Leviticus 17:13

Leviticus 17:13 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

And if any Israelite or foreigner living among them hunts down a wild animal or bird that may be eaten, he must drain its blood and cover it with dirt.

King James Version KJV

And whatsoever man there be of the children of Israel, or of the strangers that sojourn among you, which hunteth and catcheth any beast or fowl that may be eaten; he shall even pour out the blood thereof, and cover it with dust.

American Standard Version ASV

And whatsoever man there be of the children of Israel, or of the strangers that sojourn among them, who taketh in hunting any beast or bird that may be eaten; he shall pour out the blood thereof, and cover it with dust.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And any man of Israel, or any other living among them, who gets with his bow any beast or bird used for food, is to see that its blood is covered with earth.

Free Bible Version FBV

Any Israelite or foreigner living among them who hunts and kills a wild animal or a bird which are allowed be eaten must drain the blood from its body and cover it with earth,

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Moreouer whosoeuer he be of the children of Israel, or of the strangers that soiourne among the, which by hunting taketh any beast or foule that may be eaten, he shall powre out the blood thereof, and couer it with dust:

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and any man of the sons of Israel, or of the sojourners, who is sojourning in your midst, who hunteth venison, beast or fowl, which is eaten — hath even poured out its blood, and hath covered it with dust;

World English Bible WEB

“‘Whatever man there is of the children of Israel, or of the strangers who live as foreigners among them, who takes in hunting any animal or bird that may be eaten, he shall pour out its blood, and cover it with dust.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And whatever man there may be of the children of Israel, or of the strangers that sojourn among you, who hunteth and catcheth any beast or fowl that may be eaten; he shall even pour out its blood, and cover it with dust.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Any man whosoever of the children of Israel, and of the strangers that sojourn among you, if by hunting or fowling, he take a wild beast or a bird, which is lawful to eat, let him pour out its blood, and cover it with earth.

Translation for Translators T4T

‘Any Israeli or any foreigner who is living among you who hunts any animal or bird that is permitted for you to eat, must drain out the blood of the animal or bird that he kills, and cover the blood with dirt.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Leviticus 17:13

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.

Leviticus 17:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וְ/אִ֨ישׁ אִ֜ישׁ מִ/בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל וּ/מִן הַ/גֵּר֙ הַ/גָּ֣ר בְּ/תוֹכָ֔/ם אֲשֶׁ֨ר יָצ֜וּד צֵ֥יד חַיָּ֛ה אוֹ ע֖וֹף אֲשֶׁ֣ר יֵאָכֵ֑ל וְ/שָׁפַךְ֙ אֶת דָּמ֔/וֹ וְ/כִסָּ֖/הוּ בֶּ/עָפָֽר

וְ/אִ֨ישׁ ʼîysh H376 man Conj | N-ms

אִ֜ישׁ ʼîysh H376 man N-ms

מִ/בְּנֵ֣י bên H1121 son Prep | N-mp

יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל Yisrâʼêl H3478 Israel N-proper

וּ/מִן min H4480 from Conj | Prep

הַ/גֵּר֙ gêr H1616 sojourner Art | N-ms

הַ/גָּ֣ר gûwr H1481 to sojourn Art | V-Qal

בְּ/תוֹכָ֔/ם tâvek H8432 midst Prep | N-ms | Suff

אֲשֶׁ֨ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

יָצ֜וּד tsûwd H6679 to hunt V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

צֵ֥יד tsayid H6718 wild game N-ms

חַיָּ֛ה chay H2416 alive N-fs

אוֹ ʼôw H176 or Conj

ע֖וֹף ʻôwph H5775 bird N-ms

אֲשֶׁ֣ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

יֵאָכֵ֑ל ʼâkal H398 to eat V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms

וְ/שָׁפַךְ֙ shâphak H8210 to pour Conj | V-Qal-3ms

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

דָּמ֔/וֹ dâm H1818 blood N-ms | Suff

וְ/כִסָּ֖/הוּ kâçâh H3680 to cover Conj | V-Piel-3ms | Suff

בֶּ/עָפָֽר ʻâphâr H6083 dust Prep | N-ms

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Leviticus 17:13

וְ/אִ֨ישׁ ʼîysh H376 "man" Conj | N-ms

The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.

Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)

Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.

אִ֜ישׁ ʼîysh H376 "man" N-ms

מִ/בְּנֵ֣י bên H1121 "son" Prep | N-mp

In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.

Definition: : child/son

Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.

יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל Yisrâʼêl H3478 "Israel" N-proper

Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.

Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile

Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.

וּ/מִן min H4480 "from" Conj | Prep

This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.

Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)

Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.

הַ/גֵּר֙ gêr H1616 "sojourner" Art | N-ms

A sojourner is a foreigner or temporary resident, lacking inherited rights, but often given concessions in Israel. This term appears in the Bible to describe outsiders living among God's people.

Definition: 1) sojourner 1a) a temporary inhabitant, a newcomer lacking inherited rights 1b) of foreigners in Israel, though conceded rights

Usage: Occurs in 83 OT verses. KJV: alien, sojourner, stranger. See also: Genesis 15:13; Deuteronomy 10:19; Psalms 39:13.

הַ/גָּ֣ר gûwr H1481 "to sojourn" Art | V-Qal

This word means to fear or dread something, like the fear of God. It implies a sense of awe or reverence, like the fear that the disciples felt during the storm on the lake in Matthew 8:24. It can also mean to be a stranger or sojourner in a place.

Definition: 1) to sojourn, abide, dwell in, dwell with, remain, inhabit, be a stranger, be continuing, surely 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sojourn, dwell for a time 1a2) to abide, stay, temporarily dwell 1b) (Hithpolel) 1b1) to seek hospitality with 1b2) to assemble oneself

Usage: Occurs in 94 OT verses. KJV: abide, assemble, be afraid, dwell, fear, gather (together), inhabitant, remain, sojourn, stand in awe, (be) stranger, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 12:10; 1 Kings 17:20; Psalms 5:5.

בְּ/תוֹכָ֔/ם tâvek H8432 "midst" Prep | N-ms | Suff

This word refers to the middle or center of something, such as a group of people or a physical space. It can also mean among or between things, as seen in various Bible translations.

Definition: 1) midst, middle 1a) midst, middle 1b) into, through (after verbs of motion) 1c) among (of a number of persons) 1d) between (of things arranged by twos) 1e) from among (as to take or separate etc)

Usage: Occurs in 390 OT verses. KJV: among(-st), [idiom] between, half, [idiom] (there-, where-), in(-to), middle, mid(-night), midst (among), [idiom] out (of), [idiom] through, [idiom] with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:6; Numbers 35:5; 2 Chronicles 32:4.

אֲשֶׁ֨ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when

Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.

יָצ֜וּד tsûwd H6679 "to hunt" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

To provision means to gather food and supplies for a journey, as in Genesis 45:23, where Jacob prepares for his trip to Egypt. It represents God's care for His people.

Definition: 1) to hunt 1a) (Qal) to hunt 1b) (Poel) to hunt, hunt eagerly or keenly

Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: chase, hunt, sore, take (provision). See also: Genesis 27:3; Psalms 140:12; Proverbs 6:26.

צֵ֥יד tsayid H6718 "wild game" N-ms

This word describes the food or provisions needed for a journey, often obtained through hunting. It can also refer to the act of hunting itself. In the KJV, it is translated as 'food', 'hunter', or 'venison'.

Definition: 1) hunting, game 1a) hunting 1b) game hunted

Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] catcheth, food, [idiom] hunter, (that which he took in) hunting, venison, victuals. See also: Genesis 10:9; Genesis 27:31; Psalms 132:15.

חַיָּ֛ה chay H2416 "alive" N-fs

In the Bible, this word means life or being alive. It can refer to physical life, like in Genesis 1:20, or spiritual life, like in Psalm 30:5.

Definition: adj 1) living, alive 1a) green (of vegetation) 1b) flowing, fresh (of water) 1c) lively, active (of man) 1d) reviving (of the springtime) Aramaic equivalent: chay (חַי "living" H2417)

Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] age, alive, appetite, (wild) beast, company, congregation, life(-time), live(-ly), living (creature, thing), maintenance, [phrase] merry, multitude, [phrase] (be) old, quick, raw, running, springing, troop. See also: Genesis 1:20; Deuteronomy 4:9; 2 Kings 5:16.

אוֹ ʼôw H176 "or" Conj

Desire can also mean or, and, or if, showing a choice between options, as seen in Proverbs 31:4. It is used to express alternatives or possibilities.

Definition: 1) or, rather 1a) implying that the latter choice is preferred 1b) or if, introducing an example to be seen under a particular principle 1c) (in series) either...or, whether...or 1d) if perchance 1e) except, or else 2) whether, not the least, if, otherwise, also, and, then

Usage: Occurs in 218 OT verses. KJV: also, and, either, if, at the least, [idiom] nor, or, otherwise, then, whether. See also: Genesis 24:49; Leviticus 25:49; Proverbs 30:31.

ע֖וֹף ʻôwph H5775 "bird" N-ms

In the Bible, this word simply means a bird, like the ones that fly in the sky. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Psalms, often symbolizing freedom.

Definition: 1) flying creatures, fowl, insects, birds 1a) fowl, birds 1b) winged insects Aramaic equivalent: oph (עוֹף "bird" H5776)

Usage: Occurs in 70 OT verses. KJV: bird, that flieth, flying, fowl. See also: Genesis 1:20; 1 Samuel 17:46; Psalms 50:11.

אֲשֶׁ֣ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

יֵאָכֵ֑ל ʼâkal H398 "to eat" V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms

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.

וְ/שָׁפַךְ֙ shâphak H8210 "to pour" Conj | V-Qal-3ms

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.

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.

דָּמ֔/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.

וְ/כִסָּ֖/הוּ kâçâh H3680 "to cover" Conj | V-Piel-3ms | Suff

To cover something means to fill up hollows or hide something from view, as seen in many biblical stories. This verb is used in various forms throughout the Bible, such as to cover oneself with clothing or to conceal something for protection. It can also mean to overwhelm or spread over something.

Definition: 1) to cover, conceal, hide 1a) (Qal) conceal, covered (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to be covered 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to cover, clothe 1c2) to cover, conceal 1c3) to cover (for protection) 1c4) to cover over, spread over 1c5) to cover, overwhelm 1d) (Pual) 1d1) to be covered 1d2) to be clothed 1e) (Hithpael) to cover oneself, clothe oneself

Usage: Occurs in 149 OT verses. KJV: clad self, close, clothe, conceal, cover (self), (flee to) hide, overwhelm. Compare H3780 (כָּשָׂה). See also: Genesis 7:19; Psalms 32:1; Psalms 32:5.

בֶּ/עָפָֽר ʻâphâr H6083 "dust" Prep | N-ms

Aphar means dust or dry earth, and is also used to describe clay, earth, or mortar. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible.

Definition: 1) dry earth, dust, powder, ashes, earth, ground, mortar, rubbish 1a) dry or loose earth 1b) debris 1c) mortar 1d) ore

Usage: Occurs in 103 OT verses. KJV: ashes, dust, earth, ground, morter, powder, rubbish. See also: Genesis 2:7; Job 28:6; Psalms 7:6.

Study Notes — Leviticus 17:13

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Leviticus 17:13 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 17:13
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 17:13
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Leviticus 17:13
Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 17:13
Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 17:13
Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 17:13
Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 17:13

Context — Laws against Eating Blood

11For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you to make atonement for your souls upon the altar; for it is the blood that makes atonement for the soul. 12Therefore I say to the Israelites, ‘None of you may eat blood, nor may any foreigner living among you eat blood.’

13And if any Israelite or foreigner living among them hunts down a wild animal or bird that may be eaten, he must drain its blood and cover it with dirt.

14For the life of all flesh is its blood. Therefore I have told the Israelites, ‘You must not eat the blood of any living thing, because the life of all flesh is its blood; whoever eats it must be cut off.’ 15And any person, whether native or foreigner, who eats anything found dead or mauled by wild beasts must wash his clothes and bathe with water, and he will be unclean until evening; then he will be clean.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Deuteronomy 12:16	but you must not eat the blood; pour it on the ground like water.
2	Ezekiel 24:7	For the blood she shed is still within her; she poured it out on the bare rock; she did not pour it on the ground to cover it with dust.
3	Leviticus 7:26	You must not eat the blood of any bird or animal in any of your dwellings.
4	Deuteronomy 12:24	You must not eat the blood; pour it on the ground like water.
5	Deuteronomy 15:23	But you must not eat the blood; pour it on the ground like water.
6	Job 16:18	O earth, do not cover my blood; may my cry for help never be laid to rest.
7	1 Samuel 14:32–34	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. Then someone reported to Saul: “Look, the troops are sinning against the LORD by eating meat with the blood still in it.” “You have broken faith,” said Saul. “Roll a large stone over here at once.” Then he said, “Go among the troops and tell them, ‘Each man must bring me his ox or his sheep, slaughter them in this place, and then eat. Do not sin against the LORD by eating meat with the blood still in it.’” So that night everyone brought his ox and slaughtered it there.

Leviticus 17:13 Summary

[This verse is saying that when the Israelites or foreigners living among them hunted an animal for food, they had to drain its blood and cover it with dirt. This was a way of showing respect for the life of the animal, because as it says in Leviticus 17:11, the life of the flesh is in the blood. By doing this, they were also reminded of the importance of treating all life with care, as seen in other parts of the Bible like Genesis 1:28, where God gives humans the responsibility to care for the earth and its creatures.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was it important to drain the blood of a hunted animal in Leviticus 17:13?

Draining the blood was a way of respecting the life of the animal and acknowledging that the life is in the blood, as stated in Leviticus 17:11. This practice also helped to distinguish the Israelites from other nations who did not have the same reverence for life.

Did this command to drain blood only apply to Israelites or also to foreigners living among them?

According to Leviticus 17:13, this command applied to both Israelites and foreigners living among them, emphasizing the importance of treating all life with respect and care, regardless of one's background or nationality.

How does the concept of blood representing life in Leviticus 17:13 relate to other parts of the Bible?

The idea that the life of the flesh is in the blood is also mentioned in Genesis 9:4 and Deuteronomy 12:23, highlighting the significance of blood in the biblical understanding of life and atonement.

Is the command to cover the blood with dirt in Leviticus 17:13 still relevant today?

While the specific command to cover blood with dirt may not be directly applicable in modern times, the underlying principle of treating life with respect and care remains relevant, as seen in the broader biblical teachings on the value of life and the importance of responsible stewardship of creation, such as in Genesis 1:28 and Psalm 24:1.

Reflection Questions

What does this verse reveal about God's care for all life, and how can I apply this principle in my daily interactions with the natural world?
In what ways can I honor the life that God has given, as reflected in the command to drain and cover the blood of hunted animals?
How does the emphasis on the life being in the blood relate to the concept of atonement and the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, as mentioned in other parts of the Bible, such as Hebrews 9:22?
What are some modern-day applications of the principle of respecting life and treating it with care, as seen in this verse and other biblical teachings?

Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 17:13

And whatsoever man [there be] of the children of Israel, or of the strangers that sojourn among you,.... This form of speaking, which is often used in this chapter, is still observed to point out the

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 17:13

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Leviticus 17:13

Any beast; he instanceth in this kind, either because persons much given to that exercise are commonly too licentious, and being in haste might easily transgress; or because some might think the former prohibition did reach only to the blood of such creatures as were offered to God in sacrifice. Cover it with dust; partly, to beget an honourable respect unto the blood even of beasts, and much more of men; partly, lest the beasts should lick it up, and by tasting the sweetness of it be made more fierce and cruel to devour and destroy others; and partly, as a license from God upon this condition giving them a right to kill and eat such creatures, without any fear of the blood being imputed to them; for as the not covering of the blood portends the punishment which the sin of bloodshedding calls for, ,8, so covering it notes impunity.

Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 17:13

Leviticus 17:13 And whatsoever man [there be] of the children of Israel, or of the strangers that sojourn among you, which hunteth and catcheth any beast or fowl that may be eaten; he shall even pour out the blood thereof, and cover it with dust.Ver. 13. Which hunteth.] Though he be as hungry as a hunter. See 1 Samuel 14:32-34.

Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 17:13

(13) And whatsoever man.—Better, what man soever (see Leviticus 17:3). Hitherto the law mainly discussed the blood of sacrificial animals, or those quadrupeds which were slaughtered at home. In this and the following verses the statute is extended to all other creatures which, though wild, are legally clean and used as food. Which hunteth and catcheth.—Hunting, which was an amusement with other nations of antiquity, was with the serious Hebrew a matter of necessity. It was resorted to as a matter of necessity to exterminate dangerous beasts (Exodus 23:29), but more especially to procure food (Genesis 25:27; Proverbs 12:27). Besides the numerous pitfalls, snares, traps, &c, which are so frequently mentioned in the Bible, the Hebrews also employed arms in catching game (Genesis 27:3). When wounded, or when the game had to be killed to facilitate its being carried home, the hunters were liable to become careless about the blood, as is evident from the practice which obtained among some of the ancients. Thus we are told that the Zabians, when they slew a beast, put the blood into a vessel or into a hole which they dug in the ground, and then sat round and feasted on it. It is to prevent such outrages on the sacred blood, which the hunters were especially liable to commit when hungry, that the law is here enacted. An instance of the hungry army flying upon the spoil, killing the cattle in the field, and eating the flesh with the blood, is recorded in 1 Samuel 14:32-34. (Comp. also Ezekiel 33:25.) Any beast or fowl that may be eaten.—That is, those wild beasts or fowl which, according to the dietary law, were usually eaten. During the second Temple this was interpreted strictly to apply to the clean wild beasts, but not to those not permitted to be eaten. He shall even pour out the blood.—The earth, from which all animals came forth at their creation (Genesis 1:24), is to receive back again the principle of their life. They proceeded from the womb of the earth, and their life-blood is to return to it. With such scrupulous care was this law observed during the second Temple, that the following Benediction was ordered to be recited when the blood was covered up: “Blessed art thou, O Lord our God, King of the universe, who hath sanctified us by His precepts, and hath commanded us to cover up the blood.”

Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 17:13

13, 14. Directions how the blood of beasts or fowls taken in hunting is to be dealt with.

Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 17:13

13. Pour out the blood… and cover — This prescribes the manner of killing clean wild beasts and birds.

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