Blood, the Bible, and Blood Transfusions: What Do the Biblical Laws Say?

Quick Answer

Why do Jehovah’s Witnesses refuse blood? The biblical basis is the command to “abstain from blood” (Acts 15:29). Jehovah’s Witnesses view blood as God does and therefore consistently refuse blood transfusions and the consumption of blood, while relying on state-of-the-art bloodless surgery.

A striking distinguishing feature of Jehovah’s Witnesses is their endeavor to consistently observe the commands of the Bible. A central aspect of this is the adherence to biblical commandments regarding blood. Therefore, Jehovah’s Witnesses refuse blood transfusions as well as the consumption of blood (e.g., in the form of blood sausage).

Important to know: For Jehovah’s Witnesses, this decision is not primarily about medical reasons. Although they appreciate the benefits of bloodless surgery—such as faster healing and lower risk of infection—obedience to the Creator is the foremost priority.

What the Bible specifically says about blood

The prohibition against taking in blood is deeply rooted in the Holy Scriptures. As early as the first book of the Bible, it was established:

“Only … blood — you must not eat” (Genesis 9:3, 4).

This divine law regarding blood was never rescinded. On the contrary, the New Testament clearly reaffirms this stance for Christians:

“Keep abstaining… from blood…” (Acts 15:28, 29).

The logic of “Abstaining”

For Jehovah’s Witnesses, the biblical logic is simple and clear: if a doctor advises a patient to abstain from alcohol, that patient would neither drink the alcohol nor have it injected directly into their veins. With the same consistency, they understand the command to “abstain” from blood—it applies to every form of intake.

Benefit through divine guidance

Jehovah’s Witnesses are firmly convinced that the Creator’s guidance always serves the long-term best interests of humans. In Isaiah 48:17, Jehovah God promises to teach us for our own benefit.

Blood transfusion alternative treatments instead of blood transfusions
The successful application of bloodless surgery in complex operations on the heart and veins proves impressively today that biblical faithfulness and modern medicine can go hand in hand without violating the biblical law regarding blood.