Eating blood is a controversial topic, with cultural, religious, and health perspectives all playing a role. For some, it’s a delicacy or tradition, while others view it as taboo. Whether you’re curious about the practice or seeking to understand its significance, it’s worth exploring the deeper meanings behind this choice.
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What Does The Bible Say About Eating Blood
Acts 15:28-29
“It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us not to burden you with anything beyond the following requirements: You are to abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals and from sexual immorality. You will do well to avoid these things. Farewell.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of abstaining from consuming blood. It is seen as a requirement for followers of Jesus, along with avoiding food sacrificed to idols, the meat of strangled animals, and sexual immorality. The prohibition on eating blood stems from the sacredness God places on blood as a symbol of life and the significance of offering it only in proper worship.
This verse also speaks to the early Church’s decision to establish guidelines for Gentile believers, recognizing the cultural practices they were accustomed to while also urging them to align their behavior with the teachings of Christ.
Leviticus 17:11-12
“For the life of a creature is in the blood, and I have given it to you to make atonement for yourselves on the altar; it is the blood that makes atonement for one’s life. Therefore I say to the Israelites, ‘None of you may eat blood, nor may any foreigner residing among you eat blood.'”
This verse reveals God’s instruction to the Israelites regarding the sanctity of blood. The life force within blood is considered significant and reserved for atonement purposes, to reconcile oneself with God. God explicitly forbids the consumption of blood, not only for the Israelites but also for any foreigners dwelling among them, emphasizing the universal application of this commandment.
By prohibiting the eating of blood, God underscores the need for reverence and respect for the life that is found within it. It serves as a reminder of the sacredness of life and the importance of honoring God’s laws.
Genesis 9:4
“But you must not eat meat that has its lifeblood still in it.”
Following the flood, God establishes a covenant with Noah and his descendants. As part of this covenant, God instructs them not to consume meat that still contains its lifeblood. This command reflects God’s continued emphasis on the sanctity of blood and the importance of preserving life.
By abstaining from eating meat with its lifeblood, humanity is reminded of their role as stewards of creation and their responsibility to treat all living creatures with respect and care.
Deuteronomy 12:23
“But be sure you do not eat the blood, because the blood is the life, and you must not eat the life with the meat.”
In this verse, God reiterates the significance of blood as the life force within an animal. He instructs the Israelites to refrain from consuming blood, emphasizing the separation of blood and meat. This command serves as a reminder of the sacredness of life and the distinction between consuming meat for sustenance and consuming blood, which is reserved for divine purposes.
The prohibition on eating blood also points to the Israelites’ unique identity as a people chosen by God, who are called to live according to His commandments and demonstrate their obedience to Him through their actions and dietary choices.
Leviticus 3:17
“This is a lasting ordinance for the generations to come, wherever you live: You must not eat any fat or any blood.”
As God establishes the regulations for offerings and sacrifices in Leviticus, He commands the Israelites not to consume any fat or blood. This command is declared as a lasting ordinance, applicable to future generations and wherever they may reside.
By forbidding the consumption of fat and blood, God directs the Israelites to offer their best and most valuable portions to Him, recognizing His supremacy and the need for obedience in their worship practices.
Leviticus 7:26-27
“And wherever you live, you must not eat the blood of any bird or animal. Anyone who eats blood must be cut off from their people.”
God reiterates the prohibition on consuming blood, extending it to include not only land animals but also birds. The severity of the consequences is emphasized, as anyone who partakes in eating blood is to be cut off from their community, illustrating the seriousness of this transgression.
By establishing such consequences, God underscores the significance of maintaining obedience to His commandments and the need to preserve the sanctity of life that is represented in blood.
Leviticus 19:26
“Do not eat any meat with the blood still in it.”
In this verse, God calls upon the Israelites to avoid consuming any meat that has not been properly drained of its blood. By emphasizing the importance of properly preparing meat before consumption, God reinforces the sacredness of blood and the necessity of treating it with respect.
This command also serves as a reminder of the Israelites’ commitment to following God’s instructions in both their spiritual and practical lives, honoring His laws in all aspects of their daily routines.
1 Samuel 14:32-33
“The soldiers pounced on the plunder and, taking sheep, cattle, and calves, they butchered them on the ground and ate them, together with the blood. Then someone said to Saul, ‘Look, the men are sinning against the Lord by eating meat that has blood in it.’”
This verse portrays an incident where the soldiers, in their eagerness to consume the animals they had captured, failed to comply with God’s commandment to drain the blood before eating. Their actions were identified as sinful, as eating meat with blood violated God’s law.
The passage highlights the importance of not only knowing God’s commandments but also faithfully adhering to them, even in moments of excitement or opportunity. It serves as a reminder of the significance of obedience and the consequences that can arise from disregarding God’s instructions.
Acts 21:25
“As for the Gentile believers, we have written to them our decision that they should abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals, and from sexual immorality.””
This verse references the decision made by the early Church, as represented by the apostles and elders, regarding the expectations for Gentile believers. Among the requirements set forth, one is to abstain from consuming blood, indicating that this prohibition remained integral to the teaching and practice of the early Christian community.
By including this instruction in their decision, the apostles and elders affirm the continued relevance of the commandment to avoid eating blood, emphasizing its significance within the context of the broader Christian faith.
Ezekiel 33:25
“Therefore tell them, ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says: Since you eat meat with the blood still in it and look to your idols and shed blood, should you then possess the land?'”
In this passage, God confronts the Israelites for their disobedience in consuming meat with the blood still in it and turning to idols. He questions their worthiness to possess the promised land, using their disregard for His commandments as evidence of their unfaithfulness.
Through this rebuke, God emphasizes the importance of obedience and devotion to Him, highlighting the connection between their actions and the blessings and inheritance promised to them.
Leviticus 17:14
“Because the life of every creature is its blood. That is why I have said to the Israelites, ‘You must not eat the blood of any creature because the life of every creature is its blood; anyone who eats it must be cut off.’”
Once again, God emphasizes the intrinsic link between blood and the life force within each creature. He reiterates the command to the Israelites not to consume blood, highlighting that the life of every creature is found within its blood. Anyone who violates this command is to be cut off, emphasizing the seriousness of the offense.
This verse serves as a reminder of the sanctity of life and the responsibility to honor and respect all living creatures as part of God’s creation.
Leviticus 7:27
“Anyone who eats blood must be cut off from their people.””
God reiterates the consequences for consuming blood, stating that those who partake in this act must be cut off from their community. This severe punishment is meant to emphasize the significance of obedience and the gravity of disregarding God’s commandments.
By imposing such consequences, God sets a precedent for the Israelites to uphold His laws and reinforces the importance of honoring the sanctity of blood.
Deuteronomy 12:16
“But you must not eat the blood; pour it out on the ground like water.””
In this verse, God provides further instruction to the Israelites regarding the disposal of blood when slaughtering animals. He commands them to pour out the blood on the ground, symbolizing the release of the life force contained within it, rather than consuming it.
This command serves as a visual reminder of the sacredness of blood and the need to separate it from their consumption of meat, demonstrating their obedience to God’s laws.
2 Samuel 23:17
““Oh no, Lord!” the Three cried. “We just want some water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem!”
In this verse, the mighty warriors known as “The Three” express their desire to drink water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem, which is situated among the enemies of Israel. Despite their devotion to King David and their willingness to risk their lives for him, they refrain from drinking the water out of respect for it being potentially tainted with the blood shed during their brave act.
This act of refraining from drinking the water, even when it was within their reach, demonstrates their understanding of the sanctity of blood and their commitment to upholding God’s commandments, even in the face of their own desires.
Deuteronomy 12:23-25
“But be sure you do not eat the blood, because the blood is the life, and you must not eat the life with the meat. You must not eat the blood; pour it out on the ground like water. Do not eat it, so that it may go well with you and your children after you, because you will be doing what is right in the eyes of the LORD.””
In these verses, God reiterates the command not to consume blood, emphasizing that it is the life force within the creature. He instructs the Israelites to pour out the blood on the ground, emphasizing the separation of blood from the consumption of meat.
God assures the Israelites that by obeying this command, their actions will be regarded as righteous in His eyes, and it will result in blessings not only for them but also for future generations. The emphasis on doing what is right underscores the moral and spiritual significance of respecting the sanctity of blood.
1 Corinthians 10:19-21
“Do I mean then that food sacrificed to an idol is anything, or that an idol is anything? No, but the sacrifices of pagans are offered to demons, not to God, and I do not want you to be participants with demons. You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too; you cannot have a part in both the Lord’s table and the table of demons.””
While not specifically addressing the consumption of blood, this verse highlights the connection between idolatry, sacrifices, and the spiritual implications of one’s actions. The Apostle Paul cautions the Corinthians about participating in sacrificial meals offered to idols, as they are ultimately offerings to demons.
This admonition serves as a reminder of the spiritual significance behind dietary practices and the importance of aligning one’s actions with the worship of the true God, rather than engaging in practices that are contrary to the teachings of Christ.
Leviticus 19:26
“Do not eat any meat with the blood still in it.””
Once again, God commands the Israelites not to consume any meat that has not been properly drained of its blood. This command emphasizes the necessity of properly preparing food and demonstrates the obedience required in regards to honoring the sanctity of blood.
By adhering to this command, the Israelites demonstrate their commitment to following God’s instructions in all aspects of their lives, including their dietary choices.
1 Samuel 14:33
“But Saul said, ‘Let us not go down after the Philistines by night and plunder them till dawn, and let us not leave one of them alive.’ ‘Do whatever seems best to you,’ they replied. But the priest said, ‘Let us inquire of God here.’”
In this passage, when the Israelites, under Saul’s command, determine to engage in a hasty pursuit of their enemies during the night and consume meat with blood in their excitement, the priest intervenes. He reminds them of the importance of seeking God’s guidance and wisdom before making such decisions.
This narrative serves as a cautionary tale, urging believers to prioritize seeking God’s will and guidance in all their actions, rather than acting impulsively and potentially compromising their obedience to His commands.
Acts 15:20
“Instead, we should write to them, telling them to abstain from food polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from the meat of strangled animals and from blood.””
In this verse, the apostles and elders discuss the expectations for Gentile believers. One of the requirements stated is the abstention from consuming blood, along with food sacrificed to idols, the meat of strangled animals, and sexual immorality.
The inclusion of this instruction underscores the continued significance of avoiding the consumption of blood within the context of Christian ethics and practices.
Leviticus 7:27
“He who eats any blood, that person shall be cut off from his people.””
God reiterates the serious consequences for consuming blood, emphasizing that anyone who engages in this act is to be cut off from their community. This punishment serves as a deterrent, emphasizing the importance of obedience and the gravity of violating this commandment.
By enforcing such consequences, God underscores the significance of respecting the sanctity of blood and the need for individuals to uphold His laws.
Deuteronomy 15:23
“But you shall not eat its blood; you shall pour it out on the ground like water.””
In this verse, God reiterates the command not to consume the blood of an animal but rather to pour it out on the ground. This imagery serves as a reminder of the life force contained within the blood and the need to separate it from the consumption of meat.
By emphasizing the proper handling of blood, God reinforces the sanctity of life and the need for His people to abide by His commands, even in their daily activities.
Exodus 12:7
“Then they are to take some of the blood and put it on the sides and tops of the doorframes of the houses where they eat the lambs.””
As God instructs the Israelites regarding the Passover, He commands them to take the blood of the lamb and apply it to the doorframes of their houses. This act serves as a sign of protection, distinguishing their homes and allowing the angel of death to pass over them during the judgment.
The symbolic significance of the blood in this context underscores the vital role it plays in sacrificial rituals and the power it holds as a representation of life and divine intervention.
Leviticus 3:17
“‘This is a lasting ordinance for the generations to come, wherever you live: You must not eat any fat or any blood.'””
God establishes a lasting ordinance for the Israelites, whereby they are commanded not to consume any fat or blood. This command is declared as applicable to future generations, emphasizing its ongoing significance within the community of believers.
By upholding this command, the Israelites demonstrate their commitment to honoring God’s laws and embracing a lifestyle that aligns with His instructions.