What does Proverbs 28:17 mean?
ESV: If one is burdened with the blood of another, he will be a fugitive until death; let no one help him.
NIV: Anyone tormented by the guilt of murder will seek refuge in the grave; let no one hold them back.
NASB: A person who is burdened with the guilt of human blood Will be a fugitive until death; no one is to support him!
CSB: Someone burdened by bloodguilt will be a fugitive until death. Let no one help him.
NLT: A murderer’s tormented conscience will drive him into the grave. Don’t protect him!
KJV: A man that doeth violence to the blood of any person shall flee to the pit; let no man stay him.
NKJV: A man burdened with bloodshed will flee into a pit; Let no one help him.
Verse Commentary:
Murder is a heinous crime which the Lord detests. This is especially heinous because it insults God's work of creating human beings in His own image (Genesis 1:27). One of the Ten Commandments given to Israel was, "You shall not murder" (Exodus 20:13). The root word used in that commandment is ratsach, implying predatory or careless killing (Numbers 35:11; Deuteronomy 4:42; 22:26–27). God's attitude towards this sin was established well before the Law of Moses (Genesis 4:10–12; 9:6). When Cain killed his brother Abel, he suffered a penalty for murder. He would work the ground in vain, and he would be a fugitive and a wanderer.
Solomon (Proverbs 25:1) underscores the fugitive sentence imposed on a murderer. Old Testament law provided the death penalty for murderers, whose only escape was to run to safe zones in certain cities (Numbers 35:6). In an earthly sense, it is wrong to aid a murderer in escaping punishment, even if their crime occurred a long time ago. We should not seek to soothe a murderer's conscience or cover up their sin. Calling them to repentance—and possibly to earthly forgiveness—is different from helping them escape accountability.
Guilt for murder, whether felt or not, is a lifelong sentence. Hebrew phrasing uses a variety of terms throughout Scripture to suggest a "burden" (Isaiah 38:14 Deuteronomy 28:29; Hosea 5:11) which implies torment and heaviness.
Verse Context:
Proverbs 28:13–28 features several lessons about generosity and greed. The passage also notes the importance of integrity and honesty. Some proverbs contained here combine these ideas, speaking of work ethic, fairness, care for the poor, and so forth.
Chapter Summary:
This passage features many direct contrasts. The lessons are attributed to Solomon, later compiled into the Book of Proverbs by men under king Hezekiah (Proverbs 25:1). Common themes in this chapter are work ethic, generosity, fairness, and reputation. Comments on rulers or leaders make up many of the teachings recorded in this section.
Chapter Context:
This continues a list compiled by Hezekiah's men, recording proverbs associated with Solomon (Proverbs 25:1). The collection continues until the end of chapter 29. The lessons in this passage repeat teachings on generosity and the dangers of greed, as well as the damage done by wicked rulers.
Book Summary:
Proverbs is best understood in context with the books of Ecclesiastes and Job. In Proverbs, “wisdom” is given in short, simple, general terms. Ecclesiastes represents wisdom based on observation and experience. This often shows how the general principles of the book of Proverbs don’t apply in absolutely every circumstance. Job represents wisdom based on the experience of suffering and injustice. All three come to the conclusion that God does indeed know best, and the most sensible course of action is to follow His will.
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