Deuteronomy 12:23 web — Only be sure that you don't eat the blood: for the blood is the life; and you shall not eat the life with the flesh.

World English Bible

"Only be sure that you don't eat the blood: for the blood is the life; and you shall not eat the life with the flesh."

— Deuteronomy 12:23, World English Bible

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Deuteronomy 12:23 in Other Translations

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Deuteronomy 12 — Context

20

When Yahweh your God shall enlarge your border, as he has promised you, and you shall say, "I want to eat meat," because your soul desires to eat meat; you may eat meat, after all the desire of your soul.

21

If the place which Yahweh your God shall choose, to put his name there, is too far from you, then you shall kill of your herd and of your flock, which Yahweh has given you, as I have commanded you; and you may eat within your gates, after all the desire of your soul.

22

Even as the gazelle and as the hart is eaten, so you shall eat of it: the unclean and the clean may eat of it alike.

23

Only be sure that you don't eat the blood: for the blood is the life; and you shall not eat the life with the flesh.

24

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

25

You shall not eat it; that it may go well with you, and with your children after you, when you shall do that which is right in the eyes of Yahweh.

26

Only your holy things which you have, and your vows, you shall take, and go to the place which Yahweh shall choose:

Deuteronomy 12:23 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Deuteronomy 12:23 say?
Deuteronomy 12:23 in the World English Bible reads: “Only be sure that you don't eat the blood: for the blood is the life; and you shall 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 (WEB): “Only be sure that you don't eat the blood: for the blood is the life; and you shall 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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