Blood in the Bible
Life, atonement, and the new covenant.
Blood in Scripture is the seat of life and the price of atonement — from the Passover lamb to the cross, where Christ's blood seals the new covenant.
Key KJV Verses
"For the life of the flesh is in the blood...it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul."
"...and without shedding of blood is no remission."
"For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins."
Life for life
From Abel's blood crying out (Genesis 4:10) to the blood on Israel's doorposts (Exodus 12), Scripture treats blood with great seriousness: life is in the blood, and atonement costs life.
The blood of Christ
Christ's blood is the once-for-all sacrifice (Hebrews 9–10), the price of redemption (1 Peter 1:18–19), and the seal of the new covenant remembered in every communion.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does blood symbolize in the Bible?
Life, atonement, and the new covenant ratified by Christ's blood on the cross.
Related Bible Symbols
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
Bible Verses About Blood Atonement
10 curated KJV verses
The Blood of the Lamb
Revelation 12:11 — the saints overcome the accuser by the blood of the Lamb. Chr
Nothing But the Blood of Jesus
Robert Lowry • 1876
There Is a Fountain Filled With Blood
William Cowper • 1772
Bible Verses About the Blood of Jesus
10 curated KJV verses
Atonement (כִּפֻּר (Kippur) / ἱλασμός (Hilasmos))
The covering or removal of sin through sacrifice