The idea, already referred to, that life is in blood, led to a total ban on the drinking of blood or the eating of meat containing blood. All life belongs to God, so to consume blood was to infringe on the rights of God alone. During sacrifice the blood of a sacrificial animal was poured out or sprinkled before God. Those who broke this command would no longer be considered as members of the community of God.

In this passage, and in the other passages from Leviticus, we see the very strong connection between external behaviour and inner holiness which should signify belonging to God's people. The ritual or cultic behaviour required should be an outward reflection of inner obedience and homage to God. The holiness of God affects everything associated with him and in the commands of Leviticus we see a profound attempt to transform the life of the Israelites into a way of holiness, externally and internally, as befitted God's people.