King James Version

What Does Leviticus 17:13 Mean?

Leviticus 17:13 in the King James Version says “And whatsoever man there be of the children of Israel, or of the strangers that sojourn among you, which hunteth and cat... — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And whatsoever man there be of the children of Israel, or of the strangers that sojourn among you, which hunteth and catcheth any beast or fowl that may be eaten; he shall even pour out the blood thereof, and cover it with dust. which: Heb. that hunteth any hunting

Leviticus 17:13 · KJV


Context

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.

13

And whatsoever man there be of the children of Israel, or of the strangers that sojourn among you, which hunteth and catcheth any beast or fowl that may be eaten; he shall even pour out the blood thereof, and cover it with dust. which: Heb. that hunteth any hunting

14

For it is the life of all flesh; the blood of it is for the life thereof: therefore I said unto the children of Israel, Ye shall eat the blood of no manner of flesh: for the life of all flesh is the blood thereof: whosoever eateth it shall be cut off.

15

And every soul that eateth that which died of itself, or that which was torn with beasts, whether it be one of your own country, or a stranger, he shall both wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the even: then shall he be clean. that which died: Heb. a carcase


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And whatsoever man there be of the children of Israel, or of the strangers that sojourn among you, which hunteth and catcheth any beast or fowl that may be eaten; he shall even pour out the blood thereof, and cover it with dust.

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.
Every sacrifice and ritual in Leviticus points forward to Jesus Christ, who fulfills the entire sacrificial system as both perfect sacrifice and eternal high priest.

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 texts like the Code of Hammurabi show that law codes were common in the ancient Near East, but biblical law uniquely grounded ethics in God's character rather than merely social convention.

Reflection Questions

  1. What practical steps can you take this week to apply the principles taught in this verse?
  2. How does this verse point to Christ, and how does that deepen your faith and gratitude?
  3. In what practical ways should this verse influence your church life, family relationships, or personal integrity?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
אִ֜ישׁ1 of 21

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 21

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)

מִבְּנֵ֣י3 of 21

there be of the children

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל4 of 21

of Israel

H3478

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

וּמִן5 of 21
H4480

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

הַגֵּר֙6 of 21

or of the strangers

H1616

properly, a guest; by implication, a foreigner

הַגָּ֣ר7 of 21

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 21

among

H8432

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

אֲשֶׁ֨ר9 of 21
H834

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

יָצ֜וּד10 of 21

you which hunteth

H6679

to victual (for a journey)

צֵ֥יד11 of 21

and catcheth

H6718

(generally) lunch (especially for a journey)

חַיָּ֛ה12 of 21

any beast

H2416

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

אוֹ13 of 21
H176

desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if

ע֖וֹף14 of 21

or fowl

H5775

a bird (as covered with feathers, or rather as covering with wings), often collectively

אֲשֶׁ֣ר15 of 21
H834

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

יֵֽאָכֵ֑ל16 of 21

that may be eaten

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

וְשָׁפַךְ֙17 of 21

he shall even pour

H8210

to spill forth (blood, a libation, liquid metal; or even a solid, i.e., to mound up); also (figuratively) to expend (life, soul, complaint, money, etc

אֶת18 of 21
H853

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

דָּמ֔וֹ19 of 21

out the 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

וְכִסָּ֖הוּ20 of 21

thereof and cover

H3680

properly, to plump, i.e., fill up hollows; by implication, to cover (for clothing or secrecy)

בֶּֽעָפָֽר׃21 of 21

it with dust

H6083

dust (as powdered or gray); hence, clay, earth, mud


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 17:13 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 17:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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