Deuteronomy 12:16 Meaning and Explanation
“Only ye shall not eat the blood; ye shall pour it upon the earth as water.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Do not consume blood; pour it on the earth.
The Context of Deuteronomy 12:16
An absolute dietary prohibition on blood consumption, applicable everywhere.
What Does Deuteronomy 12:16 Mean?
Blood must never be eaten, regardless of where or what animal is being consumed. This absolute prohibition applies to both clean and unclean game. The blood must be poured out on the earth, returning it to the ground as you would water.
The prohibition likely reflects the ancient understanding that blood represents life itself. Pouring it out returns the life-force to creation, honoring the source of all living things and maintaining reverence for the boundary between eating and violating sacred life-principles.
Deuteronomy 12:16 in the Original Language
dam (דָּם), 'blood' — in Hebrew thought, the seat of life, hence its sacred prohibition.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deuteronomy 12:16
What does Deuteronomy 12:16 mean?
Do not consume blood; pour it on the earth.
What is the context of Deuteronomy 12:16?
An absolute dietary prohibition on blood consumption, applicable everywhere.