A term understood in biblical writings as representative of life. Injunctions existed against consuming blood (Gen 9:4; Lev 17:10-16; Deut 12:15-18; 1Sam 14:32-35; Acts 15:23-29), and spilling blood was forbidden under penalty of death (Gen 9:4-7; Exod 20:13; Exod 21:23-24; Lev 24:20-21; Deut 19:21; Matt 5:21-26; Matt 5:38-42). Blood plays an important role in the institution of sacrificial atonement and the work of the priests. Applied to the altar, blood becomes a powerful expiatory agent as sin offering, especially on the annual Day of Atonement (Lev 16). The Passover celebration remembers the blood on the doorposts of Hebrew houses in Egypt (Exod 12:7) and the deliverance accomplished by the God of the covenant (see blood of the covenant in (Exod 24:6-8). Blood can also symbolize woes and terrors (1Chr 22:8; 1Chr 28:3; Exod 7:14-24; Joel 2:30-31). The NT writings focus on the shed blood of Jesus and its atoning character. At the Lord’s Supper; the cup of blessing is the new covenant in Christ’s blood (Mark 14:24; 1Cor 11:23-29). The most extensive development of the image is found in (Heb 9-10), (John 6:53-56; John 19:34-37; 1John 5:6-8; Rom 3:24-25; 1Cor 5:6-8; 1Pet 1:18-19; Rev 5:6-14; Rev 7:14).
