sacred, blood must be offered (poured out) to God. New Testament Jerusalem council maintained this prohibition (Acts 15:20, 29), though debated whether ritual or moral.