Bible Dictionary
Blood
Blood represents life in Scripture and was not to be eaten. Sacrificial blood symbolized atonement and covenant, while the shedding of innocent human blood brought guilt; in the New Testament, Christ’s blood signifies His sacrificial death.
Biblical Usage
Animal blood was used in sacrifices, purification, covenant ceremonies, and the Passover. The New Testament presents Christ’s shed blood as the climactic and atoning sacrifice. Blood also represents murder, the life of a person, race, slaughter, and the symbolic sharing of life through the covenant cup.
Scripture References
Genesis 9:4
Deuteronomy 12:23
Leviticus 3:17
Leviticus 7:26
Leviticus 17:10-14
Acts 15:29
1 Samuel 14:32-34
Exodus 12
Leviticus 4:5-7
Leviticus 16:14-19
Exodus 24:8
Matthew 26:28
Hebrews 9:19
Hebrews 9:20
Genesis 9:5
Genesis 4:10
Numbers 35:24
Numbers 35:27
Numbers 35:31
Acts 17:26
Isaiah 34:3
Psalms 58:10
Genesis 49:11
John 19:34
Psalms 69:20
Leviticus 17:11-13