Deuteronomy 12:16 web — Only you shall not eat the blood; you shall pour it out on the earth as water.

World English Bible

"Only you shall not eat the blood; you shall pour it out on the earth as water."

— Deuteronomy 12:16, World English Bible

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Deuteronomy 12:16 in Other Translations

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Deuteronomy 12 — Context

13

Take heed to yourself that you don't offer your burnt offerings in every place that you see;

14

but in the place which Yahweh shall choose in one of your tribes, there you shall offer your burnt offerings, and there you shall do all that I command you.

15

Notwithstanding, you may kill and eat flesh within all your gates, after all the desire of your soul, according to the blessing of Yahweh your God which he has given you: the unclean and the clean may eat of it, as of the gazelle, and as of the hart.

16

Only you shall not eat the blood; you shall pour it out on the earth as water.

17

You may not eat within your gates the tithe of your grain, or of your new wine, or of your oil, or the firstborn of your herd or of your flock, nor any of your vows which you vow, nor your freewill offerings, nor the wave offering of your hand;

18

but you shall eat them before Yahweh your God in the place which Yahweh your God shall choose, you, and your son, and your daughter, and your male servant, and your female servant, and the Levite who is within your gates: and you shall rejoice before Yahweh your God in all that you put your hand to.

19

Take heed to yourself that you don't forsake the Levite as long as you live in your land.

Deuteronomy 12:16 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Deuteronomy 12:16 say?
Deuteronomy 12:16 in the World English Bible reads: “Only you shall not eat the blood; you shall pour it out on the earth as water.”
Where is Deuteronomy 12:16 in the Bible?
Deuteronomy 12:16 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Deuteronomy, chapter 12, verse 16.
Who wrote Deuteronomy?
Deuteronomy is traditionally attributed to Moses (traditional). Largely framed as Moses' farewell speeches; the closing chapter narrating his death was likely added by Joshua or a later editor. It was written c. 1406 BC.
What is the book of Deuteronomy about?
Deuteronomy is Moses' final sermons to Israel before they enter the Promised Land — a renewed call to love and obey the LORD. It re-states the Law, rehearses Israel's history, and lays before the people blessing for obedience and curse for rebellion.
What are the major themes of Deuteronomy?
Deuteronomy explores themes including Covenant, Love, Obedience, Remembrance, Blessing & Curse. These themes shape the meaning and context of Deuteronomy 12:16.
What translation should I read Deuteronomy 12:16 in?
Deuteronomy 12:16 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Deuteronomy 12:16?
Deuteronomy 12:16 reads (WEB): “Only you shall not eat the blood; you shall pour it out on the earth as water.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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