Is it OK to receive and donate blood?

The question of whether it is permissible to receive and donate blood is a significant ethical and religious issue for various faith groups. Jehovah’s Witnesses, for example, have specific teachings that prohibit the receipt of blood transfusions. This stance is based on their interpretation of certain biblical passages.

However, many Christians, including those who follow the New King James Version (NKJV) of the Bible, approach this issue differently. This study examines the biblical basis for the prohibition of blood, the implications for blood donation and transfusion, and the Christian perspective on this matter using Bible references.

Biblical Prohibition of Consuming Blood

The primary scriptural basis for the prohibition of consuming blood is found in both the Old and New Testaments. The Bible contains clear instructions regarding the use of blood, particularly in the context of dietary laws and sacrifices.

Old Testament Law

In the Old Testament, God gave explicit instructions to the Israelites concerning blood, emphasizing its sacredness and its role in atonement. Blood was seen as the life force, and its consumption was strictly forbidden.

• Leviticus 17:10-11 (NKJV): “And whatever man of the house of Israel, or of the strangers who dwell among them, who eats any blood, I will set My face against that person who eats blood and will cut him off from his people. For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you upon the altar to make atonement for your souls; for it is the blood that makes atonement for the soul.”

This passage underscores the importance of blood in the context of atonement and its prohibition for consumption, highlighting the belief that blood is sacred and symbolic of life. There were other considerations, such as the consuming of blood being a pagan practice and unhealthy for the body.

New Testament Reinforcement

The New Testament also reinforces the prohibition against consuming blood, especially in the context of early Christian teachings and guidelines provided by the apostles.

• Acts 15:28-29 (NKJV): “For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things: that you abstain from things offered to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well. Farewell.”

This directive from the apostles was intended for Gentile believers and emphasizes abstaining from blood, alongside other prohibitions.

Theological Basis for Blood Transfusion Prohibition

Jehovah’s Witnesses interpret these scriptures to mean that accepting a blood transfusion is equivalent to consuming blood, which they believe is strictly forbidden by God. They view the prohibition as a matter of obedience to divine commandments rather than merely a cultural or dietary issue.

Interpretation of Blood as Symbolic of Life – Jehovah’s Witnesses

Jehovah’s Witnesses hold that blood represents life and that consuming or introducing blood into the body, even through medical procedures, violates God’s commands. They see this prohibition as a fundamental aspect of their faith and obedience to God.

• Genesis 9:4 (NKJV): “But you shall not eat flesh with the life that is, its blood. You shall not eat flesh with its blood.”

This passage is often cited to support the view that blood should not be ingested or introduced into the body in any form.

In fact, Jehovah’s Witnesses will go so far as to allow a loved one to die rather than accept a transfusion. They believe that taking blood into the body through mouth or veins violates God’s laws. Here are some quotes from their publications:

“In view of the seriousness of taking blood into the human system by a transfusion, would violation of the Holy Scriptures in this regard subject the dedicated, baptized receiver of blood transfusion to being disfellowshipped from the Christian congregation?”
“The inspired Holy Scriptures answer yes.” (The Watchtower, January 15, 1961, p. 63)

“Similarly, God’s command to ‘abstain from blood’ rules out ingesting it by the mouth as well as through injections into the veins. Furthermore, the Bible makes it clear that the divine law was not to be ignored even during an emergency that could threaten life. (1 Sam. 14:31-35) Many of God’s approved servants have been willing to face dangers and even death rather than violate Scriptural principles and their integrity to Jehovah.” (The Watchtower, June 15, 1978, p.24)

“So their everlasting destiny is tied up in their faithfulness to Jehovah. This includes their being obedient to what he says about blood.” (The Watchtower, June 15, 1978, p.24)

The Jehovah’s Witnesses support this notion with the following verses: Genesis 9:4; Leviticus 17:14; Acts 15:28, 29. However, there are several problems with interpreting these verses to mean that transfusions are forbidden, not the least of which is the fact that the context is referring to animal blood, not human. Moreover, there is a significant difference between the act of eating and the act of receiving a life-giving transfusion.

Eating animals with blood was wrong because it resembled life, because it was not healthy as it carried diseases, and because it was a pagan practice. However, for a person to willingly share his blood intravenously in order to share life with someone that needs it is a very godly act.

Christian Perspective on Medical Use of Blood

Many Bible-believing Christians do not interpret these scriptures as prohibiting blood transfusions or donations. They believe that the biblical prohibition of blood consumption was specifically related to dietary laws and sacrificial practices rather than medical procedures.

Blood Transfusions as a Medical Necessity

For many Christians, the decision to receive or donate blood is a matter of medical necessity rather than a strict religious prohibition. Individuals are encouraged to make informed choices based on their health needs. From a medical perspective, blood transfusions can be life-saving and are often necessary for treating various health conditions, such as severe trauma, anemia, and surgical recovery. Many Christians view the use of blood in medical treatments as distinct from the consumption of blood for dietary purposes.

• Luke 10:9 (NKJV): “And heal the sick there, and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’”

This verse highlights Jesus’ ministry of healing, which included medical interventions. While it does not address blood transfusions directly, it underscores the importance of healing and medical care.

New Testament Emphasis on Love and Mercy

The New Testament emphasizes the principles of love and mercy, which many Christians believe extend to medical care, including blood transfusions. The focus is on saving lives and alleviating suffering, aligning with the Christian call to care for others.

• Matthew 25:36 (NKJV): “I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.”

This passage underscores the importance of compassionate action and caring for those in need, which can be interpreted to include providing medical treatment.

The Principle of Saving Lives

The principle of saving lives is central to many Christian ethical considerations. Blood transfusions are often viewed as a means of preserving life and alleviating suffering, which aligns with the Christian call to love and care for others.

• John 15:13 (NKJV): “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.”

This verse highlights the sacrificial nature of love, which can be extended to making decisions that benefit others, including medical interventions like blood transfusions.

In summary, the question of whether it is acceptable to receive and donate blood is addressed in the Word of God. Jehovah’s Witnesses interpret biblical prohibitions against consuming blood to extend to blood transfusions, viewing such actions as contrary to God’s commands. However, Bible students understand the prohibition as specific to dietary laws and sacrificial practices, not medical procedures. For these Christians, blood transfusions and donations are viewed as vital medical interventions that align with the principles of love, mercy, and preserving life.