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Leviticus 7:27 - Blood consumption: soul's severance?

Leviticus 7:27 - ויקרא 7:27

Hebrew Text

כָּל־נֶפֶשׁ אֲשֶׁר־תֹּאכַל כָּל־דָּם וְנִכְרְתָה הַנֶּפֶשׁ הַהִוא מֵעַמֶּיהָ׃

English Translation

Whoever it be that eats any manner of blood, that soul shall be cut off from his people.

Transliteration

Kol-nefesh asher-tochal kol-dam venichreta hanefesh hahi meameha.

Hebrew Leining Text

כׇּל־נֶ֖פֶשׁ אֲשֶׁר־תֹּאכַ֣ל כׇּל־דָּ֑ם וְנִכְרְתָ֛ה הַנֶּ֥פֶשׁ הַהִ֖וא מֵֽעַמֶּֽיהָ׃ <span class="mam-spi-pe">{פ}</span><br><sup class="footnote-marker">*</sup><i class="footnote">(אין פרשה בספרי תימן)</i>
כׇּל־נֶ֖פֶשׁ אֲשֶׁר־תֹּאכַ֣ל כׇּל־דָּ֑ם וְנִכְרְתָ֛ה הַנֶּ֥פֶשׁ הַהִ֖וא מֵֽעַמֶּֽיהָ׃ {פ}
*(אין פרשה בספרי תימן)

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Parasha Commentary

Prohibition of Consuming Blood

The verse (Vayikra 17:14) states: "כָּל־נֶפֶשׁ אֲשֶׁר־תֹּאכַל כָּל־דָּם וְנִכְרְתָה הַנֶּפֶשׁ הַהִוא מֵעַמֶּיהָ" ("Whoever it be that eats any manner of blood, that soul shall be cut off from his people"). This prohibition is one of the most severe in the Torah, carrying the penalty of karet (excision).

Explanation of the Severity

Rashi (on Vayikra 17:11) explains that blood represents the life force (nefesh) of a creature, as stated in Devarim 12:23: "כִּי הַדָּם הוּא הַנָּפֶשׁ" ("for the blood is the life"). Consuming blood is thus akin to consuming the essence of life, which is reserved for Hashem alone in the context of sacrificial service. The Rambam (Hilchot Ma'achalot Asurot 6:1) further elaborates that this prohibition applies to all blood, whether from kosher or non-kosher animals, birds, or wild beasts.

Spiritual Implications of Karet

The punishment of karet signifies a spiritual severance from the Jewish people. The Talmud (Keritot 2a) discusses that this penalty applies only when the transgression is committed intentionally (be'mezid). The Midrash (Torat Kohanim 17:14) emphasizes that this mitzvah is so fundamental that its violation disrupts the individual's connection to the divine covenant.

Exceptions and Practical Halacha

  • Koshering Meat: The Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 69) details the proper salting and rinsing process to remove blood from meat before consumption.
  • Liver: Due to its high blood content, liver requires special broiling (grilling) to render it permissible (Rama, Yoreh De'ah 73:1).
  • Medical or Accidental Consumption: The Poskim discuss leniencies in cases of pikuach nefesh (life-threatening situations) or unintentional consumption (Mishnah Berurah, Sha'ar HaTziyun 84:15).

Moral Lesson

The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 148) teaches that this prohibition instills reverence for life. By abstaining from blood, we acknowledge that life is sacred and belongs solely to Hashem. This mitzvah thus cultivates ethical sensitivity and respect for all living beings.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Keritot 20b
The verse is cited in a discussion about the prohibition of consuming blood and the consequences of violating this commandment.
📖 Sanhedrin 56b
The verse is referenced in the context of the Noahide laws, which include prohibitions against consuming blood.
📖 Chullin 117a
The verse is mentioned in a discussion about the proper handling and prohibition of consuming blood from slaughtered animals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does it mean to be 'cut off from one's people' in Leviticus 7:27?
A: According to traditional Jewish sources like Rashi and the Talmud (Keritot 1:1), being 'cut off from one's people' (כרת) refers to a severe spiritual punishment where the soul is separated from its connection to the Jewish people and the World to Come. Some opinions say it may also imply premature death or having no descendants.
Q: Why is eating blood forbidden according to Judaism?
A: The Torah forbids eating blood because blood represents life (Leviticus 17:11). Rambam (Hilchot Ma'achalot Asurot 6:1) explains that consuming blood would make one cruel and violent, as blood is associated with the animal's life force. The prohibition teaches respect for life and separation from pagan practices.
Q: Does this prohibition apply to all blood or just animal blood?
A: The prohibition applies specifically to the blood of kosher animals and birds (Chullin 117a). Fish blood and human blood are not included in this prohibition according to most opinions, though some authorities are stringent about human blood as well (Shulchan Aruch, Yoreh De'ah 66:10).
Q: How do we practically avoid eating blood according to Jewish law?
A: Jewish law requires thorough kashering (removing blood) through salting, roasting, or proper slaughtering techniques (Shulchan Aruch, Yoreh De'ah 69). Meat must be soaked and salted under rabbinic supervision to remove blood before cooking. Liver requires special broiling due to its high blood content.
Q: What is the spiritual significance of this prohibition today?
A: The prohibition reminds us that life is sacred and belongs to Hashem. The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 148) explains that avoiding blood elevates us above animalistic behavior. Today, keeping kosher laws - including this prohibition - maintains Jewish spiritual identity and discipline in our relationship with food.