English Standard Version
Proverbs 28:17
17If one is burdened with the blood of another, he will be a fugitive until death; let no one help him.
Proverbs 28:17 in other versions
- King James Version (KJV)A man that doeth violence to the blood of any person shall flee to the pit; let no man stay him.
- New International Version (NIV)Anyone tormented by the guilt of murder will seek refuge in the grave; let no one hold them back.
- New King James Version (NKJV)A man burdened with bloodshed will flee into a pit; Let no one help him.
- New Living Translation (NLT)A murderer’s tormented conscience will drive him into the grave. Don’t protect him!
Context of Proverbs 28:17
15Like a roaring lion or a charging bear is a wicked ruler over a poor people. 16A ruler who lacks understanding is a cruel oppressor, but he who hates unjust gain will prolong his days. If one is burdened with the blood of another, he will be a fugitive until death; let no one help him. 18Whoever walks in integrity will be delivered, but he who is crooked in his ways will suddenly fall. 19Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows worthless pursuits will have plenty of poverty.
Read all of Proverbs 28Proverbs 28:17 word by word
אָ֭דָם עָשֻׁ֣ק בְּדַם־נָפֶשׁ עַד־בּ֥וֹר יָ֝נ֗וּס אַל־יִתְמְכוּ־בֽוֹ׃Read the interlinear
Words taken from the KJV.
Cross-references for Proverbs 28:17
- Genesis 9:6"Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed, for God made man in his own image.
- Exodus 21:14But if a man willfully attacks another to kill him by cunning, you shall take him from my altar, that he may die.
- Numbers 35:14You shall give three cities beyond the Jordan, and three cities in the land of Canaan, to be cities of refuge.
- 1 Kings 21:19And you shall say to him, 'Thus says the Lord, "Have you killed and also taken possession?"' And you shall say to him, 'Thus says the Lord: "In the place where dogs licked up the blood of Naboth shall dogs lick your own blood."'"
- 2 Kings 9:26'As surely as I saw yesterday the blood of Naboth and the blood of his sons—declares the Lord—I will repay you on this plot of ground.' Now therefore take him up and throw him on the plot of ground, in accordance with the word of the Lord."
- 2 Chronicles 24:21But they conspired against him, and by command of the king they stoned him with stones in the court of the house of the Lord.
- Matthew 27:4saying, "I have sinned by betraying innocent blood." They said, "What is that to us? See to it yourself."
- Acts 28:4When the native people saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, "No doubt this man is a murderer. Though he has escaped from the sea, Justice has not allowed him to live."
Commentaries on Proverbs 28:17
- Adam Clarke Bible Commentary · v. 17That 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.Read the comment
- Barnes’ Notes on the Bible · v. 17The 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. Those who see him must simply stand aloof, and let God‘s judgments fulfill themselves.Read the comment
- Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · v. 17Verse 17 The murderer shall be haunted with terrors. None shall desire to save him from deserved punishment, nor pity him.Read the comment
- Tyndale Open Study Notes · v. 17burdened by bloodguilt: See 1 Samuel 25:31; Romans 2:15; 13:5; compare Hebrews 10:22. let no one support him: Murder is so serious that a fine cannot replace the death penalty (see Numbers 35:32).Read the comment
- Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary · v. 1717. doeth violence ... blood, &c.--or, that is oppressed by the blood of life (Ge 9:6), which he has taken. to the pit--the grave or destruction (Pr 1:12; Job 33:18-24; Psa 143:7). stay him--sustain or deliver him.Read the comment
Topics related to Proverbs 28:17
In the dictionaries
Commentaries on Proverbs 28
- Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
- Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
- Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
- Tyndale Open Study Notes
- Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary
- Rashi on Tanakh
- Keil & Delitzsch Commentary
- John Wesley’s Notes
- Darby Translation Notes
- Geneva Bible Translation Notes
- Kingcomments
- Matthew Henry’s Complete Commentary
- Matthew Henry’s Modern English Commentary
- Scofield Reference Notes, 1917 Edition
- Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary
- EGW Writings
English Standard Version — © 2001 Crossway Bibles
Commentaries