Deuteronomy 12:20 net — The Sanctity of Blood When the LORD your God extends your borders as he said he would do and you say,“I want to eat mea…

NET Bible

"The Sanctity of Blood When the LORD your God extends your borders as he said he would do and you say,“I want to eat meat just as I please,” you may do so as you wish."

— Deuteronomy 12:20, NET Bible

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Deuteronomy 12:20 in Other Translations

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Deuteronomy 12 — Context

17

You will not be allowed to eat in your villages your tithe of grain, new wine, olive oil, the firstborn of your herd and flock, any votive offerings you have vowed, or your freewill and personal offerings.

18

Only in the presence of the LORD your God may you eat these, in the place he chooses. This applies to you, your son, your daughter, your male and female servants, and the Levites in your villages. In that place you will rejoice before the LORD your God in all the output of your labor.

19

Be careful not to overlook the Levites as long as you live in the land.

20

The Sanctity of Blood When the LORD your God extends your borders as he said he would do and you say,“I want to eat meat just as I please,” you may do so as you wish.

21

If the place he chooses to locate his name is too far for you, you may slaughter any of your herd and flock he has given you just as I have stipulated; you may eat them in your villages just as you wish.

22

Like you eat the gazelle or ibex, so you may eat these; the ritually impure and pure alike may eat them.

23

However, by no means eat the blood, for the blood is life itself– you must not eat the life with the meat!

Deuteronomy 12:20 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Deuteronomy 12:20 say?
Deuteronomy 12:20 in the NET Bible reads: “The Sanctity of Blood When the LORD your God extends your borders as he said he would do and you say,“I want to eat meat just as I please,” you may do so as you wish.”
Where is Deuteronomy 12:20 in the Bible?
Deuteronomy 12:20 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Deuteronomy, chapter 12, verse 20.
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 12:20.
What translation should I read Deuteronomy 12:20 in?
Deuteronomy 12:20 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 12:20?
Deuteronomy 12:20 reads (NET): “The Sanctity of Blood When the LORD your God extends your borders as he said he would do and you say,“I want to eat meat just as I please,” you may do so as you wish.” 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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