Leviticus 17

Sacrifices Must Be Made at the Tabernacle

1 The Lord spoke to Moses.

2 Tell Aaron, his sons, and all the Israelites that this is what the Lord commands.

3 If anyone from Israel sacrifices a bull, lamb, or goat inside or outside the camp,

4 And does not bring it to the entrance of the Tabernacle to present it as an offering to the Lord, they are guilty of shedding blood and must be cut off from the people.

5 The Israelites must bring all their sacrifices to the priest at the entrance of the Tabernacle instead of offering them in open fields. This way, they can present them as peace offerings to the Lord.

6 The priest will sprinkle the blood on the altar at the entrance of the Tabernacle and burn the fat as a sweet-smelling offering to the Lord.

7 They must no longer offer sacrifices to goat demons, which they have been worshiping. This law is permanent for all generations.

8 Tell them, if anyone from Israel or a foreigner living among them offers a burnt offering or sacrifice,

9 And does not bring it to the entrance of the Tabernacle to offer it to the Lord, they must be cut off from their people.

Eating Blood Is Forbidden

10 If anyone from Israel or any foreigner among them eats blood, I will turn against them and cut them off from the people.

11 For the life of a creature is in the blood, and I have given it to you to make atonement for your sins on the altar. Blood is what makes atonement for your life.

12 This is why I have said to the Israelites, none of you may eat blood, and no foreigner living among you may eat blood.

13 If an Israelite or a foreigner hunts an animal or bird that is allowed to be eaten, they must drain its blood and cover it with dirt.

14 Because the life of every creature is in its blood. That is why I told the Israelites never to eat blood, because the life is in the blood. Whoever eats it must be cut off.

Handling Dead or Torn Animals

15 If someone eats an animal that died naturally or was torn by wild animals, whether they are an Israelite or a foreigner, they must wash their clothes, bathe in water, and be unclean until evening. Then they will be clean.

16 If they do not wash themselves or their clothes, they will be guilty.