Leviticus 17:14

Authorized King James Version

For it is the life of all flesh; the blood of it is for the life thereof: therefore I said unto the children of Israel, Ye shall eat the blood of no manner of flesh: for the life of all flesh is the blood thereof: whosoever eateth it shall be cut off.

Word-by-Word Analysis

כִּֽי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

נֶ֤פֶשׁ

H5315

For it is the life

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

בָּשָׂר֙

H1320

of all flesh

flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man

דָּמ֣וֹ

H1818

is the blood

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

נֶ֤פֶשׁ

H5315

For it is the life

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

הוּא֒

H1931

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

וָֽאֹמַר֙

H559

thereof therefore I said

to say (used with great latitude)

לִבְנֵ֣י

H1121

unto the children

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

#10

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל

H3478

of Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

#11

דָּמ֣וֹ

H1818

is the blood

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

#12

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#13

בָּשָׂר֙

H1320

of all flesh

flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man

#14

לֹ֣א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#15

אֹֽכְלָ֖יו

H398

Ye shall eat

to eat (literally or figuratively)

#16

כִּ֣י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#17

נֶ֤פֶשׁ

H5315

For it is the life

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

#18

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#19

בָּשָׂר֙

H1320

of all flesh

flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man

#20

דָּמ֣וֹ

H1818

is the blood

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

#21

הִ֔וא

H1931

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

#22

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#23

אֹֽכְלָ֖יו

H398

Ye shall eat

to eat (literally or figuratively)

#24

יִכָּרֵֽת׃

H3772

it shall be cut off

to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Leviticus. The concept of life reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood life. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within Leviticus chapter 17 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
In what ways does understanding life in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?

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Leviticus 17:14

Analysis

Historical Context

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Study Resources