ויקרא, פרק י״ז, פסוק י״ב

The prohibition against consuming blood stands as an absolute law, applying to every level of society from the native-born citizen to the convert. This strict rule stems from the deep, essential connection between blood and the secret of life itself. The command echoes an earlier warning given in the book of Leviticus [חזקוני]. However, the underlying reason is brought into sharper focus. Blood is forbidden primarily because life and the soul are so closely bound to it, rather than solely because it is designated for sacrifices on the altar [ביאור יש״ר].

Because of the gravity of this law, it demands careful supervision across all age groups. By framing the command around the human soul rather than adult men, the law intentionally includes young children. This places a severe warning upon adults, who are obligated to watch over minors and are absolutely forbidden from directly feeding them blood [רש״י, תורה תמימה, מלבי״ם]. Yet, there is a clear distinction when it comes to punishment. While an adult who feeds blood to a child commits a serious violation, the severe spiritual punishment of being cut off applies exclusively to the person who actually consumes the blood, not to the one who provided it [מלבי״ם].

Even though the command speaks of eating blood, the restriction fully includes drinking. The very fact that blood is chosen to provide atonement on the altar indicates that it is a clear, flowing liquid suitable for sprinkling. Consequently, consuming liquids is legally treated as an act of eating in this context [תורה תמימה]. Finally, to ensure there are no exceptions, the law explicitly extends to any convert who joins the Israelites, making this sweeping prohibition equally binding upon all who live among the people [ביאור שטיינזלץ].