In the Bible, while the literal consumption of blood is strictly forbidden, "drinking blood", especially in the New Testament concerning Jesus, carries a profound symbolic meaning related to accepting His ultimate sacrifice and entering into a deep covenant with Him.
The Old Testament Prohibition: Blood as Life
Throughout the Old Testament, the act of consuming blood was expressly prohibited by God. This prohibition was not merely a dietary restriction but was deeply rooted in the understanding that:
- Blood represents life: "For the life of the flesh is in the blood" (Leviticus 17:11). Because life belongs to God, blood was considered sacred.
- Blood was for atonement: Blood was reserved for sacrificial rituals as a means of atonement for sin. It was to be offered on the altar, symbolizing a life given in exchange for another.
- Covenant with God: From the time of Noah (Genesis 9:4) and reinforced through the Mosaic Law (Leviticus 7:26-27; Deuteronomy 12:23), the command not to eat blood underscored the sanctity of life and reverence for God's provisions.
This strict prohibition emphasizes that the taking of a life, and therefore its blood, was a grave matter, to be handled only in the context of divine command for forgiveness and reconciliation.
The New Testament Symbolism: Jesus' Ultimate Sacrifice
The meaning of "drinking blood" shifts dramatically in the New Testament, particularly with the coming of Jesus Christ. During the Last Supper, Jesus instituted a new covenant, telling His disciples: "This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me" (1 Corinthians 11:25).
This instruction to "drink His blood" is not literal, but deeply symbolic, representing several key aspects:
- Acceptance of His Sacrifice: Jesus, as the perfect and final sacrifice, shed His blood for the forgiveness of sins. By asking believers to "drink His blood," He is inviting them to accept His ultimate sacrifice for humanity. This means believing in Him as the last sacrifice needed to atone for sins, effectively taking His life—His sacrifice and His righteousness—into one's own being.
- Participation in His Life: This act signifies a profound spiritual union with Jesus. It means becoming part of His life, allowing His redemptive work to permeate and transform one's own existence.
- Covenant Relationship: Just as ancient covenants were often sealed with blood, Jesus' blood establishes a New Covenant between God and humanity. Drinking His blood symbolically means entering into this new, unbreakable relationship, receiving the benefits of His atonement, and committing to follow Him.
- Spiritual Nourishment: Jesus also declared, "Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day" (John 6:54). This speaks to spiritual nourishment and sustenance derived from believing in and being connected to Christ.
Literal vs. Symbolic Interpretation
To clarify, the Bible presents a clear distinction between the literal prohibition and the New Testament's symbolic command:
| Aspect | Old Testament (Literal) | New Testament (Symbolic) |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning of Blood | Life; sacred; atonement (physical sacrifice) | Life; covenant; ultimate sacrifice (spiritual) |
| Consumption | Strictly Forbidden (due to sanctity of life) | Spiritually Accepted (through faith) |
| Purpose | Ritual purity; reverence for life | Union with Christ; forgiveness of sins |
| Context | Dietary laws; sacrificial rituals | The Last Supper; Christian Communion |
Practical Application: Christian Communion (Eucharist)
In Christian practice, the symbolic "drinking of blood" is observed through the sacrament of Communion (also known as the Eucharist or Lord's Supper). During this sacred ritual, believers partake in bread and wine (or grape juice), which symbolize Jesus' body broken and His blood shed for them. It is an act of:
- Remembrance: Recalling Jesus' sacrifice and His enduring love.
- Fellowship: Uniting believers with Christ and with one another as part of the body of Christ.
- Proclamation: Declaring belief in Jesus' death and resurrection until He returns.
Understanding "drinking blood" in the Bible, therefore, requires distinguishing between the literal prohibition of the Old Covenant and the spiritual, symbolic command of the New Covenant, which points entirely to the saving work of Jesus Christ.
