Deuteronomy 12:23
Only be sure that thou eat not the blood: for the blood is the life; and thou mayest not eat the life with the flesh.
Original Language Analysis
רַ֣ק
H7535
רַ֣ק
Strong's:
H7535
Word #:
1 of 14
properly, leanness, i.e., (figuratively) limitation; only adverbial, merely, or conjunctional, although
חֲזַ֗ק
Only be sure
H2388
חֲזַ֗ק
Only be sure
Strong's:
H2388
Word #:
2 of 14
to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra
לְבִלְתִּי֙
H1115
לְבִלְתִּי֙
Strong's:
H1115
Word #:
3 of 14
properly, a failure of, i.e., (used only as a negative particle, usually with a prepositional prefix) not, except, without, unless, besides, because n
הַדָּ֖ם
for the blood
H1818
הַדָּ֖ם
for the blood
Strong's:
H1818
Word #:
5 of 14
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
כִּ֥י
H3588
כִּ֥י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
6 of 14
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
הַדָּ֖ם
for the blood
H1818
הַדָּ֖ם
for the blood
Strong's:
H1818
Word #:
7 of 14
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
ה֣וּא
H1931
ה֣וּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
8 of 14
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
הַנֶּ֖פֶשׁ
is the life
H5315
הַנֶּ֖פֶשׁ
is the life
Strong's:
H5315
Word #:
9 of 14
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
וְלֹֽא
H3808
וְלֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
10 of 14
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
הַנֶּ֖פֶשׁ
is the life
H5315
הַנֶּ֖פֶשׁ
is the life
Strong's:
H5315
Word #:
12 of 14
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
Cross References
Leviticus 17:11For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul.Genesis 9:4But flesh with the life thereof, which is the blood thereof, shall ye not eat.Deuteronomy 12:16Only ye shall not eat the blood; ye shall pour it upon the earth as water.
Historical Context
This principle appears in Genesis 9:4 (Noahic covenant), Leviticus 17:11 (Mosaic covenant), and Acts 15:20 (apostolic council). Its persistence across covenants suggests perpetual moral principle, not merely ceremonial. Ancient Near Eastern sacrifice often involved consuming blood to commune with deity; Israel's prohibition distinguished them. Blood's atoning role (Leviticus 17:11) requires treating it as sacred. Christ's blood, poured out for atonement, fulfills and transcends this symbolism (Hebrews 9:11-14).
Questions for Reflection
- How does the equation 'blood = life' illuminate Christ's sacrifice as giving His life for ours?
- Why does God insist on respect for blood even in non-sacrificial contexts?
- What does consuming Christ's blood symbolically (communion) signify given the prohibition on literal blood consumption?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Repeating the blood prohibition: 'Only be sure that thou eat not the blood: for the blood is the life; and thou mayest not eat the life with the flesh.' The emphatic chazaq (חֲזַק, 'be strong/firm') stresses resolve needed to obey. The theological explanation: 'the blood is the life' (הַדָּם הוּא הַנָּפֶשׁ, hadam hu hanephesh, literally 'the blood is the soul/life'). Blood represents the life-force, which belongs to God alone. Consuming blood would be appropriating what is God's. The parallel phrasing 'thou mayest not eat the life with the flesh' clarifies the principle: eating blood is eating life itself, which is sacrilege. This unchanging prohibition maintains respect for life's sanctity.