Old Testament
Leviticus 3:17
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
"This is a permanent rule for all your generations, wherever you live: you must never eat fat or blood."
Compare translations
It shall be a perpetual statute for your generations throughout all your dwellings, that ye eat neither fat nor blood.
What Leviticus 3:17 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Leviticus 3:17, God establishes a lasting command for the Israelites regarding their dietary practices. The prohibition against eating fat and blood signifies the importance of respecting the sanctity of life and the proper way to approach offerings. Fat was often associated with the best parts of the animal, and blood represented life itself. By forbidding these, God emphasizes the need for reverence in worship and the acknowledgment that life belongs to Him. This command is not just for a specific time or place; it is meant to be followed by all generations, highlighting its significance in maintaining a holy relationship with God. The Israelites were to remember that their actions, including what they consumed, should reflect their commitment to God's laws and their identity as His chosen people. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience to God's commands in all aspects of life, including dietary choices, which can symbolize deeper spiritual truths.
How to apply Leviticus 3:17 to your life
This verse encourages us to consider our own dietary choices and how they reflect our values and beliefs. It reminds us to be mindful of what we consume and to honor God in all aspects of our lives, including our eating habits. Living in accordance with our faith can guide our decisions.
Curated for this public verse page. Leviticus Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Noah's story: Noah Is Born (Genesis 5:28–32)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Noah
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725043). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nablus and Mount Gerizim, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Shechem
Where God promised the land to Abram, and where Joshua led Israel to renew the covenant.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Leviticus 3:17
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Leviticus 3:17
Related Bible verses
Key themes
At a Glance — the Book of Leviticus
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Leviticus 3:17 say about eating fat and blood?
Leviticus 3:17 states that it is a permanent rule for the Israelites to never eat fat or blood. This command emphasizes the importance of respecting the sanctity of life and proper worship practices. Fat is often seen as the best part of the animal, while blood symbolizes life itself. By prohibiting these, God highlights the need for reverence in worship and the acknowledgment that life belongs to Him.
Why is the prohibition against fat and blood significant?
The prohibition against eating fat and blood in Leviticus 3:17 is significant because it reflects the sacredness of life and the proper approach to offerings. Fat was associated with the best parts of the animal, and blood represents life. This command teaches the Israelites to honor God through their dietary choices, reinforcing their identity as His chosen people and their commitment to His laws.
How does Leviticus 3:17 apply to modern dietary choices?
Leviticus 3:17 encourages us to reflect on our dietary choices and how they align with our values and beliefs. While the specific dietary laws may not apply directly to Christians today, the principle of honoring God in all aspects of life, including what we eat, remains relevant. It prompts us to consider how our eating habits can reflect our faith and commitment to living a life that pleases God.
Is the command in Leviticus 3:17 still relevant today?
While the specific dietary laws in Leviticus 3:17 were given to the Israelites, the underlying principles of obedience and reverence for life are still relevant today. The command serves as a reminder for believers to consider how their actions, including dietary choices, reflect their relationship with God. It encourages mindfulness in our consumption and a commitment to living according to our faith.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.