Deuteronomy 15:23 Meaning and Explanation
“Only thou shalt not eat the blood thereof; thou shalt pour it upon the ground as water.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Do not consume the blood; pour it on the ground.
The Context of Deuteronomy 15:23
The blood prohibition even for common animals.
What Does Deuteronomy 15:23 Mean?
Though the flesh of a blemished firstborn could be eaten freely, the blood could not. Blood was sacred—the life principle—and belonged to God alone. Even in eating common meat, this boundary was observed. The blood was poured out as an offering.
This restriction unified all Israelite practice: whether eating a perfect sacrifice or a common meal, the blood was never consumed. It honoured the principle that life belongs to God and was not for human use.
Deuteronomy 15:23 in the Original Language
dam (דָּם), 'blood' — in Hebrew thought, the seat of life. Blood was never to be eaten, as it belonged to God.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deuteronomy 15:23
What does Deuteronomy 15:23 mean?
Do not consume the blood; pour it on the ground.
What is the context of Deuteronomy 15:23?
The blood prohibition even for common animals.