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Leviticus 17:12 - Blood: sacred life force forbidden

Leviticus 17:12 - ויקרא 17:12

Hebrew Text

עַל־כֵּן אָמַרְתִּי לִבְנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל כָּל־נֶפֶשׁ מִכֶּם לֹא־תֹאכַל דָּם וְהַגֵּר הַגָּר בְּתוֹכְכֶם לֹא־יֹאכַל דָּם׃

English Translation

Therefore I said to the children of Yisra᾽el, None of you shall eat blood, neither shall any stranger that sojourns among you eat blood.

Transliteration

Al-ken amarti livnei Yisrael kol-nefesh mikem lo-tochal dam vehager hagar betochchem lo-yochal dam.

Hebrew Leining Text

עַל־כֵּ֤ן אָמַ֙רְתִּי֙ לִבְנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל כׇּל־נֶ֥פֶשׁ מִכֶּ֖ם לֹא־תֹ֣אכַל דָּ֑ם וְהַגֵּ֛ר הַגָּ֥ר בְּתוֹכְכֶ֖ם לֹא־יֹ֥אכַל דָּֽם׃
עַל־כֵּ֤ן אָמַ֙רְתִּי֙ לִבְנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל כׇּל־נֶ֥פֶשׁ מִכֶּ֖ם לֹא־תֹ֣אכַל דָּ֑ם וְהַגֵּ֛ר הַגָּ֥ר בְּתוֹכְכֶ֖ם לֹא־יֹ֥אכַל דָּֽם׃

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Parasha Commentary

Prohibition of Eating Blood

The verse (Vayikra 17:12) reiterates the Torah's strict prohibition against consuming blood, applying equally to both native Israelites and gerim (sojourners) living among them. This builds upon earlier prohibitions (e.g., Vayikra 7:26-27) and carries severe consequences, as the Torah states (Vayikra 17:14) that one who consumes blood will be "cut off" (karet).

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (on Vayikra 17:12) explains that the phrase "עַל־כֵּן" ("therefore") connects this prohibition to the preceding verses discussing sacrificial laws. Since blood represents the life-force (nefesh) and is designated for atonement on the altar, it is forbidden for consumption. Rashi emphasizes that this applies universally—even to non-Jews residing among Israel—demonstrating the sanctity of lifeblood.

Rambam's Legal Perspective

In Mishneh Torah (Hilchot Ma'achalot Asurot 6:1), Rambam codifies this prohibition as one of the 613 mitzvot. He notes that the blood of permitted animals, birds, and wild game is equally forbidden. The Rambam further states (Hilchot Melachim 9:10) that this prohibition is among the seven Noahide laws binding on all humanity, reinforcing its universal moral significance.

Philosophical and Ethical Dimensions

  • Sanctity of Life: The Talmud (Keritot 20b) teaches that blood represents the nefesh (life force), and consuming it would demonstrate disrespect for the Divine gift of life.
  • Distinction from Idolatry: The Sifra (Acharei Mot 12:2) connects this law to distancing Israel from pagan practices, as some ancient cultures consumed blood in rituals.
  • Moral Discipline: The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 148) explains that avoiding blood cultivates reverence for life and self-control, elevating human behavior above animal instinct.

Practical Halachic Implications

The Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 66-67) details the extensive laws of kashering meat to remove blood, including salting, roasting, or broiling permitted meats. These practices ensure compliance with the biblical prohibition while allowing consumption of meat in a sanctified manner.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Keritot 20b
The verse is cited in a discussion about the prohibition of eating blood and its implications for both Israelites and strangers residing among them.
📖 Yoma 5a
Referenced in the context of discussing the laws of atonement and the sanctity of blood in sacrificial rites.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why does the Torah forbid eating blood?
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 prohibited. Rashi explains that this prohibition teaches us respect for life and reminds us that our lives are in Hashem's hands.
Q: Does the prohibition against eating blood apply to non-Jews living among Jews?
A: Yes, the verse explicitly states that the 'stranger that sojourns among you' (גר תושב) may not eat blood either. The Rambam (Hilchot Ma'achalot Asurot 6:1) explains that this applies to non-Jews who live among Jews and accept the Seven Noahide Laws, which include prohibitions against eating flesh with blood.
Q: How do we practically avoid eating blood according to Jewish law?
A: Jewish law requires meat to be properly kashered (soaked and salted) to remove blood before cooking. The Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 69) details the process of salting meat to draw out blood. Additionally, certain parts of an animal (like the liver) require special broiling to remove blood.
Q: What is the spiritual meaning behind not eating blood?
A: The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 22:6) teaches that avoiding blood consumption elevates us spiritually by separating us from base physicality. Since blood represents the animal soul, abstaining from it helps us focus on our higher, divine purpose. The prohibition reminds us that our physical drives should be sanctified for holy purposes.
Q: Does this prohibition apply to all types of blood?
A: The prohibition specifically applies to the blood of mammals and birds that are kosher for consumption (Chullin 117a). Fish blood is not included in this prohibition (Shulchan Aruch Yoreh De'ah 66:8), though some communities have customs to avoid it as well. Human blood is also forbidden under different Torah prohibitions.