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Leviticus 17:10 - Blood prohibition: eternal divine decree

Leviticus 17:10 - ויקרא 17:10

Hebrew Text

וְאִישׁ אִישׁ מִבֵּית יִשְׂרָאֵל וּמִן־הַגֵּר הַגָּר בְּתוֹכָם אֲשֶׁר יֹאכַל כָּל־דָּם וְנָתַתִּי פָנַי בַּנֶּפֶשׁ הָאֹכֶלֶת אֶת־הַדָּם וְהִכְרַתִּי אֹתָהּ מִקֶּרֶב עַמָּהּ׃

English Translation

And whatever man there be of the house of Yisra᾽el, or of the strangers that sojourn among you, that eats any manner of blood: then I will set my face against that person that eats blood, and will cut him off from among his people.

Transliteration

Ve-ish ish mi-beit yisra-el u-min ha-ger ha-gar be-tocham asher yo-chal kol-dam ve-natati panai ba-nefesh ha-ochelet et ha-dam ve-hichrati otah mi-kerev amah.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְאִ֨ישׁ אִ֜ישׁ מִבֵּ֣ית יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל וּמִן־הַגֵּר֙ הַגָּ֣ר בְּתוֹכָ֔ם אֲשֶׁ֥ר יֹאכַ֖ל כׇּל־דָּ֑ם וְנָתַתִּ֣י פָנַ֗י בַּנֶּ֙פֶשׁ֙ הָאֹכֶ֣לֶת אֶת־הַדָּ֔ם וְהִכְרַתִּ֥י אֹתָ֖הּ מִקֶּ֥רֶב עַמָּֽהּ׃
וְאִ֨ישׁ אִ֜ישׁ מִבֵּ֣ית יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל וּמִן־הַגֵּר֙ הַגָּ֣ר בְּתוֹכָ֔ם אֲשֶׁ֥ר יֹאכַ֖ל כׇּל־דָּ֑ם וְנָתַתִּ֣י פָנַ֗י בַּנֶּ֙פֶשׁ֙ הָאֹכֶ֣לֶת אֶת־הַדָּ֔ם וְהִכְרַתִּ֥י אֹתָ֖הּ מִקֶּ֥רֶב עַמָּֽהּ׃

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Parasha Commentary

Prohibition of Consuming Blood

The verse from Vayikra (Leviticus) 17:10 establishes a strict prohibition against consuming blood, applying to both native Israelites and gerim (strangers dwelling among them). The Torah emphasizes the severity of this transgression by stating that Hashem will "set His face against" the offender and "cut him off from among his people." This reflects the gravity of violating this commandment, as blood represents the essence of life (nefesh), as stated in Devarim (Deuteronomy) 12:23: "For the blood is the life (ki hadam hu hanefesh)."

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (on Vayikra 17:10) explains that the phrase "I will set My face against that person" indicates divine retribution, meaning that Hashem will personally exact punishment rather than leaving it to natural consequences. The term "cut off" (vehichrati) refers to karet, a spiritual excision from one's people, which can imply premature death or being severed from one's spiritual heritage in the World to Come.

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Hilchot Ma'achalot Asurot 6:1) categorizes the prohibition of consuming blood as one of the 613 mitzvot and elaborates that this applies to all blood, whether from kosher or non-kosher animals. He further notes (6:2) that even a minute quantity of blood is forbidden, emphasizing the Torah's strict stance on this matter.

Midrashic Insights

The Midrash Tanchuma (Acharei Mot 7) connects this prohibition to the sanctity of life, teaching that blood, as the carrier of the soul, must be treated with reverence. By refraining from consuming blood, we acknowledge that life belongs solely to Hashem, reinforcing the principle of kedushat hachayim (sanctity of life).

Halachic Implications

  • The prohibition includes blood from all sources, requiring proper shechitah (ritual slaughter) and melichah (salting) to remove blood from meat.
  • Even blood from fish or eggs, though not subject to the same level of prohibition, is discouraged by some authorities as a midat chassidut (pious practice).
  • The punishment of karet applies only to intentional consumption, while unintentional violations require a korban chatat (sin offering).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Keritot 20b
The verse is discussed in the context of the prohibition against consuming blood and the severe consequences for violating this commandment.
📖 Yoma 5a
Referenced in a discussion about the atonement process and the seriousness of consuming blood.
📖 Sanhedrin 56b
Cited in the context of the Noahide laws, which also prohibit the consumption of blood.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is eating blood forbidden in the Torah?
A: The Torah forbids eating blood because blood represents life (Leviticus 17:11 states 'the life of the flesh is in the blood'). Since life is sacred and belongs to Hashem, consuming blood is considered a violation of this sanctity. Rashi explains that this prohibition teaches us to respect the divine gift of life.
Q: Does the prohibition against eating blood apply to everyone?
A: Yes, the verse explicitly states that this prohibition applies to both the house of Israel and the strangers (gerim) living among them. The Rambam (Hilchos Ma'achalos Asuros 6:1) rules that this is one of the universal Noahide laws, meaning all humanity is forbidden from consuming blood.
Q: What does it mean that Hashem will 'set His face' against someone who eats blood?
A: The phrase 'I will set My face against that person' (Leviticus 17:10) means divine displeasure and judgment. The Talmud (Kerisos 20b) explains this as being 'cut off' (kareis) from one's people - a severe spiritual consequence. This shows how seriously the Torah views this prohibition.
Q: How do we practically avoid eating blood according to Jewish law?
A: Jewish law requires thorough koshering (removing blood) from meat through salting, roasting, or other approved methods (as outlined in Shulchan Aruch Yoreh De'ah 69). The Torah permits eating meat, but only after properly removing the blood, as explained in detail by halachic authorities.
Q: What is the spiritual lesson behind the blood prohibition?
A: The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 22:6) teaches that this commandment reminds us of life's sanctity. By refraining from blood, we acknowledge that life belongs to Hashem. The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 148) adds that this mitzvah cultivates mercy and deters cruelty, as we become conscious of taking animal life only when permitted and with proper respect.