Leviticus 17:11
What does Leviticus 17:11 mean?
A plain-English look at Leviticus 17:11 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Leviticus 17:11 means
Leviticus 17:11 profoundly declares the sanctity of blood as the carrier of life, a principle foundational to the Old Testament sacrificial system. God institutes this divine law, emphasizing that animal blood, representing the animal's life, is the designated means for atonement. This atonement, or covering for sin, is achieved through the shedding of blood on the altar. The verse highlights an intrinsic connection between life, blood, and the expiation of sin, foreshadowing a greater redemptive work. It underscores that without the giving of a life (symbolized by blood), reconciliation with God for human sin is not possible.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000For the life of the flesh is in the blood; and I have given it to you upon the altar to make atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh atonement by reason of the life.
KJV
King James Version · 1611For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901For the life of the flesh is in the blood; and I have given it to you upon the altar to make atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh atonement by reason of the life.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949For the life of the flesh is in its blood; and I have given it to you on the altar to take away your sin: for it is the blood which makes free from sin because of the life in it.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862for the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you on the altar, to make atonement for your souls; for it <FI>is<Fi> the blood which maketh atonement for the soul.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Because the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you, that you may make atonement with it upon the altar for your souls, and the blood may be for an expiation of the soul.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890for the soul of the flesh is in the blood; and I have given it to you upon the altar to make atonement for your souls, for it is the blood that maketh atonement for the soul.
Context
Chapter 17 of Leviticus focuses on regulations concerning blood and sacrifices, particularly emphasizing the sanctity of blood. This verse, a central theological statement, immediately follows prohibitions against consuming blood and against offering sacrifices outside the tabernacle. It clarifies the divine rationale for these laws: blood is uniquely appointed for atonement. The chapter continues with further restrictions on consuming blood, linking these practices to the holy nature of God and the processes of purification and reconciliation with Him. The message is given by God to Moses, for the people of Israel.
v.10And whatsoever man there be of the house of Israel, or of the strangers that sojourn among them, that eateth any manner of blood, I will set my face against that soul that eateth blood, and will cut him off from among his people.
v.11This passage
v.12Therefore I said unto the children of Israel, No soul of you shall eat blood, neither shall any stranger that sojourneth among you eat blood.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 John 1:7
but if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
- Mark 14:24
And he said unto them, This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many.
- Leviticus 17:14
For as to the life of all flesh, the blood thereof is all one with the life thereof: therefore I said unto the children of Israel, Ye shall eat the blood of no manner of flesh; for the life of all flesh is the blood thereof: whosoever eateth it shall be cut off.
- Leviticus 8:15
And he slew it; and Moses took the blood, and put it upon the horns of the altar round about with his finger, and purified the altar, and poured out the blood at the base of the altar, and sanctified it, to make atonement for it.
- Revelation 1:5
and from Jesus Christ, who isthe faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loveth us, and loosed us from our sins by his blood;
- Leviticus 16:14
and he shall take of the blood of the bullock, and sprinkle it with his finger upon the mercy-seat on the east; and before the mercy-seat shall he sprinkle of the blood with his finger seven times.
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