The Bible is clear on its stance about eating meat with blood, particularly in the Old Testament. It’s forbidden in the law given to the Israelites, with blood being seen as the life of the creature. Though this is a cultural command, it reflects the deeper value of respect for life.
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What Does The Bible Say About Eating Meat With Blood
Genesis 9:4
“But you must not eat meat that has its lifeblood still in it.”
This verse establishes a dietary restriction given to Noah and his descendants. It emphasizes the importance of not consuming meat with its blood, signifying the sacredness of life and the need for proper preparation before consuming animal products.
Eating meat with blood was prohibited as an act of respect for God’s creation and a reminder of the sanctity of life. This verse serves as a reminder to honor God’s instructions for food consumption and to treat His creation with reverence.
Leviticus 17:10-11
“Any Israelite or any foreigner residing among them who eats any blood—I will set my face against them and cut them off from the people. 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.”
In this verse, God declares severe consequences for those who eat blood, emphasizing the significance of blood in the atonement for sin. God appointed the blood of animals as the means of atonement for the Israelites.
By forbidding the consumption of blood, God reinforced the understanding that life is in the blood and that forgiveness and reconciliation can only come through the shedding of blood. This verse serves as a reminder of God’s provision for atonement and the seriousness of disregarding His commands.
Leviticus 17:12-14
“Therefore, I say to the Israelites, ‘None of you may eat blood, nor may any foreigner residing among you eat blood.’ ‘Any Israelite or any foreigner residing among you who hunts any animal or bird that may be eaten must drain out the blood and cover it with earth, 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.”
God reiterates the prohibition of eating blood and adds specific instructions for the hunting and preparation of animals. This verse emphasizes that every creature’s life is in its blood, making it necessary to drain out the blood before consuming the meat.
The strict guidelines regarding the consumption of blood demonstrate the value God places on life and the importance of treating His creation with care and respect. This verse serves as a reminder of the responsibility to properly handle and prepare animals for food consumption.
Acts 15:19-20
“It is my judgment, therefore, that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God. 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 the context of the early Christian church, the apostles discuss dietary restrictions imposed on the Gentile believers. They conclude that abstaining from food polluted by idols, sexual immorality, the meat of strangled animals, and blood is necessary.
This verse demonstrates the continued importance of refraining from consuming blood, not only for the Jewish believers but also for the Gentiles coming to faith in Christ. It highlights the unity in following God’s commandments and avoiding practices linked to idolatry or pagan rituals.
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.”
The apostles confirm their decision to abstain from certain practices, including consuming blood, in this verse. They advise the early believers to adhere to these requirements, emphasizing the importance of avoiding these actions.
This verse affirms the decision made by the early church leaders, guided by the Holy Spirit, to continue the prohibition of consuming blood. It underscores the significance of upholding these standards for the spiritual and moral well-being of the believers.
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.”
God reiterates the reason for the prohibition of consuming blood in this verse. He emphasizes that the blood represents life itself and should not be consumed along with the meat.
The verse serves as a reminder to the Israelites and subsequent generations of the sanctity of life and the need to respect God’s design by separating the blood from the meat. It underscores the principle of honoring and appreciating the lifeblood given by God.
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.”‘
In this verse, God extends the command regarding the consumption of blood to include both birds and animals. He declares severe consequences for anyone who disobeys this commandment, once again emphasizing the significance of this prohibition.
This verse emphasizes the universal application of the command to abstain from eating blood. It underscores the seriousness of the offense and serves as a reminder to the Israelites to remain obedient to God’s instructions in all aspects of their lives.
Leviticus 19:26
“‘Do not eat any meat with the blood still in it. Do not practice divination or seek omens.”
In this verse, God combines the command to avoid eating meat with blood along with a prohibition against practicing divination or seeking omens. He links these practices together, highlighting their opposition to His desire for His people to trust and rely solely on Him.
This verse underscores the importance of staying faithful to God’s commands and rejecting practices that involve seeking supernatural guidance apart from Him. It serves as a reminder to prioritize a genuine relationship with God and to refrain from engaging in occult practices.
Deuteronomy 12:16
“But you must not eat the blood; pour it out on the ground like water.”
God provides specific instructions for the disposal of blood in this verse. He commands the Israelites to pour it out on the ground like water, reinforcing the prohibition against consuming blood.
This verse emphasizes God’s intention for the blood to be treated with reverence and not used for personal consumption. It serves as a practical reminder for the Israelites to properly handle and dispose of the blood from animals, acknowledging the sanctity of life.
Deuteronomy 15:23
“But you shall not eat its blood; you shall pour it out on the ground like water.”
Similar to the previous verse, God reiterates the command to pour out the blood on the ground rather than consuming it in this passage. He emphasizes the significance of obeying this instruction when dealing with the meat of slaughtered animals.
This verse serves as a reminder to the Israelites of God’s commandment and His desire for them to handle the blood properly. It reinforces the notion that life belongs to God and should be treated with utmost respect.
1 Samuel 14:32-34
“The men pounced on the plunder and, taking sheep, cattle, and calves, they butchered them on the ground, and the people ate them with the blood still in them. Then someone said to Saul, ‘Look, the men are sinning against the Lord by eating meat that has blood in it.’ ‘You have broken faith,’ he said. ‘Roll a large stone over here at once.'”
In this narrative, the Israelites, driven by hunger and in their haste, consume meat with the blood. This action is considered sinful and a violation of God’s command, prompting Saul to take immediate action in response.
This passage highlights the seriousness of consuming meat with the blood and the need for vigilance in adhering to God’s instructions. It serves as a cautionary tale to ensure obedience and proper handling of animals and their blood.
Ezekiel 33:25
“Therefore say to 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? You rely on your sword, you do detestable things, and each of you defiles his neighbor’s wife. Should you then possess the land?”
Through the prophet Ezekiel, God confronts the Israelites for their disobedience, which includes eating meat with the blood and engaging in idolatry and other sinful actions. He questions their right to possess the land due to these transgressions.
This verse serves as a stern rebuke and a wake-up call for the Israelites to repent from their sinful practices, including consuming blood. It highlights the connection between obedience to God’s commands and the rightful possession of the promised land.
1 Corinthians 8:8
“But food does not bring us near to God; we are no worse if we do not eat, and no better if we do.”
In the context of Paul addressing the issue of eating meat sacrificed to idols, he emphasizes that food itself does not determine one’s spiritual standing before God. He affirms that abstaining from certain foods, including blood, does not make a person more righteous.
This verse highlights the distinction between dietary restrictions and moral obligations in the Christian faith. While the consumption of blood is admonished, it is not a defining factor for one’s salvation or relationship with God. It emphasizes the freedom and grace found in Christ.
Romans 14:14
“I am convinced, being fully persuaded in the Lord Jesus, that nothing is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for that person it is unclean.”
In this passage, Paul addresses the issue of dietary restrictions within the context of personal convictions. He acknowledges that there is no food inherently unclean, but if someone considers a particular food, such as blood, as unclean, then they should avoid it.
This verse emphasizes the importance of respecting individual convictions and not causing others to stumble in matters of conscience. While the consumption of blood may be permissible for some, this passage encourages understanding and sensitivity towards those who hold different beliefs.
Revelation 17:6
“I saw that the woman was drunk with the blood of God’s holy people, the blood of those who bore testimony to Jesus. When I saw her, I was greatly astonished.”
In a vision, John sees a woman depicted as being drunk with the blood of God’s holy people. This imagery symbolizes her involvement in persecuting and shedding the blood of believers who faithfully testified about Jesus.
This verse serves as a powerful reminder of the significance of bloodshed and the persecution faced by followers of Christ throughout history. It highlights the evil nature of those who oppose God’s people and seek to destroy His work.
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 regarding dietary restrictions, including the prohibition against eating any blood. This decree is meant to be observed by future generations, regardless of their geographical location.
This verse affirms that God’s commandments are not limited to a specific time or place but are intended to be perpetually followed. It underscores the timeless truth of abstaining from consuming blood and serves as a reminder of God’s enduring standards.
Leviticus 19:26
“‘Do not eat any meat with the blood still in it. Do not practice divination or seek omens.”
In this verse, God combines the command to avoid eating meat with blood along with a prohibition against practicing divination or seeking omens. He links these practices together, highlighting their opposition to His desire for His people to trust and rely solely on Him.
This verse underscores the importance of staying faithful to God’s commands and rejecting practices that involve seeking supernatural guidance apart from Him. It serves as a reminder to prioritize a genuine relationship with God and to refrain from engaging in occult practices.
Deuteronomy 12:16
“But you must not eat the blood; pour it out on the ground like water.”
God provides specific instructions for the disposal of blood in this verse. He commands the Israelites to pour it out on the ground like water, reinforcing the prohibition against consuming blood.
This verse emphasizes God’s intention for the blood to be treated with reverence and not used for personal consumption. It serves as a practical reminder for the Israelites to properly handle and dispose of the blood from animals, acknowledging the sanctity of life.
Deuteronomy 15:23
“But you shall not eat its blood; you shall pour it out on the ground like water.”
Similar to the previous verse, God reiterates the command to pour out the blood on the ground rather than consuming it in this passage. He emphasizes the significance of obeying this instruction when dealing with the meat of slaughtered animals.
This verse serves as a reminder to the Israelites of God’s commandment and His desire for them to handle the blood properly. It reinforces the notion that life belongs to God and should be treated with utmost respect.
1 Samuel 14:32-34
“The men pounced on the plunder and, taking sheep, cattle, and calves, they butchered them on the ground, and the people ate them with the blood still in them. Then someone said to Saul, ‘Look, the men are sinning against the Lord by eating meat that has blood in it.’ ‘You have broken faith,’ he said. ‘Roll a large stone over here at once.'”
In this narrative, the Israelites, driven by hunger and in their haste, consume meat with the blood. This action is considered sinful and a violation of God’s command, prompting Saul to take immediate action in response.
This passage highlights the seriousness of consuming meat with the blood and the need for vigilance in adhering to God’s instructions. It serves as a cautionary tale to ensure obedience and proper handling of animals and their blood.
Ezekiel 33:25
“Therefore say to 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? You rely on your sword, you do detestable things, and each of you defiles his neighbor’s wife. Should you then possess the land?”
Through the prophet Ezekiel, God confronts the Israelites for their disobedience, which includes eating meat with the blood and engaging in idolatry and other sinful actions. He questions their right to possess the land due to these transgressions.
This verse serves as a stern rebuke and a wake-up call for the Israelites to repent from their sinful practices, including consuming blood. It highlights the connection between obedience to God’s commands and the rightful possession of the promised land.
1 Corinthians 8:8
“But food does not bring us near to God; we are no worse if we do not eat, and no better if we do.”
In the context of Paul addressing the issue of eating meat sacrificed to idols, he emphasizes that food itself does not determine one’s spiritual standing before God. He affirms that abstaining from certain foods, including blood, does not make a person more righteous.
This verse highlights the distinction between dietary restrictions and moral obligations in the Christian faith. While the consumption of blood is admonished, it is not a defining factor for one’s salvation or relationship with God. It emphasizes the freedom and grace found in Christ.
Romans 14:14
“I am convinced, being fully persuaded in the Lord Jesus, that nothing is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for that person it is unclean.”
In this passage, Paul addresses the issue of dietary restrictions within the context of personal convictions. He acknowledges that there is no food inherently unclean, but if someone considers a particular food, such as blood, as unclean, then they should avoid it.
This verse emphasizes the importance of respecting individual convictions and not causing others to stumble in matters of conscience. While the consumption of blood may be permissible for some, this passage encourages understanding and sensitivity towards those who hold different beliefs.
Colossians 2:16-17
“Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration, or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ.”
Paul addresses the issue of dietary restrictions and religious observances, reminding the Colossians not to let anyone judge them based on what they eat or drink. He explains that these observances were shadows pointing to Christ, who is the fulfillment of their true significance.
This verse emphasizes that adherence to dietary restrictions is not essential for salvation or spiritual growth. It encourages believers to focus on the reality of their faith in Christ rather than becoming entangled in legalistic practices.
Hebrews 9:13-14
“The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean. How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!”
In this passage, the author of Hebrews compares the purification rituals of the Old Testament with the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The shedding of animal blood symbolically cleansed individuals from outward impurity, but the blood of Christ offers a deeper spiritual cleansing.
This verse highlights the superiority of Christ’s sacrifice and the power of His blood to cleanse believers from sin. It establishes the new covenant and emphasizes the need for inner transformation rather than mere external observances.
Hebrews 10:29
“How much more severely do you think someone deserves to be punished who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, who has treated as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant that sanctified them, and who has insulted the Spirit of grace?”
The author of Hebrews warns against treating the blood of Christ as unholy or disregarding its sanctifying power. This strong statement highlights the gravity of disrespecting the sacrificial work of Jesus.
This verse serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of reverencing the blood of Christ and not taking His sacrifice lightly. It underscores the need for gratitude, reverence, and active faith in response to God’s grace.
1 Peter 1:18-19
“For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.”
Peter highlights the preciousness of the blood of Christ as the means of redemption from sinful ways and ancestral traditions. He contrasts it with perishable riches, emphasizing the incomparable value of Christ’s sacrificial death.
This verse invites believers to reflect on the incredible price paid for their salvation and the surpassing worth of Christ’s blood. It calls for a gratitude-filled response and a renewed commitment to live according to God’s purposes.
Revelation 1:5-6
“…and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father—to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen.”
The apostle John praises Jesus as the faithful witness, the one who loves believers and has freed them from their sins through His blood. He acknowledges that believers have been made into a kingdom of priests who serve God.
This verse celebrates the redemptive work of Christ’s blood and its transformative impact on believers’ lives. It invites believers to recognize their identity as a kingdom of priests and to offer continual praise and worship to the eternal King.