Proverbs 28:17

Translation
King James Version
¶ A man that doeth violence to the blood of any person shall flee to the pit; let no man stay him.
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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.
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Complete Jewish Bible
Let a man weighed down with anyone's blood flee to a pit; give him no support.
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Berean Standard Bible
A man burdened by bloodguilt will flee into the Pit; let no one support him.
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American Standard Version
A man that is laden with the blood of any person Shall flee unto the pit; let no man stay him.
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World English Bible Messianic
A man who is tormented by life blood will be a fugitive until death; no one will support him.
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Geneva Bible (1599)
A man that doeth violence against the blood of a person, shall flee vnto the graue, and they shall not stay him.
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Young's Literal Translation
A man oppressed with the blood of a soul, Unto the pit fleeth, none taketh hold on him.
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See also
Genesis 9:6Exodus 21:141 Kings 21:192 Kings 9:26Acts 28:42 Chronicles 24:212 Chronicles 24:25
In the KJVVerse 17,214 of 31,102

Study This Verse

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 and specifically Genesis 1:27). The Mosaic Law explicitly forbade murder as the Sixth Commandment (Exodus 20:13) 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). 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). 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).

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • violence (Hebrew, ʻâshaq', 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', 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', 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). 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). 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). 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.

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.

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.

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). 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). 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). 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). 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.

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Commentary on Proverbs 28 verse 17

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

This agrees with that ancient law, Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed (Gen 9:6), and proclaims, 1. The doom of the shedder of blood. He that has committed murder, though he flees for his life, shall be continually haunted with terrors, shall himself flee to the pit, betray himself, and torment himself, like Cain, who, when he had killed his brother, became a fugitive and a vagabond, and trembled continually. 2. The duty of the avenger of blood, whether the magistrate or the next of kin, or whoever are concerned in making inquisition for blood, let them be close and vigorous in the prosecution, and let it not be bought off. Those that acquit the murderer, or do any thing to help him off, come in sharers in the guilt of blood; nor can the land be purged from blood but by the blood of him that shed it, Num 35:33.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verse 17. Public domain.
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BedeAD 735
Commentary on Proverbs
"A man who slanders blood," etc. Whether the land of the field or the land of the body, whoever cultivates it shall be satisfied; one with grain, the other with virtues. Whoever despises both shall be filled with poverty.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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