Deuteronomy 12:23 kjv — Only be sure that thou eat not the blood: for the blood is the life; and thou mayest not eat the life with the flesh.

King James Version

"Only be sure that thou eat not the blood: for the blood is the life; and thou mayest not eat the life with the flesh."

— Deuteronomy 12:23, King James Version

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Deuteronomy 12:23 in Other Translations

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Deuteronomy 12 — Context

20

When the Lord thy God shall enlarge thy border, as he hath promised thee, and thou shalt say, I will eat flesh, because thy soul longeth to eat flesh; thou mayest eat flesh, whatsoever thy soul lusteth after.

21

If the place which the Lord thy God hath chosen to put his name there be too far from thee, then thou shalt kill of thy herd and of thy flock, which the Lord hath given thee, as I have commanded thee, and thou shalt eat in thy gates whatsoever thy soul lusteth after.

22

Even as the roebuck and the hart is eaten, so thou shalt eat them: the unclean and the clean shall eat of them alike.

23

Only be sure that thou eat not the blood: for the blood is the life; and thou mayest not eat the life with the flesh.

24

Thou shalt not eat it; thou shalt pour it upon the earth as water.

25

Thou shalt not eat it; that it may go well with thee, and with thy children after thee, when thou shalt do that which is right in the sight of the Lord.

26

Only thy holy things which thou hast, and thy vows, thou shalt take, and go unto the place which the Lord shall choose:

Deuteronomy 12:23 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Deuteronomy 12:23 say?
Deuteronomy 12:23 in the King James Version reads: “Only be sure that thou eat not the blood: for the blood is the life; and thou mayest not eat the life with the flesh.”
Where is Deuteronomy 12:23 in the Bible?
Deuteronomy 12:23 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Deuteronomy, chapter 12, verse 23.
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 12:23.
What translation should I read Deuteronomy 12:23 in?
Deuteronomy 12:23 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 12:23?
Deuteronomy 12:23 reads (KJV): “Only be sure that thou eat not the blood: for the blood is the life; and thou mayest not eat the life with the flesh.” 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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