Old Testament
Leviticus 17:12
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In Leviticus 17:12, God instructs the Israelites about the prohibition of consuming blood.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
That is why I have told the people of Israel: None of you may eat blood, and no foreigner living among you may eat blood either.
Therefore I said unto the children of Israel, No soul of you shall eat blood, neither shall any stranger that sojourneth among you eat blood.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In Leviticus 17:12, God instructs the Israelites about the prohibition of consuming blood. This command emphasizes the sacredness of life, as blood is seen as the life force of the animal. By forbidding blood consumption, God is teaching His people to respect life and recognize that blood is meant for atonement and sacrifice, not for food. This rule also extends to foreigners living among them, indicating that the respect for God's laws applies to everyone in the community. The emphasis on blood signifies its importance in the sacrificial system, where it is used to symbolize the covenant between God and His people. This command serves to set Israel apart from other nations, reinforcing their identity as a holy people dedicated to God.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Leviticus 17:12 to your life
Today, this verse reminds us to respect the sanctity of life and the importance of obedience to God's commands. It encourages us to consider how we treat others and the choices we make regarding food and consumption, reflecting our values and beliefs in our daily lives.
Curated for this public verse page. Leviticus Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Leviticus 17:12 mean?
Leviticus 17:12 conveys God's command to the Israelites prohibiting the consumption of blood, emphasizing the sacredness of life and the importance of respecting God's laws regarding atonement and sacrifice.
What is the significance of blood in Leviticus 17:12?
In Leviticus 17:12, blood represents life and is sacred; it is reserved for atonement and sacrifice, highlighting the seriousness of God's covenant with His people.
Why are foreigners included in the prohibition of blood in Leviticus 17:12?
The inclusion of foreigners in Leviticus 17:12 indicates that God's laws apply to everyone living among the Israelites, reinforcing the community's collective identity and respect for divine commands.
What does this verse teach about community identity?
Leviticus 17:12 teaches that the prohibition of blood consumption sets the Israelites apart from other nations, emphasizing their identity as a holy people dedicated to following God's laws.

The Book of Leviticus
Leviticus 1: The Burnt Offering
The LORD calls to Moses from the tabernacle and gives instructions for the burnt offering. A man who brings a burnt offering from the herd presents a male without blemish at the door of the tabernacle. He lays his hand on the head of the offering, kills it, and Aaron's sons the priests sprinkle the blood around the altar. The animal is flayed and cut into pieces, and the whole is burned on the altar as a sweet savor to the LORD.
Unlock the full Leviticus summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of Leviticus — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 27 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of Leviticus summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.