ויקרא, פרק ז׳, פסוק כ״ז

Consuming blood stands as one of the strictest prohibitions in biblical law, carrying an exceptionally broad scope. The restriction extends far beyond the sacred animals offered on the altar. It applies equally to everyday animals prepared for regular meals, as well as birds and other creatures that are entirely unfit for sacrifice [ביאור שטיינזלץ, ביאור יש״ר].

This rule is closely linked to the restriction against consuming certain animal fats. While both share a foundational concept and govern both sacred and ordinary animals, a significant difference separates them. The ban on fat is limited strictly to the specific species of animals that are fit for the altar, whereas the ban on blood is much broader, encompassing a wider variety of living creatures [ביאור שטיינזלץ].

The penalty for eating blood is severe, resulting in the individual being spiritually cut off. However, this extreme punishment is reserved specifically for consuming the lifeblood of an animal or bird. If a person consumes the blood that remains absorbed within the meat itself, they do not face this severe penalty, though the act still violates a standard negative command [ביאור יש״ר].