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Leviticus 17:14 - Blood: life's sacred essence?

Leviticus 17:14 - ויקרא 17:14

Hebrew Text

כִּי־נֶפֶשׁ כָּל־בָּשָׂר דָּמוֹ בְנַפְשׁוֹ הוּא וָאֹמַר לִבְנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל דַּם כָּל־בָּשָׂר לֹא תֹאכֵלוּ כִּי נֶפֶשׁ כָּל־בָּשָׂר דָּמוֹ הִוא כָּל־אֹכְלָיו יִכָּרֵת׃

English Translation

For the life of all flesh is its blood, on which its life depends: therefore I said to the children of Yisra᾽el, you shall eat the blood of no manner of flesh: for the life of all flesh is its blood: whoever eats it shall be cut off.

Transliteration

Ki-nefesh kol-basar damo b'nafsho hu vaomar livnei yisrael dam kol-basar lo tochelu ki nefesh kol-basar damo hi kol-ochlav yikaret.

Hebrew Leining Text

כִּֽי־נֶ֣פֶשׁ כׇּל־בָּשָׂ֗ר דָּמ֣וֹ בְנַפְשׁוֹ֮ הוּא֒ וָֽאֹמַר֙ לִבְנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל דַּ֥ם כׇּל־בָּשָׂ֖ר לֹ֣א תֹאכֵ֑לוּ כִּ֣י נֶ֤פֶשׁ כׇּל־בָּשָׂר֙ דָּמ֣וֹ הִ֔וא כׇּל־אֹכְלָ֖יו יִכָּרֵֽת׃
כִּֽי־נֶ֣פֶשׁ כׇּל־בָּשָׂ֗ר דָּמ֣וֹ בְנַפְשׁוֹ֮ הוּא֒ וָֽאֹמַר֙ לִבְנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל דַּ֥ם כׇּל־בָּשָׂ֖ר לֹ֣א תֹאכֵ֑לוּ כִּ֣י נֶ֤פֶשׁ כׇּל־בָּשָׂר֙ דָּמ֣וֹ הִ֔וא כׇּל־אֹכְלָ֖יו יִכָּרֵֽת׃

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Parasha Commentary

Understanding the Prohibition of Blood Consumption

The verse (Vayikra 17:14) emphasizes the sanctity of blood as the life-force (nefesh) of all flesh. Rashi explains that the repetition of "ki nefesh kol basar damo hu" ("for the life of all flesh is its blood") underscores the severity of this prohibition. Blood is intrinsically tied to the soul, and consuming it is akin to consuming life itself, which is reserved for Hashem alone.

The Spiritual Significance of Blood

Rambam (Hilchot Ma'achalot Asurot 6:1) elaborates that blood represents the potential for atonement when offered on the Mizbe'ach (altar). By abstaining from consuming blood, Bnei Yisrael acknowledge that life belongs to Hashem and that blood's sacred role is in divine service, not human consumption. The Sforno adds that this prohibition elevates humanity by distancing them from animalistic behavior.

The Punishment of Karet

The verse concludes with "kol ochlav yikaret" ("whoever eats it shall be cut off"). The Talmud (Sanhedrin 83a) discusses karet as a severe spiritual consequence, often interpreted as premature death or being severed from one's spiritual roots. The Ramban notes that this punishment reflects the gravity of violating a prohibition tied to the essence of life.

Practical Halachic Implications

  • Koshering Meat: The Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 69) details the salting and rinsing process to remove blood, fulfilling the Torah's command (Devarim 12:16) to pour blood on the ground like water.
  • Liver Exception: The Rema (Yoreh De'ah 73:1) rules that liver, due to its high blood content, requires broiling over an open flame to extract blood, as salting alone is insufficient.
  • Human Blood: The Chatam Sofer (Responsa YD 71) extends the prohibition to human blood, forbidding medical or incidental consumption.

Midrashic Insight

The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 22:6) compares blood consumption to stealing from the Mizbe'ach, as blood rightfully belongs to Hashem. This metaphor reinforces the idea that life-force is divine property, and its misuse disrupts the spiritual order.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Chullin 33a
The verse is cited in a discussion about the prohibition of consuming blood and the severity of this transgression.
📖 Keritot 20b
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the penalties for various sins, including the consumption of blood.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why does the Torah forbid eating blood?
A: The Torah forbids eating blood because it represents the life force (nefesh) of the creature, as stated in Leviticus 17:14. Rashi explains that blood is the essence of life, and consuming it would be akin to consuming the soul itself. This prohibition teaches respect for life and reinforces the sanctity of all living beings.
Q: What does 'cut off' (yikaret) mean in this verse?
A: The term 'yikaret' (shall be cut off) refers to a severe spiritual consequence, often interpreted as being severed from one's people or losing one's share in the World to Come (Olam Haba). The Rambam (Hilchot Ma'achalot Asurot 6:1) explains that this punishment applies to one who intentionally consumes blood, emphasizing the seriousness of the prohibition.
Q: How do we avoid eating blood according to Jewish law?
A: Jewish law (halacha) requires kashering (salting and rinsing) meat to remove blood before cooking. The Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 69) details the proper method: soaking the meat, salting it, and then rinsing it thoroughly. This process ensures compliance with the Torah's commandment not to consume blood.
Q: Why is blood considered the 'life' of the flesh?
A: The Torah states that 'the life of all flesh is its blood' (Leviticus 17:14) because blood circulates vital nutrients and oxygen, sustaining life. The Talmud (Chullin 117a) compares blood to the soul (nefesh), as both are essential for life. This idea underscores the Torah's reverence for life and its divine origin.
Q: Does this prohibition apply to all types of blood?
A: Yes, the prohibition applies to the blood of all kosher animals, birds, and wild game (Rambam, Hilchot Ma'achalot Asurot 6:1). However, the blood of fish is permitted, as the Talmud (Chullin 117b) derives from a different verse (Leviticus 7:26) that only the blood of creatures requiring ritual slaughter (shechita) is forbidden.