Deuteronomy 12:16

16 "¹Only you shall not eat the blood; ²you are to pour it out on the ground like water.

Deuteronomy 12:16 Meaning and Commentary

Deuteronomy 12:16

Only ye shall not eat the blood
All manner of blood being forbidden, of fowl or of beasts, whether slain for sacrifice or for common food:

ye shall pour it out upon the earth as water;
which cannot be gathered up again for use, but is swallowed up in the earth.

Deuteronomy 12:16 In-Context

14 but in the place which the LORD chooses in one of your tribes, there you shall offer your burnt offerings, and there you shall do all that I command you.

15 "However, you may slaughter and eat meat within any of your gates, whatever you desire, according to the blessing of the LORD your God which He has given you; the unclean and the clean may eat of it, as of the gazelle and the deer.

16 "Only you shall not eat the blood; you are to pour it out on the ground like water.

17 "You are not allowed to eat within your gates the tithe of your grain or new wine or oil, or the firstborn of your herd or flock, or any of your votive offerings which you vow, or your freewill offerings, or the contribution of your hand.

18 "But you shall eat them before the LORD your God in the place which the LORD your God will choose, you and your son and daughter, and your male and female servants , and the Levite who is within your gates; and you shall rejoice before the LORD your God in all your undertakings.

Cross References

• 1. Genesis 9:4; Leviticus 7:26; Leviticus 17:10-12; 1 Samuel 14:33; Acts 15:20, 29
• 2. Deuteronomy 15:23