For the life of a creature is in the blood, and I have given it to you to make atonement for yourselves on the altar; it is the blood that makes atonement for one's life. The theological foundation of the entire blood prohibition: the life of a creature is in the blood, and the blood makes atonement for life. The blood prohibition and the blood application to the altar are two sides of the same theological principle: blood is life, and life belongs to God. The blood that cannot be eaten is the blood that makes atonement on the altar. The prohibition on eating blood protects the exclusivity of the blood's atoning function. Hebrews 9:22 says without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness — the theological principle of Leviticus 17:11 is the foundation for the New Testament's understanding of the blood of Christ.

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