Leviticus 17:14 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Blood contains the life of every creature; eating it in any form is forbidden.
The Context of Leviticus 17:14
Blood is inviolable because it is the seat of all life.
What Does Leviticus 17:14 Mean?
This verse reiterates and deepens the principle: all life—human or animal—resides in blood. The universal prohibition covers every kind of flesh, with no exceptions or loopholes. The triple repetition of the rule emphasizes its non-negotiable character.
The penalty of being 'cut off' repeats the community's severest sanction. The Lord will not tolerate eating blood because it violates the sacred boundary He has established between the holy (blood) and the ordinary (food).
Leviticus 17:14 in the Original Language
bsr (בָּשָׂר), 'flesh' — all living creatures; their life principle is in their blood, making blood universally sacred.
Frequently Asked Questions About Leviticus 17:14
What does Leviticus 17:14 mean?
Blood contains the life of every creature; eating it in any form is forbidden.
What is the context of Leviticus 17:14?
Blood is inviolable because it is the seat of all life.