Deuteronomy Chapter 12 · Verse 23

Authorized King James Version

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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
תֹאכַ֥ל and thou mayest not eat H398
תֹאכַ֥ל and thou mayest not eat
Strong's: H398
Word #: 4 of 14
to eat (literally or figuratively)
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
תֹאכַ֥ל and thou mayest not eat H398
תֹאכַ֥ל and thou mayest not eat
Strong's: H398
Word #: 11 of 14
to eat (literally or figuratively)
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
עִם H5973
עִם
Strong's: H5973
Word #: 13 of 14
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
הַבָּשָֽׂר׃ with the flesh H1320
הַבָּשָֽׂר׃ with the flesh
Strong's: H1320
Word #: 14 of 14
flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man

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.

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