Deuteronomy 15:23
Deuteronomy 15:23 in Multiple Translations
But you must not eat the blood; pour it on the ground like water.
Only thou shalt not eat the blood thereof; thou shalt pour it upon the ground as water.
Only thou shalt not eat the blood thereof; thou shalt pour it out upon the ground as water.
Only do not take its blood for food, but let it be drained out on the earth like water.
but you are not to eat the blood—pour that out on the ground.
Onely thou shalt not eate the blood thereof, but powre it vpon the ground as water.
Only, its blood thou dost not eat; on the earth thou dost pour it as water.
Only you shall not eat its blood. You shall pour it out on the ground like water.
Only thou shalt not eat its blood; thou shalt pour it upon the ground as water.
Only thou shalt take heed not to eat their blood, but pour it out on the earth as water.
But you must not eat any of the blood; you must drain all the blood on the ground when you kill those animals.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 15:23
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Deuteronomy 15:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
רַ֥ק
אֶת
דָּמ֖/וֹ
לֹ֣א
תֹאכֵ֑ל
עַל
הָ/אָ֥רֶץ
תִּשְׁפְּכֶ֖/נּוּ
כַּ/מָּֽיִם
רַ֥ק
raq
H7535
except
DirObjM
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
דָּמ֖/וֹ
dâm
H1818
blood
N-ms | Suff
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
תֹאכֵ֑ל
ʼâkal
H398
to eat
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
הָ/אָ֥רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
Art | N-cs
תִּשְׁפְּכֶ֖/נּוּ
shâphak
H8210
to pour
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms | Suff
כַּ/מָּֽיִם
mayim
H4325
Water (Gate)
Prep | N-mp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 15:23
רַ֥ק
raq
H7535
"except"
DirObjM
This Hebrew word means 'except' or 'only', used to limit or emphasize something, like in Exodus 12:11 where it says to eat the Passover meal in haste, with nothing but your clothes on. It can also mean 'but' or 'nevertheless'.
Definition: 1) only, altogether, surely 1a) only 1b) only, nought but, altogether (in limitation) 1c) save, except (after a negative) 1d) only, altogether, surely (with an affirmative) 1e) if only, provided only (prefixed for emphasis) 1f) only, exclusively (for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 107 OT verses. KJV: but, even, except, howbeit howsoever, at the least, nevertheless, nothing but, notwithstanding, only, save, so (that), surely, yet (so), in any wise. See also: Genesis 6:5; Joshua 13:14; Psalms 32:6.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
דָּמ֖/וֹ
dâm
H1818
"blood"
N-ms | Suff
Blood refers to the liquid that flows through the body, essential for life. In the Bible, blood is often used to symbolize life, guilt, or sacrifice, as seen in the story of Jesus' crucifixion.
Definition: 1) blood 1a) of wine (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 295 OT verses. KJV: blood(-y, -guiltiness, (-thirsty), [phrase] innocent. See also: Genesis 4:10; Numbers 19:5; Psalms 5:7.
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
תֹאכֵ֑ל
ʼâkal
H398
"to eat"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
This word means to eat or devour, and it's used in many stories, including when Jesus fed the 5000 with fish and bread in the book of Matthew. It's about taking in nourishment and being satisfied.
Definition: 1) to eat, devour, burn up, feed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to eat (human subject) 1a2) to eat, devour (of beasts and birds) 1a3) to devour, consume (of fire) 1a4) to devour, slay (of sword) 1a5) to devour, consume, destroy (inanimate subjects - ie, pestilence, drought) 1a6) to devour (of oppression) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be eaten (by men) 1b2) to be devoured, consumed (of fire) 1b3) to be wasted, destroyed (of flesh) 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to cause to eat, feed with 1c2) to cause to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to feed 1d2) to cause to eat 1e) (Piel) 1e1) consume Aramaic equivalent: a.khal (אֲכַל "to devour" H0399)
Usage: Occurs in 703 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up), feed (with), food, [idiom] freely, [idiom] in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay) meat, [idiom] quite. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 6:9; Numbers 24:8.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
הָ/אָ֥רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
Art | N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
תִּשְׁפְּכֶ֖/נּוּ
shâphak
H8210
"to pour"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms | Suff
To pour or spill something out, like blood or a liquid. In the Bible, it can mean to shed blood or to pour out one's heart in prayer or complaint. For example, in Psalm 42:4, the writer pours out his soul to God.
Definition: : pour 1) to pour, pour out, spill 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pour, pour out 1a2) to shed (blood) 1a3) to pour out (anger or heart) (fig) 1b) (Niphal) to be poured out, be shed 1c) (Pual) to be poured out, be shed 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to be poured out 1d2) to pour out oneself
Usage: Occurs in 111 OT verses. KJV: cast (up), gush out, pour (out), shed(-der, out), slip. See also: Genesis 9:6; Jeremiah 6:6; Psalms 22:15.
כַּ/מָּֽיִם
mayim
H4325
"Water (Gate)"
Prep | N-mp
This word means water, referring to a liquid or a source of refreshment. It appears in the Bible as a literal and figurative term, including references to wasting or urine. The word is used in various contexts, such as in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: This name means water, refreshment
Usage: Occurs in 525 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] piss, wasting, water(-ing, (-course, -flood, -spring)). See also: Genesis 1:2; Leviticus 14:9; Joshua 18:15.
Study Notes — Deuteronomy 15:23
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Firstborn Animals
21But if an animal has a defect, is lame or blind, or has any serious flaw, you must not sacrifice it to the LORD your God.
22Eat it within your gates; both the ceremonially unclean and clean may eat it as they would a gazelle or a deer.
23But you must not eat the blood; pour it on the ground like water.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deuteronomy 12:16 | but you must not eat the blood; pour it on the ground like water. |
| 2 | Leviticus 7:26 | You must not eat the blood of any bird or animal in any of your dwellings. |
| 3 | Deuteronomy 12:23 | Only be sure not to eat the blood, because the blood is the life, and you must not eat the life with the meat. |
| 4 | 1 Samuel 14:32 | So they rushed greedily to the plunder, taking sheep, cattle, and calves. They slaughtered them on the ground and ate meat with the blood still in it. |
| 5 | Ezekiel 33:25 | Therefore tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘You eat meat with the blood in it, lift up your eyes to your idols, and shed blood. Should you then possess the land? |
Deuteronomy 15:23 Summary
This verse is telling us that when we eat meat, we should not drink the blood because it is special to God, as we see in Leviticus 17:11. Instead, we should pour the blood on the ground as a way of showing respect for God's creation and the life He has given us. This reminds us that God is the giver of all life, and we should treat it with care and reverence, just as we see in Psalm 24:1, which says that the earth and everything in it belongs to God. By following this command, we are acknowledging God's authority over all things and showing our gratitude for the gift of life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it so important not to eat the blood in Deuteronomy 15:23?
The Bible teaches that the life of the flesh is in the blood, and it is only to be given to God as an atonement for sin, as seen in Leviticus 17:11, so pouring it on the ground is a way of respecting its sacred nature and acknowledging God's authority over life and death.
What does it mean to pour the blood on the ground like water?
Pouring the blood on the ground like water, as instructed in Deuteronomy 15:23, signifies that the blood is being returned to the earth, much like water, and is not being consumed or used for any other purpose, emphasizing the importance of treating it with reverence and care, similar to the instructions in Deuteronomy 12:16 and Deuteronomy 12:24.
Is this command to not eat blood still applicable to Christians today?
While the specific command to not eat blood in Deuteronomy 15:23 was given to the Israelites, the principle of respecting the sacred nature of life and avoiding the consumption of blood is still relevant, as seen in Acts 15:20 and Acts 21:25, where the early Christian church instructed Gentile believers to abstain from blood and other practices that might be considered idolatrous or offensive to Jewish believers.
How does this verse relate to the concept of atonement and sacrifice in the Bible?
The command to pour out the blood on the ground in Deuteronomy 15:23 points to the idea that blood is a symbol of life and atonement, as seen in Leviticus 17:11, and is a reminder that sin requires a sacrifice, which is ultimately fulfilled in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross, as described in Hebrews 9:22 and Hebrews 10:4.
Reflection Questions
- What does this verse reveal about God's perspective on the value and sacredness of life?
- How can I apply the principle of respecting the sacred nature of life in my own daily choices and actions?
- What does the image of pouring blood on the ground like water evoke in my mind, and what spiritual truths can I learn from it?
- In what ways can I honor God's authority over life and death, as reflected in this verse?
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 15:23
Only thou shalt not eat the blood thereof,.... Of the firstling: thou shalt pour it upon the ground as water; [See comments on Deuteronomy 12:16], [See comments on Deuteronomy 12:23], [See comments on Deuteronomy 12:24].
Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 15:23
23. See on Deuteronomy 12:23.
Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 15:23
19-23. The firstling males — The firstborn of the herd and flock, if males, were to be set apart — not used for ordinary purposes — to be devoted to the service of Jehovah.