King James Version

What Does Leviticus 7:26 Mean?

Leviticus 7:26 in the King James Version says “Moreover ye shall eat no manner of blood, whether it be of fowl or of beast, in any of your dwellings. — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Moreover ye shall eat no manner of blood, whether it be of fowl or of beast, in any of your dwellings.

Leviticus 7:26 · KJV


Context

24

And the fat of the beast that dieth of itself, and the fat of that which is torn with beasts, may be used in any other use: but ye shall in no wise eat of it. beast: Heb. carcase

25

For whosoever eateth the fat of the beast, of which men offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD, even the soul that eateth it shall be cut off from his people.

26

Moreover ye shall eat no manner of blood, whether it be of fowl or of beast, in any of your dwellings.

27

Whatsoever soul it be that eateth any manner of blood, even that soul shall be cut off from his people.

28

And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Moreover ye shall eat no manner of blood, whether it be of fowl or of beast, in any of your dwellings.

This verse falls within the section on Further Offering Regulations. Additional laws concerning offerings, including prohibitions on eating fat and blood, establishing boundaries for holy things.

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.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Additional laws concerning offerings, including prohibitions on eating fat and blood, establishing boundaries for holy things. Leviticus was given to Israel at Mount Sinai, shortly after the tabernacle's construction described in Exodus. The name 'Leviticus' (from Latin Leviticus, referring to the Levites) reflects its focus on priestly duties, though the Hebrew title Wayyiqra ('And He called') emphasizes God's initiative in revealing these laws. The first seven chapters detail the five main offerings, providing both worshiper instructions and priestly procedures. Ancient Near Eastern cultures had various sacrificial systems, but Israel's sacrificial worship was unique in its ethical foundation, monotheistic framework, and emphasis on atonement rather than appeasement. Unlike pagan rituals focused on manipulating deities, Israel's sacrifices acknowledged God's sovereignty and sought reconciliation based on His gracious provision. 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 can you use this verse to worship God more fully, obey Him more faithfully, or love others more sacrificially?
  2. How does this verse help you understand both God's justice and His mercy in salvation?
  3. How does this verse reveal God's character, and how should that revelation shape your relationship with Him?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
וְכָל1 of 8
H3605

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

דָּם֙2 of 8

no 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

לֹ֣א3 of 8
H3808

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

תֹֽאכְל֔וּ4 of 8

Moreover ye shall eat

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

בְּכֹ֖ל5 of 8
H3605

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

מוֹשְׁבֹֽתֵיכֶ֑ם6 of 8

in any of your dwellings

H4186

a seat; figuratively, a site; abstractly, a session; by extension an abode (the place or the time); by implication, population

לָע֖וֹף7 of 8

whether it be of fowl

H5775

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

וְלַבְּהֵמָֽה׃8 of 8

or of beast

H929

properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective)


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 7:26 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 7:26 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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