Deuteronomy 12:23

23 But never consume the blood, for the blood is the life, and you must not consume the lifeblood with the meat.

Deuteronomy 12:23 Meaning and Commentary

Deuteronomy 12:23

Only be sure that thou eat not the blood
This is repeated again, that they might be careful to observe the law concerning that:

for the blood is the life:
which is the reason given for the prohibition of it, (See Gill on Leviticus 17:11),

and thou mayest not eat the life with the flesh:
by which it seems that the meaning of the law was, that the blood might not be eaten in or with the flesh, but to be let out of it, or the fish not to be eaten raw, but dressed; for there were various laws about eating of blood, which are differently expressed.

Deuteronomy 12:23 In-Context

21 It might happen that the designated place of worship—the place the LORD your God chooses for his name to be honored—is a long way from your home. If so, you may butcher any of the cattle, sheep, or goats the LORD has given you, and you may freely eat the meat in your hometown, as I have commanded you.

22 Anyone, whether ceremonially clean or unclean, may eat that meat, just as you do now with gazelle and deer.

23 But never consume the blood, for the blood is the life, and you must not consume the lifeblood with the meat.

24 Instead, pour out the blood on the ground like water.

25 Do not consume the blood, so that all may go well with you and your children after you, because you will be doing what pleases the LORD .