Leviticus 17

13–14 These verses deal with game animals and birds that were “clean” and thus fit for food. Even though they were not suitable as sacrificial offerings, their blood was still sacred; it had to be drained out before the meat could be eaten.

15–16 A bird or animal that had been found dead was not to be eaten (Exodus 22:31); it was a carcass, and therefore unclean—and likely unhealthy! (see Leviticus 11:39–40). But above all, it would be impossible to drain the blood from a carcass; hence, a carcass was never to be eaten.⁶⁰

However, these verses may refer primarily to the accidental eating of meat from an animal or bird whose blood had not been drained; this would explain why the penalty was so mild: only a bath and the washing of clothes.

Are Christians allowed to eat blood today? Yes, they are. This prohibition against eating blood was given only to the Israelites and to any alien (foreigner) living among them. The prohibition was part of the ceremonial law that became obsolete after the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ. The blood of Christ alone atones for sin; all other blood is suitable for eating.

However, there may be times when a Christian should voluntarily refrain from eating blood, particularly when someone else might be hurt or offended if blood were eaten. Such an instance is recorded in Acts 15:20,29. The Christian leaders at the time (all Jews) were giving instructions to the newly converted Gentiles regarding which parts of the Old Testament law they should follow. The leaders determined that out of respect for Jewish believers, the new Gentile Christians should abstain from eating blood (among other things). The Apostle Paul later laid down principles governing these matters in Romans 14:13–21; 1 Corinthians 8:4–13; 9:19–23.