King James Version

What Does Leviticus 17:14 Mean?

Leviticus 17:14 in the King James Version says “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, ... — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Leviticus 17:14 · KJV


Context

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

16

But if he wash them not, nor bathe his flesh; then he shall bear his iniquity.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 access to God's presence that Leviticus carefully regulated is now freely available through Christ's blood, tearing the veil and opening the way to God.

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. 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 · 24 words
כִּֽי1 of 24
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

נֶ֤פֶשׁ2 of 24

For it is the life

H5315

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

כָּל3 of 24
H3605

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

בָּשָׂר֙4 of 24

of all flesh

H1320

flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man

דָּמ֣וֹ5 of 24

is 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

נֶ֤פֶשׁ6 of 24

For it is the life

H5315

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

הוּא֒7 of 24
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

וָֽאֹמַר֙8 of 24

thereof therefore I said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לִבְנֵ֣י9 of 24

unto 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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל10 of 24

of Israel

H3478

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

דָּמ֣וֹ11 of 24

is 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

כָּל12 of 24
H3605

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

בָּשָׂר֙13 of 24

of all flesh

H1320

flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man

לֹ֣א14 of 24
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

אֹֽכְלָ֖יו15 of 24

Ye shall eat

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

כִּ֣י16 of 24
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

נֶ֤פֶשׁ17 of 24

For it is the life

H5315

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

כָּל18 of 24
H3605

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

בָּשָׂר֙19 of 24

of all flesh

H1320

flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man

דָּמ֣וֹ20 of 24

is 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

הִ֔וא21 of 24
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

כָּל22 of 24
H3605

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

אֹֽכְלָ֖יו23 of 24

Ye shall eat

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

יִכָּרֵֽת׃24 of 24

it shall be cut 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


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 17:14 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 17:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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