Proverbs 28:17
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Proverbs 28:17
17 A man that doeth violence to the blood of any person shall flee to the pit; let no man stay him.
Chapter Context
Proverbs 28 is a wisdom sayings chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of sacrifice, judgment, wisdom. Written during primarily Solomon's reign (c. 970-930 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Ancient Near Eastern wisdom literature was common in royal courts for training officials.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-28: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it demonstrates God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Proverbs and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Proverbs 28:17
17 A man that doeth violence to the blood of any person shall flee to the pit; let no man stay him.
Analysis
A man that doeth violence to the blood of any person shall flee to the pit (אָדָם עָשֻׁק בְּדַם־נֶפֶשׁ עַד־בּוֹר יָנוּס, adam ashuq bedam-nefesh ad-bor yanus)—עָשַׁק (ashaq, 'oppressed, burdened') by דָּם (dam, 'blood') of נֶפֶשׁ (nefesh, 'soul, life, person') indicates guilt for murder. This one יָנוּס (yanus, 'flees, runs away') to the בּוֹר (bor, 'pit, cistern, grave')—whether execution or death fleeing justice.
Let no man stay him (אַל־יִתְמְכוּ־בוֹ, al-yitmeku-vo)—the prohibition: none should תָּמַךְ (tamakh, 'support, uphold, sustain') the murderer. This is not vigilante violence but rejection of harboring the guilty. Cities of refuge (Numbers 35) protected the accidental killer but not the intentional murderer. Genesis 9:6 establishes the sanctity of human life: 'Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed.'
Historical Context
Ancient Israel's law distinguished intentional murder from accidental homicide (Exodus 21:12-14, Deuteronomy 19:1-13). Cities of refuge protected the latter; the former faced execution. The avenger of blood pursued murderers who forfeited the right to protection. This proverb reinforces capital punishment for murder, established from Noah onward (Genesis 9:6).
Reflection
- How does this proverb uphold the sanctity and value of human life?
- What does it mean to 'stay' (support) someone who is guilty of bloodshed—and why is this forbidden?
- How should justice and mercy interact when dealing with violent offenders?
Word Studies
- Blood: דָּם (Dam) H1818 - Blood
Cross-References
- Blood: Genesis 9:6, 1 Kings 21:19
- Parallel theme: Exodus 21:14