Leviticus 17:13
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This verse highlights that even when hunting for food, the blood of an animal must be covered with earth. This isn't just about sanitation; it’s a profound reminder that the blood, representing life, is sacred and belongs to God, not to be carelessly discarded or consumed.
“Any one also of the people of Israel, or of the strangers who sojourn among them, who takes in hunting any beast or bird that may be eaten shall pour out its blood and cover it with earth.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage shifts from the blood of sacrificial animals to the blood of wild creatures hunted for food, reminding both Israelites and resident foreigners that the prohibition against eating blood extends to all clean animals. It establishes a practical ritual for hunters: after taking a clean animal, they must pour out its blood and cover it with earth, a deliberate act to acknowledge its sacredness and distinguish Israelite practice from pagan rituals. This instruction directly follows the commands concerning sacrificial blood, underscoring the pervasive sanctity of blood in God's sight.
Who does this law apply to? Does it matter if you're an Israelite or a visitor?
This passage is crystal clear: the law about handling blood applies to everyone living among the Israelites, whether they were born there or are just sojourning. This emphasizes God's desire for a holy community where His commands are respected by all residents.
Why the fuss about pouring out blood and covering it with dirt? It wasn't sacrificed, so what's the big deal?
This command goes beyond the sacrificial system. Even when an animal was hunted and killed for food, its blood had to be handled with respect. This practice was a tangible way to remember that blood represents life, and life belongs to God.
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This passage directly echoes the principle that the life is in the blood, establishing the sanctity of life before the Mosaic Law and setting the stage for why blood is forbidden as food.
1 Samuel 14:32-34This account shows the dire consequences when the Israelites, in their haste and hunger, ate blood, demonstrating the practical and spiritual implications of the prohibition.
Acts 15:20The apostles reaffirmed the prohibition against eating blood for Gentile believers, showing that this Old Testament principle carried forward into the early church, highlighting its ongoing importance for unity and witness.
Ezekiel 24:7-8This prophecy uses the imagery of blood poured out and left uncovered as a sign of judgment and uncleanness, reinforcing the sacredness of blood that Leviticus 17 emphasizes needs to be covered.
gillLeviticus 17:13: "And whatsoever man there be of the children of Israel, or of the strangers that sojourn among you, which hunteth and catcheth any beast or fowl that may be eaten; he shall even pour out the blood thereof, and cover it with dust."
And whatsoever man there be of the children of Israel, or of the strangers that sojourn among you,.... This form of speaking, which is often used in this chapter, is still observed to point out the persons on whom the law is obligatory, Israelites and…
calvinLeviticus 17:10-14: "And whatsoever man there be of the house of Israel, or of the strangers that sojourn among you, that eateth any manner of blood; I will even set my face against that soul that eateth blood, and will cut him off from among his people."
- And whatsoever man there be of the house of Israel, or of the strangers that sojourn among you, that eateth any manner of blood; I will even set my face against that soul that eateth blood, and will cut him off from among his people.
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This verse highlights that even when hunting for food, the blood of an animal must be covered with earth. This isn't just about sanitation; it’s a profound reminder that the blood, representing life, is sacred and belongs to God, not to be carelessly discarded or consumed.
This passage shifts from the blood of sacrificial animals to the blood of wild creatures hunted for food, reminding both Israelites and resident foreigners that the prohibition against eating blood extends to all clean animals. It establishes a practical ritual for hunters: after taking a clean animal, they must pour out its blood and cover it with earth, a deliberate act to acknowledge its sacredness and distinguish Israelite practice from pagan rituals. This instruction directly follows the commands concerning sacrificial blood, underscoring the pervasive sanctity of blood in God's sight.
This passage shifts from the blood of sacrificial animals to the blood of wild creatures hunted for food, reminding both Israelites and resident foreigners that the prohibition against eating blood extends to all clean animals. It establishes a practical ritual for hunters: after taking a clean animal, they must pour out its blood and cover it with earth, a deliberate act to acknowledge its sacredness and distinguish Israelite practice from pagan rituals. This instruction directly follows the commands concerning sacrificial blood, underscoring the pervasive sanctity of blood in God's sight.
"“Any one also of the people of Israel, or of the strangers who sojourn among them, who takes in hunting any beast or bird that may be eaten shall pour out its blood and cover it with earth." — This verse highlights that even when hunting for food, the blood of an animal must be covered with earth. This isn't just about sanitation; it’s a profound reminder that the blood, representing life,…
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Last reviewed October 2026
