Leviticus 17:14-16

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.”

15 “ ‘Anyone, whether native-born or foreigner, who eats anything found dead or torn by wild animals must wash their clothes and bathe with water, and they will be ceremonially unclean till evening; then they will be clean.

16 But if they do not wash their clothes and bathe themselves, they will be held responsible.’ ”

Leviticus 17:14-16 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO LEVITICUS 17

In this chapter a law is given, ordering all sorts of persons, Israelites and sojourners, to bring their sacrifices to the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, on pain of being cut off, Le 17:1-9; and a special and particular prohibition of sacrificing to devils is delivered out, Le 17:7; and the eating of blood, and of everything that dies of itself, or is torn with beasts, is forbidden under the above penalty, Le 17:10-16.

Cross References

• 1. ver 11; S Genesis 9:4
• 2. S Leviticus 7:24
• 3. S Exodus 22:31; Deuteronomy 14:21
• 4. S Leviticus 14:8
• 5. S Leviticus 11:40
• 6. S Leviticus 5:1