King James Version

What Does Leviticus 17:10 Mean?

Leviticus 17:10 in the King James Version says “And whatsoever man there be of the house of Israel, or of the strangers that sojourn among you, that eateth any manner o... — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Leviticus 17:10 · KJV


Context

8

And thou shalt say unto them, Whatsoever man there be of the house of Israel, or of the strangers which sojourn among you, that offereth a burnt offering or sacrifice,

9

And bringeth it not unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, to offer it unto the LORD; even that man shall be cut off from among his people.

10

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.

11

For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul.

12

Therefore I said unto the children of Israel, No soul of you shall eat blood, neither shall any stranger that sojourneth among you eat blood.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

This verse falls within the section on Sanctity of Blood. Regulations prohibiting consumption of blood and requiring proper slaughter, emphasizing blood's sacred role in atonement.

Leviticus 17:11 declares 'the life of the flesh is in the blood,' establishing blood's sacred role in atonement, pointing to Christ's blood shed for redemption.
The holiness demanded in Leviticus becomes possible through Christ, who both satisfies God's righteous requirements and transforms believers by His Spirit.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Regulations prohibiting consumption of blood and requiring proper slaughter, emphasizing blood's sacred role in atonement. Chapters 17-27, often called the 'Holiness Code,' expand covenant obligations beyond ritual to encompass all of life—sexuality, economics, justice, and relationships. The repeated refrain 'I am the LORD' grounds these laws in God's character and covenant relationship with Israel. Israel received these laws while encamped at Sinai, before entering Canaan. The laws prepared them for life in the promised land, distinguishing them from Canaanite practices and establishing their identity as God's holy nation. The portable tabernacle, central to Levitical worship, accompanied them through wilderness wanderings and eventually found permanent form in Solomon's temple. Ancient sacrificial texts from cultures surrounding Israel demonstrate the widespread practice of animal sacrifice, but Israel's system uniquely emphasized moral atonement over magical efficacy.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse reveal God's character, and how should that revelation shape your relationship with Him?
  2. In what ways does this verse challenge contemporary cultural values or your personal attitudes?
  3. How does this verse point to Christ, and how does that deepen your faith and gratitude?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 22 words
אִ֜ישׁ1 of 22

And whatsoever man

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

אִ֜ישׁ2 of 22

And whatsoever man

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

מִבֵּ֣ית3 of 22

there be of the house

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל4 of 22

of Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

וּמִן5 of 22
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הַגֵּר֙6 of 22

or of the strangers

H1616

properly, a guest; by implication, a foreigner

הַגָּ֣ר7 of 22

that sojourn

H1481

properly, to turn aside from the road (for a lodging or any other purpose), i.e., sojourn (as a guest); also to shrink, fear (as in a strange place);

בְּתוֹכָ֔ם8 of 22

among

H8432

a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center

אֲשֶׁ֥ר9 of 22
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

הָֽאֹכֶ֣לֶת10 of 22

that eateth

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

כָּל11 of 22
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הַדָּ֔ם12 of 22

any manner of blood

H1818

blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe

וְנָֽתַתִּ֣י13 of 22

I will even set

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

פָנַ֗י14 of 22

my face

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

בַּנֶּ֙פֶשׁ֙15 of 22

against that soul

H5315

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

הָֽאֹכֶ֣לֶת16 of 22

that eateth

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

אֶת17 of 22
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַדָּ֔ם18 of 22

any manner of blood

H1818

blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe

וְהִכְרַתִּ֥י19 of 22

and will cut him off

H3772

to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt

אֹתָ֖הּ20 of 22
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

מִקֶּ֥רֶב21 of 22

from among

H7130

properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)

עַמָּֽהּ׃22 of 22

his people

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Leviticus. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Leviticus 17:10 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Leviticus 17:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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