Proverbs 28:17 Meaning and Explanation
“A man that doeth violence to the blood of any person shall flee to the pit; let no man stay him.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →A murderer is driven to the pit; no one should shelter him.
The Context of Proverbs 28:17
A proverb about the fate of the murderer and the imperative that justice be allowed to run its course.
What Does Proverbs 28:17 Mean?
One who commits murder—who does violence to another's blood—will inevitably flee, driven by guilt and the certainty of judgment. His own conscience becomes his executioner, driving him toward the pit, toward destruction and death.
The proverb adds a striking instruction: no one should stay him, should shelter or protect him. The implication is that such a person must face the consequences of his act. To shield him would be to obstruct justice itself.
Proverbs 28:17 in the Original Language
dām (דָּם), 'blood' — in Hebrew thought, blood represents the life and guilt of murder, a debt that cries out for justice.
Frequently Asked Questions About Proverbs 28:17
What does Proverbs 28:17 mean?
A murderer is driven to the pit; no one should shelter him.
What is the context of Proverbs 28:17?
A proverb about the fate of the murderer and the imperative that justice be allowed to run its course.