Proverbs 28:17

KJV

¶ A man that doeth violence to the blood of [any] person shall flee to the pit; let no man stay him.

KJV (with Strong's)

A man {H120} that doeth violence {H6231} to the blood {H1818} of any person {H5315} shall flee {H5127} to the pit {H953}; let no man stay {H8551} him.

Complete Jewish Bible

Let a man weighed down with anyone's blood flee to a pit; give him no support.

Berean Standard Bible

A man burdened by bloodguilt will flee into the Pit; let no one support him.

American Standard Version

A man that is laden with the blood of any person Shall flee unto the pit; let no man stay him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 28:17 delivers a solemn and uncompromising warning regarding the severe consequences awaiting anyone who commits murder. This proverb underscores the divine principle of justice for the shedding of innocent blood, asserting that such a perpetrator will face an inescapable and dire fate, with no earthly refuge or intervention able to prevent their deserved downfall. It highlights both the sanctity of human life and the certainty of judgment for those who violate it.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 28 is situated within the "Proverbs of Solomon" collection (Proverbs 25-29), a section characterized by its focus on practical wisdom for daily living, often contrasting the righteous and the wicked. This chapter, in particular, delves into themes of justice, leadership, honesty, and the inevitable consequences of one's actions. Verse 17 serves as a stark and absolute declaration against one of the most grievous sins: the unlawful taking of human life. It follows proverbs that discuss the integrity of rulers and the importance of righteousness in society, reinforcing the broader message that wickedness, especially violence, leads to destruction, while integrity leads to blessing. The preceding verses often address societal order and the outcomes of just or unjust governance, making the individual act of violence against "the blood of any person" a profound disruption of that order, demanding severe retribution and an unhindered path to justice.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the sanctity of human life was a foundational principle, deeply rooted in the theological conviction that humanity was created in the image of God, making every individual life inherently valuable and sacred (as seen in [the creation account](/genesis/1 "Genesis 1 - The Creation Account") and specifically [Genesis 1:27](/genesis/1-27 "Genesis 1:27 - Humanity Created in God's Image")). The Mosaic Law explicitly forbade murder as the Sixth Commandment ([Exodus 20:13](/exodus/20-13 "Exodus 20:13 - The Sixth Commandment")) and established strict penalties, often capital punishment, for its violation. Blood was understood as the very essence and carrier of life, making its shedding a profound offense against both the victim and God. Bloodguilt was a serious concept, believed to defile the land and require atonement, typically through the death of the perpetrator, to cleanse the land ([Numbers 35:33](/numbers/35-33 "Numbers 35:33 - Blood Defiles the Land")). The imagery of "fleeing to the pit" would have resonated with the legal and social practices of the time, where murderers might attempt to escape justice but were ultimately pursued by avengers of blood or faced societal ostracism and divine retribution. The proverb reflects the societal expectation that justice for such a heinous crime would be pursued relentlessly, without quarter or refuge.
* **Key Themes:** This proverb contributes powerfully to several key themes prevalent throughout the Book of Proverbs and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it emphatically reinforces the **Sanctity of Human Life**, underscoring the profound value God places on each individual and the grave offense of its unjust termination. Secondly, it highlights the **Inevitable Judgment and Consequences** for wickedness, particularly for violent acts. The "pit" serves as a potent metaphor for inescapable doom, whether it be judicial execution, a life of tormented flight, or ultimate spiritual destruction. This aligns with the wisdom tradition's consistent portrayal of the wicked facing ruin, while the righteous find security and flourish (as illustrated in [Proverbs 10:24-25](/proverbs/10-24 "Proverbs 10:24-25 - The Fear of the Wicked and the Righteous")). Thirdly, the phrase "let no man stay him" speaks to the theme of **Justice and Accountability**, asserting that human attempts to impede or thwart the natural and divine course of justice for such a crime are futile and morally wrong. It underscores that certain crimes are so egregious that they demand an unhindered path to retribution, reflecting the principle that God's justice will ultimately prevail, often through human instruments, as seen in the role of governing authorities in [Romans 13:4](/romans/13-4 "Romans 13:4 - Governing Authorities as God's Servants")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **violence (Hebrew, _ʻâshaq'_):** From H6231, this primitive root means "to press upon, i.e. oppress, defraud, violate, overflow." In this context, when applied to "blood," it signifies a forceful, wrongful aggression or injustice that culminates in the brutal and unlawful act of taking a life. It emphasizes the oppressive, violating, and unjust nature of murder.
* **blood (Hebrew, _dâm'_):** From H1818, this term refers to "blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal." Theologically, it carries the profound significance of life itself, often seen as the seat of life. To "do violence to the blood" is to attack the very essence of life, making the act of murder a direct assault on the life principle established and sustained by God.
* **pit (Hebrew, _bôwr'_):** From H953, meaning "a pit hole (especially one used as a cistern or a prison)." While literally a physical hole, metaphorically it represents destruction, the grave, a dungeon, or the underworld (Sheol). In this proverb, it signifies an inescapable, dire end—a place of ruin, confinement, or ultimate demise for the wicked, from which there is no escape or reprieve.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"A man that doeth violence to the blood of [any] person":** This initial clause precisely identifies the subject of the proverb: an individual who commits murder. The phrase "doeth violence to the blood" is a potent Hebrew idiom for shedding innocent blood, emphasizing the brutal, unjust, and life-destroying nature of the act. It highlights the profound offense against the sanctity of human life, not merely as a physical act but as a violation of the very essence of a person.
* **"shall flee to the pit":** This clause describes the inevitable and inescapable outcome for the murderer. The verb "flee" (Hebrew _nûwç_) suggests a life of restless evasion, guilt, and fear, indicating that the perpetrator will find no lasting peace or security. "The pit" (Hebrew _bôwr_) serves as a powerful metaphor for an inescapable, dire consequence. This can refer to literal imprisonment, a violent death, the grave, or a life consumed by torment leading to ultimate destruction, signifying that the murderer cannot escape their deserved fate, whether by human justice or divine judgment.
* **"let no man stay him":** This final clause functions as both a societal directive and a statement of divine decree. It means that no one should offer refuge, protection, or assistance to the murderer, nor should anyone attempt to prevent justice from taking its course. This underscores the gravity of the crime and the moral imperative for justice to be unhindered, implying that any attempt to shield such a person is futile, morally reprehensible, and ultimately against the divine order. It speaks to the absolute nature of the judgment due for such a heinous act.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 28:17 employs several potent literary devices to convey its uncompromising message. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, particularly in the phrase "flee to the pit." The "pit" (Hebrew _bôwr_), while having literal connotations of a cistern or dungeon, functions here metaphorically to represent an inescapable destiny of ruin, death, or judgment. This metaphor vividly communicates the finality and severity of the murderer's fate, implying a descent into inescapable doom. The proverb also utilizes **Legal Language** or **Proverbial Wisdom**, presenting a concise, declarative statement that functions as a moral law or principle, reflecting the legal and ethical standards of ancient Israel. The structure is a clear example of **Cause and Effect**, directly linking the act of violence against life to an inevitable, negative consequence. Furthermore, there is an element of **Hyperbole** in "let no man stay him," which emphasizes the absolute and unyielding nature of the judgment; it's not merely that people *shouldn't* help, but that any attempt to do so would be ultimately futile against the tide of divine and natural justice that demands retribution for such a grave offense.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 28:17 powerfully articulates the biblical principle of the sanctity of human life and the certainty of divine justice for its violation. This proverb resonates deeply with the foundational covenantal laws given to Noah after the flood, where God explicitly commanded that "whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed, for God made man in his own image" ([Genesis 9:6](/genesis/9-6 "Genesis 9:6 - Penalty for Murder")). This establishes murder not merely as a crime against humanity, but as a direct affront to God's creative act and His image. The proverb also aligns with the Mosaic Law's strict regulations concerning capital punishment for premeditated murder, emphasizing that no ransom or payment could atone for bloodguilt ([Numbers 35:31](/numbers/35-31 "Numbers 35:31 - No Ransom for Murder")). The concept of "fleeing to the pit" echoes the internal and external torment often associated with unpunished sin, as seen in the story of Cain, who became a restless wanderer after murdering Abel ([Genesis 4:12](/genesis/4-12 "Genesis 4:12 - Cain's Curse")). The proverb serves as a timeless reminder that actions of extreme violence against life carry an inescapable spiritual and often temporal penalty, reflecting God's unwavering commitment to justice.

* [Genesis 9:6](/genesis/9-6 "The Sanctity of Life and Penalty for Murder")
* [Numbers 35:33](/numbers/35-33 "Blood Defiles the Land")
* [Romans 13:4](/romans/13-4 "Governing Authority and Justice")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 28:17 is more than an ancient legal pronouncement; it is a profound spiritual truth that calls us to a deeper understanding of life's value and the nature of justice. For contemporary believers, this proverb reinforces the absolute preciousness of every human life, from conception to natural death, as created in the image of God. It compels us to advocate for the vulnerable, to stand against violence in all its forms, and to champion systems of justice that uphold the dignity of human beings. While the New Testament introduces themes of grace and forgiveness, this proverb reminds us that forgiveness does not negate the need for accountability for heinous crimes. It also speaks to the internal consequences of sin: a life lived in defiance of God's moral order, especially through violence, often leads to an internal "pit" of guilt, fear, and spiritual desolation, even if external consequences are delayed. We are called to be people who uphold justice, not those who enable or protect wickedness, trusting that God's ultimate justice will prevail.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this proverb challenge our contemporary views on the sanctity of human life, particularly in areas like abortion, euthanasia, or capital punishment?**
* **In what ways might a person "flee to the pit" in a metaphorical sense, even if not physically imprisoned or executed?**
* **What is our responsibility as believers when confronted with grave injustices, and how do we balance the call for justice with the call for mercy and forgiveness?**

### FAQ
**What does "doeth violence to the blood of any person" specifically mean?**

Answer: This phrase is a powerful Hebrew idiom for committing murder or causing the death of an innocent person through violent and unjust means. "Violence" (Hebrew _'âshaq'_) implies oppression, injustice, and wrongful aggression, while "blood" (Hebrew _dâm'_) represents life itself, the very essence of a living being. Therefore, "doing violence to the blood" means brutally and unjustly taking a human life, violating the very core of a person's existence. It underscores the heinous nature of murder as a direct assault on the life principle established and valued by God.

**What is "the pit" that the murderer shall flee to?**

Answer: "The pit" (Hebrew _bôwr'_) is a multifaceted metaphor. Literally, it could refer to a cistern, a dungeon, or a grave. In this proverb, it symbolizes an inescapable, dire fate or ultimate destruction. It can represent judicial punishment (imprisonment or execution), a life of tormented flight and eventual demise, or even the spiritual abyss of guilt and separation from God. It signifies that the murderer will find no lasting refuge or peace, but will ultimately face a desolate end, whether by human justice or divine judgment. This imagery reinforces the certainty and severity of the consequences for shedding innocent blood, echoing the fate of those who reject God's wisdom and fall into ruin, as seen in [Proverbs 1:12](/proverbs/1-12 "Proverbs 1:12 - The Pit of the Wicked").

**Why does the proverb state, "let no man stay him"?**

Answer: This phrase emphasizes the absolute and unyielding nature of the justice due to a murderer. "To stay him" means to hold him back, to support him, or to prevent his deserved fate. The proverb declares that no one should, or indeed can, successfully intervene to protect a murderer from the consequences of their actions. It implies that attempts to thwart justice for such a grievous crime are morally wrong and ultimately futile, as divine and human justice must run its course. It underscores the societal and divine imperative that such a crime demands unhindered retribution, reflecting the principle that bloodguilt defiles the land and demands satisfaction, as highlighted in [Numbers 35:33-34](/numbers/35-33 "Numbers 35:33-34 - Blood Guilt and the Land").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 28:17, with its stark warning against violence to life and the certainty of judgment, finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound reinterpretation in Jesus Christ. While the proverb highlights the inescapable consequences for those who shed innocent blood, Christ's coming reveals the ultimate "violence to the blood" that occurred at His crucifixion—the shedding of the innocent blood of the Son of God ([Matthew 27:24-25](/matthew/27-24 "Matthew 27:24-25 - Pilate and the Blood of Jesus")). Yet, instead of leading to a "pit" of condemnation for humanity, Christ's blood becomes the means of redemption and cleansing from all sin, including bloodguilt ([Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - The Blood of Christ Cleanses Conscience")). Through His sacrifice, Jesus offers a way out of the "pit" of sin and judgment for all who believe, providing refuge and eternal life where otherwise there would be only condemnation ([John 3:16-18](/john/3-16 "John 3:16-18 - God So Loved the World")). Furthermore, Christ, as the righteous judge, is the one who will ultimately execute perfect justice, ensuring that all wickedness, including violence against life, will be fully accounted for at the final judgment ([Revelation 20:12-13](/revelation/20-12 "Revelation 20:12-13 - The Great White Throne Judgment")). In Him, the sanctity of life is upheld, justice is perfectly rendered, and for the repentant, the curse of the "pit" is transformed into the promise of eternal life.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Genesis 9:6

Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man.

Exodus 21:14

But if a man come presumptuously upon his neighbour, to slay him with guile; thou shalt take him from mine altar, that he may die.

1 Kings 21:19

And thou shalt speak unto him, saying, Thus saith the LORD, Hast thou killed, and also taken possession? And thou shalt speak unto him, saying, Thus saith the LORD, In the place where dogs licked the blood of Naboth shall dogs lick thy blood, even thine.

2 Kings 9:26

Surely I have seen yesterday the blood of Naboth, and the blood of his sons, saith the LORD; and I will requite thee in this plat, saith the LORD. Now therefore take [and] cast him into the plat [of ground], according to the word of the LORD.

Acts 28:4

And when the barbarians saw the [venomous] beast hang on his hand, they said among themselves, No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he hath escaped the sea, yet vengeance suffereth not to live.

2 Chronicles 24:21

And they conspired against him, and stoned him with stones at the commandment of the king in the court of the house of the LORD.

2 Chronicles 24:25

And when they were departed from him, (for they left him in great diseases,) his own servants conspired against him for the blood of the sons of Jehoiada the priest, and slew him on his bed, and he died: and they buried him in the city of David, but they buried him not in the sepulchres of the kings.