Definition: For [it is] the life of all flesh; the blood of it [is] for 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Leviticus 17:14. It’s a pretty serious and important verse about rules surrounding blood sacrifice in the Old Testament. Here's a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse is essentially saying that eating blood is forbidden. It’s a very strict rule designed to protect people from being cursed or harmed by the blood of animals. Let’s unpack it word-by-word (roughly): “For [it] is the life of all flesh…” : This means that blood, in some way, is connected to everyone . It's not just about a specific animal; it represents the entire human being. “…the blood of it [is] for the life thereof:” : This is where it gets more direct. “Blood” here refers to the blood that’s spilled during an animal sacrifice. This verse says that the blood of animals is a part of what makes us alive and has a vital role in our existence. “Therefore I said unto the children of Israel…” : This is a direct address to the people God was speaking to – the Israelites. “…Ye shall eat the blood of no manner of flesh:” : This is the key command. It means you cannot consume any part of an animal’s body, including its blood. “for the life of all flesh [is] the blood thereof:” : This reinforces that the blood is essential for our continued existence. It's not just a momentary thing; it’s fundamental to being alive. “whosoever eateth it shall be cut off.” : This is the consequence if you break this rule. It means that if you eat blood, you will be marked as cursed or have your life negatively affected – essentially, you might be banished from God's presence. In simpler terms: This verse emphasizes that blood is a sacred part of human life and must never be consumed. It’s about respecting the sanctity of life itself. Important Context (Briefly): This law was established during the Old Testament, specifically when the Israelites were living in a dangerous wilderness where they needed to trust in God's protection. This verse was designed to prevent them from being cursed by God because of their reliance on animal sacrifices. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse further? Give you a more detailed explanation of its historical context? Compare it to another important passage in the Bible?