Not to eat the meat of minor sacrifices before sprinkling the blood

This mitzvah forbids the consumption of sacrificial meat prior to the completion of its primary ritual—the sprinkling of the blood on the Mizbeach. The essence of a korban lies in its blood service, for “the blood is given on the altar to atone” (Lev. 17:11). To eat before this step is to sever the act from its sacred purpose.

Rambam codifies that eating even the smallest amount before sprinkling is a transgression. Sefer HaChinuch stresses that this mitzvah prevents people from seeing korbanot as mere food and ensures that their sacred nature remains intact. The Talmud makes clear that the blood service is the point of atonement, and until it is performed, the korban is incomplete. Rashi emphasizes that no benefit may be derived from the flesh until the blood has reached the altar. Ramban elaborates that this mitzvah symbolizes the hierarchy of service: Divine worship precedes human consumption.

Commentary & Classical Explanation:

• Rambam (Hilchot Ma’aseh HaKorbanot 9:13): Rules that eating before sprinkling the blood is a transgression punishable by lashes.
• Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 411): Explains that eating before the blood service profanes the sanctity of the korban and undermines its atonement.
• Talmud (Zevachim 87a; Pesachim 59b): Teaches that blood service is central to kapparah, and flesh cannot be consumed before it.
• Rashi (Deut. 12:17): Notes that all korban portions remain prohibited until their blood is sprinkled.
• Ramban (Lev. 17:11): Expounds that the blood embodies life and atonement, and eating beforehand disregards the essence of korban.