Bible Discussion Thread

What does, Genesis 9 verse 4 mean exactly?

4. But flesh with the life thereof, which is the blood thereof, shall ye not eat

Hi Barry. Taking a direct translation from the Hebrew, Genesis 9:4 would read as: 'But flesh with its life blood you shall not eat'. This was now the allowance given to the surviving humans from the flood that they were permitted to eat the flesh of animals but not to include its blood. The blood was to be first drained out & then the meat cooked, for the blood represented the life of the animal (the life that God alone gives), as it also applies to the shedding of human blood, i.e. taking of life ( Genesis 9:5,6). In many countries, animal blood is consumed, whether taken directly or cooked/turned into another form. We need to bear this in mind when contemplating such foods presented to us.

The life of flesh is blood. You are not to eat anything where blood is running out. Blood becomes putrid and carries diseases, it is a health law.