Proverbs 28:17
Proverbs 28:17 in Multiple Translations
A man burdened by bloodguilt will flee into the Pit; let no one support him.
A man that doeth violence to the blood of any person shall flee to the pit; let no man stay him.
A man that is laden with the blood of any person Shall flee unto the pit; let no man stay him.
One who has been the cause of a man's death will go in flight to the underworld: let no man give him help.
Someone guilty of murder will go on running away from it until they die. Don't try and stop them.
A man that doeth violence against the blood of a person, shall flee vnto the graue, and they shall not stay him.
A man oppressed with the blood of a soul, Unto the pit fleeth, none taketh hold on him.
A man who is tormented by blood guilt will be a fugitive until death. No one will support him.
A man that doeth violence to the blood of any person shall flee to the pit; let no man stay him.
A man that doth violence to the blood of a person, if he flee even to the pit, no man will stay him.
Those who are guilty of murdering [MTY] another person will ◄be fugitives/keep running away► until they die; do not help them to escape.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 28:17
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 28:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אָ֭דָם
עָשֻׁ֣ק
בְּ/דַם
נָפֶשׁ
עַד
בּ֥וֹר
יָ֝נ֗וּס
אַל
יִתְמְכוּ
בֽ/וֹ
אָ֭דָם
ʼâdâm
H120
the man (Adam)
N-ms
עָשֻׁ֣ק
ʻâshaq
H6231
to oppress
V-Qal-Inf-c
בְּ/דַם
dâm
H1818
blood
Prep | N-ms
נָפֶשׁ
nephesh
H5315
soul
N-cs
עַד
ʻad
H5704
till
Prep
בּ֥וֹר
bôwr
H953
pit
N-ms
יָ֝נ֗וּס
nûwç
H5127
to flee
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
אַל
ʼal
H408
not
Part
יִתְמְכוּ
tâmak
H8551
to grasp
V-Qal-Juss-3mp
בֽ/וֹ
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 28:17
אָ֭דָם
ʼâdâm
H120
"the man (Adam)"
N-ms
Adam was the first human, created by God and mentioned in Genesis 2:19, who married Eve and had sons including Cain, Abel, and Seth.
Definition: The first named man living at the time before the Flood, first mentioned at Gen.2.19; married to Eve (H2332); father of: Cain (H7014B), Abel (H1893) and Seth (H8352); also translated "man" at Gen.2.19,21,23; 3.8,9,20; 5.2; "mankind" at Deu.32.8; "others" at Job.31.33; Another spelling of a.dam (אָדָם "Adam" H0121) man, human being
Usage: Occurs in 526 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] another, [phrase] hypocrite, [phrase] common sort, [idiom] low, man (mean, of low degree), person. See also: Genesis 1:26; Judges 18:7; Psalms 8:5.
עָשֻׁ֣ק
ʻâshaq
H6231
"to oppress"
V-Qal-Inf-c
To oppress means to press upon or defraud someone, often violently. It is used to describe wrongdoing in the Bible, such as in the book of Exodus.
Definition: 1) to press upon, oppress, violate, defraud, do violence, get deceitfully, wrong, extort 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to oppress, wrong, extort 1a2) to oppress 1b) (Pual) to be exploited, be crushed
Usage: Occurs in 35 OT verses. KJV: get deceitfully, deceive, defraud, drink up, (use) oppress(-ion), -or), do violence (wrong). See also: Leviticus 5:21; Proverbs 14:31; Psalms 72:4.
בְּ/דַם
dâm
H1818
"blood"
Prep | N-ms
Blood refers to the liquid that flows through the body, essential for life. In the Bible, blood is often used to symbolize life, guilt, or sacrifice, as seen in the story of Jesus' crucifixion.
Definition: 1) blood 1a) of wine (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 295 OT verses. KJV: blood(-y, -guiltiness, (-thirsty), [phrase] innocent. See also: Genesis 4:10; Numbers 19:5; Psalms 5:7.
נָפֶשׁ
nephesh
H5315
"soul"
N-cs
The Hebrew word for soul or living being, used in the Bible to describe the essence of a person or animal. It encompasses the ideas of life, breath, and vitality, and is translated as 'soul' or 'creature' in the KJV. This word is central to biblical concepts of humanity and existence.
Definition: 1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion 1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man 1b) living being 1c) living being (with life in the blood) 1d) the man himself, self, person or individual 1e) seat of the appetites 1f) seat of emotions and passions 1g) activity of mind 1g1) uncertain 1h) activity of the will 1h1) uncertain 1i) activity of the character 1i1) uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 683 OT verses. KJV: any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it. See also: Genesis 1:20; Leviticus 26:43; Judges 18:25.
עַד
ʻad
H5704
"till"
Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
בּ֥וֹר
bôwr
H953
"pit"
N-ms
This word refers to a cistern or pit, often used to hold water or as a prison. In the Bible, it is used to describe a place of confinement, like a dungeon or well. It is a physical hole in the ground.
Definition: pit, well, cistern, dungeon, pit of the grave
Usage: Occurs in 62 OT verses. KJV: cistern, dungeon, fountain, pit, well. See also: Genesis 37:20; Proverbs 5:15; Psalms 7:16.
יָ֝נ֗וּס
nûwç
H5127
"to flee"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
To flee means to quickly leave a place, like escaping from danger, as seen in the Bible when David fled from King Saul. It can also mean to disappear or vanish. In the book of Psalms, it describes God delivering his people from harm.
Definition: 1) to flee, escape 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to flee 1a2) to escape 1a3) to take flight, m depart, disappear 1a4) to fly (to the attack) on horseback 1b) (Polel) to drive at 1c) (Hithpolel) to take flight 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to put to flight 1d2) to drive hastily 1d3) to cause to disappear, hide Aramaic equivalent: nud (נוּד "to flee" H5111)
Usage: Occurs in 143 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abate, away, be displayed, (make to) flee (away, -ing), put to flight, [idiom] hide, lift up a standard. See also: Genesis 14:10; 2 Samuel 17:2; Psalms 60:6.
אַל
ʼal
H408
"not"
Part
Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.
Definition: 1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference) 1a) do not, let not (with a verb) 1b) let there not be (with a verb understood) 1c) not, no (with substantive) 1d) nothing (as substantive) Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.
יִתְמְכוּ
tâmak
H8551
"to grasp"
V-Qal-Juss-3mp
This Hebrew word means to grasp or hold something, like taking hold of a person or object. It is used in books like Genesis and Psalms to describe helping or supporting someone.
Definition: 1) to grasp, hold, support, attain, lay hold of, hold fast 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to grasp, lay hold of, attain 1a2) to hold up, support 1a3) to hold, keep 1a4) to take hold of each other 1b) (Niphal) to be seized, be held
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: (take, up-) hold (up), maintain, retain, stay (up). See also: Genesis 48:17; Proverbs 5:22; Psalms 16:5.
בֽ/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
Study Notes — Proverbs 28:17
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 28:17 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 28:17
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 28:17
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 28:17
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 28:17
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 28:17
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 28:17
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 28:17
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 28:17
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 28:17
- Sermons on Proverbs 28:17
Context — The Boldness of the Righteous
15Like a roaring lion or a charging bear is a wicked ruler over a helpless people.
16A leader who lacks judgment is also a great oppressor, but he who hates dishonest profit will prolong his days.
17A man burdened by bloodguilt will flee into the Pit; let no one support him.
18He who walks with integrity will be kept safe, but whoever is perverse in his ways will suddenly fall. 19The one who works his land will have plenty of food, but whoever chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 9:6 | Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man his blood will be shed; for in His own image God has made mankind. |
| 2 | 1 Kings 21:19 | Tell him that this is what the LORD says: ‘Have you not murdered a man and seized his land?’ Then tell him that this is also what the LORD says: ‘In the place where the dogs licked up the blood of Naboth, there also the dogs will lick up your blood—yes, yours!’ ” |
| 3 | Exodus 21:14 | But if a man schemes and acts willfully against his neighbor to kill him, you must take him away from My altar to be put to death. |
| 4 | Numbers 35:14–34 | Select three cities across the Jordan and three in the land of Canaan as cities of refuge. These six cities will serve as a refuge for the Israelites and for the foreigner or stranger among them, so that anyone who kills a person unintentionally may flee there. If, however, anyone strikes a person with an iron object and kills him, he is a murderer; the murderer must surely be put to death. Or if anyone has in his hand a stone of deadly size, and he strikes and kills another, he is a murderer; the murderer must surely be put to death. If anyone has in his hand a deadly object of wood, and he strikes and kills another, he is a murderer; the murderer must surely be put to death. The avenger of blood is to put the murderer to death; when he finds him, he is to kill him. Likewise, if anyone maliciously pushes another or intentionally throws an object at him and kills him, or if in hostility he strikes him with his hand and he dies, the one who struck him must surely be put to death; he is a murderer. When the avenger of blood finds the murderer, he is to kill him. But if anyone pushes a person suddenly, without hostility, or throws an object at him unintentionally, or without looking drops a heavy stone that kills him, but he was not an enemy and did not intend to harm him, then the congregation must judge between the slayer and the avenger of blood according to these ordinances. The assembly is to protect the manslayer from the hand of the avenger of blood. Then the assembly will return him to the city of refuge to which he fled, and he must live there until the death of the high priest, who was anointed with the holy oil. But if the manslayer ever goes outside the limits of the city of refuge to which he fled and the avenger of blood finds him outside of his city of refuge and kills him, then the avenger will not be guilty of bloodshed because the manslayer must remain in his city of refuge until the death of the high priest. Only after the death of the high priest may he return to the land he owns. This will be a statutory ordinance for you for the generations to come, wherever you live. If anyone kills a person, the murderer is to be put to death on the testimony of the witnesses. But no one is to be put to death based on the testimony of a lone witness. You are not to accept a ransom for the life of a murderer who deserves to die; he must surely be put to death. Nor should you accept a ransom for the person who flees to a city of refuge and allow him to return and live on his own land before the death of the high priest. Do not pollute the land where you live, for bloodshed pollutes the land, and no atonement can be made for the land on which the blood is shed, except by the blood of the one who shed it. Do not defile the land where you live and where I dwell. For I, the LORD, dwell among the Israelites.” |
| 5 | Matthew 27:4–5 | “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood,” he said. “What is that to us?” they replied. “You bear the responsibility.” So Judas threw the silver into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself. |
| 6 | 1 Kings 21:23 | And the LORD also speaks concerning Jezebel: ‘The dogs will devour Jezebel by the wall of Jezreel.’ |
| 7 | 2 Chronicles 24:21–25 | But they conspired against Zechariah, and by order of the king, they stoned him in the courtyard of the house of the LORD. Thus King Joash failed to remember the kindness that Zechariah’s father Jehoiada had extended to him. Instead, Joash killed Jehoiada’s son. As he lay dying, Zechariah said, “May the LORD see this and call you to account.” In the spring, the army of Aram went to war against Joash. They entered Judah and Jerusalem and destroyed all the leaders of the people, and they sent all the plunder to their king in Damascus. Although the Aramean army had come with only a few men, the LORD delivered into their hand a very great army. Because Judah had forsaken the LORD, the God of their fathers, judgment was executed on Joash. And when the Arameans had withdrawn, they left Joash severely wounded. His own servants conspired against him for shedding the blood of the son of Jehoiada the priest, and they killed him on his bed. So he died and was buried in the City of David, but not in the tombs of the kings. |
| 8 | Acts 28:4 | When the islanders saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, “Surely this man is a murderer. Although he was saved from the sea, Justice has not allowed him to live.” |
| 9 | 2 Kings 9:26 | ‘As surely as I saw the blood of Naboth and the blood of his sons yesterday, declares the LORD, so will I repay you on this plot of ground, declares the LORD.’ Now then, according to the word of the LORD, pick him up and throw him on the plot of ground.” |
Proverbs 28:17 Summary
[Proverbs 28:17 warns that those who are guilty of hurting or harming others will ultimately face the consequences of their actions, and may even face spiritual death, as seen in the reference to 'the Pit'. This verse reminds us of the importance of living with integrity and treating others with kindness and respect, as encouraged in Matthew 7:12. By seeking forgiveness and walking in the light of God's love, we can avoid the weight of guilt and shame, and instead find freedom and restoration in Christ, as promised in John 8:36.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is meant by 'bloodguilt' in Proverbs 28:17?
Bloodguilt refers to the guilt of shedding innocent blood, as seen in Deuteronomy 21:7-9, and can also symbolize the weight of unrepentant sin, as mentioned in Psalm 51:14, where David seeks forgiveness for his sins.
What is 'the Pit' that the man burdened by bloodguilt will flee into?
The Pit is likely a reference to the grave or Sheol, a place of darkness and separation from God, as described in Psalm 30:3 and Ezekiel 32:18-32, where the wicked are said to be cast into the Pit.
Why should no one support the man burdened by bloodguilt?
According to Proverbs 28:17, no one should support the man burdened by bloodguilt because his actions have led to spiritual and possibly physical death, and supporting him could enable his destructive behavior, as warned against in 2 John 1:10-11, where we are cautioned not to support false teachers.
Is there hope for the man burdened by bloodguilt?
Yes, there is hope, as seen in 1 John 1:7-9, where it is written that if we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness, offering redemption and restoration to those who repent and turn to Him.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I may be harboring 'bloodguilt' in my own life, and how can I seek forgiveness and cleansing from God?
- How can I balance the need to show compassion and love to those who have done wrong with the warning not to support or enable their destructive behavior?
- What are some practical steps I can take to avoid being burdened by the weight of unrepentant sin, and to instead walk in the light and freedom of God's forgiveness?
- In what ways can I be an agent of hope and redemption to those around me who may be struggling with the weight of guilt and shame, pointing them to the forgiveness and restoration available in Christ?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 28:17
A man that doeth violence to the blood of [any] person,.... That sheds the blood of any in a violent manner; that lays violent hands upon a club, and takes away his life, contrary to the law in Genesis 9:6.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 28:17
A man that doeth violence to the blood of any person shall flee to the pit; let no man stay him.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 28:17
A man that doeth violence to the blood of any person, that sheddeth any man’ s blood, or taketh away his life unjustly, shall flee to the pit; shall speedily be destroyed, being pursued by Divine vengeance, and the horrors of a guilty conscience, and the avengers of blood. Let no man stay him: so it is a prohibition that no man should endeavour to save the life of a wilful murderer, either by intercession, or by offering satisfaction, or any other way; of which see . Or, as the ancient and many other interpreters render it, no man shall stay him; none shall desire or endeavour to save him from his deserved punishment; he shall die without pity, being an object of public hatred.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 28:17
Proverbs 28:17 A man that doeth violence to the blood of [any] person shall flee to the pit; let no man stay him.Ver. 17. A man that doth violence unto the blood.] The Hebrew word Adam, here rendered man, hath one letter in the original less than the rest, to show that a blood shedder is not worthy to be called man. Shall flee to the pit, let no man stay him,] i.e., Let him die without mercy; let no man mediate for him, lest he pay down, as Ahab did, life for life, people for people, lest he draw upon the land guilt of blood, and hinder the man slayer from repentance to salvation never to be repented of. To blame then are the Papists that open sanctuaries to such; and if a cardinal put his red hat upon the head of a murderer going to execution, he is delivered from death. See Deuteronomy 19:13. Buxtorf.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 28:17
(17) A man that doeth violence to the blood of any person.—Rather, that is burdened with his blood, has wilfully murdered any one. Shall flee to the pit.—Fulfilling the curse of Gen 9:6. Let no man stay him—i.e., attempt to rescue him from the punishment he has deserved.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 28:17
Verse 17. That doeth violence to the blood] He who either slays the innocent, or procures his destruction, may flee to hide himself: but let none give him protection. The law demands his life, because he is a murderer; and let none deprive justice of its claim. Murder is the most horrid crime in the sight of God and man; it scarcely ever goes unpunished, and is universally execrated.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 28:17
17. doeth violence to] Rather, is laden with, R.V. See Genesis 9:6.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 28:17
The case of willful murder, not the lesser crime of manslaughter for which the cities of refuge were appointed. One, with that guilt on his soul, is simply hasting on to his own destruction.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 28:17
17. Violence to the blood — The first part of this verse is better read: A man burdened with the blood of a person shall flee to the pit — the figure of death.
Sermons on Proverbs 28:17
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Deformation of Image - Inalienable Aspects - Moral Agency by John Murray | In this sermon, the speaker begins by praying for discernment and guidance from the Holy Spirit and the Holy Word. They express a concern about losing contact with the committee an |
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Blood Guild - Sanctity Life Sunday by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the impact of a young girl's life and the significance of her clothing in reflecting her faith. He also shares the tragic story of an 11-ye |
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09-10-80 7p Part I by Bertha Smith | In this sermon, the preacher begins by sharing an illustration about the question of why God made human beings sinful and selfish. He uses a Chinese word for man to represent all p |
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Abortion & the Campaign for Immorality - John Macarthur by From the Pulpit & Classic Sermons | In this sermon, John MacArthur discusses the recent political conventions and their adoption of a Romans 1 platform. He expresses his concern over the promotion of sexual freedom, |
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The Wise Men Visit Jesus Matthew 2:1-23 by David Servant | David Servant preaches about the visit of the wise men to Jesus, highlighting their journey to Bethlehem guided by a star placed by God, their recognition of Jesus as worthy of wor |
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Are We Preaching the Gospel? by K.C. Moser | The preacher delves into the dual meanings of 'oxus' in the Bible, highlighting its representation of rapid motion and sharpness, particularly in the book of Revelation. This sharp |
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From Creation to Christ by G. Campbell Morgan | G. Campbell Morgan explores the journey from creation to Christ, emphasizing that God is love and the origin of all things. He discusses the significance of creation, the fall of m |