Key Verse Spotlight
Proverbs 28:17 - Meaning and Application
Understand how this verse speaks to what you're facing and how to apply it today
Translation: King James Version
" A man that doeth violence to the blood of any person shall flee to the pit; let no man stay "
Proverbs 28:17
Verse in Context
Understanding the surrounding verses prevents misinterpretation:
15 As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; so is a wicked ruler over the poor people.
16 The prince that wanteth understanding is also a great oppressor: but he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days.
17 A man that doeth violence to the blood of any person shall flee to the pit; let no man stay
18 Whoso walketh uprightly shall be saved: but he that is perverse in his ways shall fall at once.
19 He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread: but he that followeth after vain persons shall have poverty enough.
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This agrees with the ancient law, “Whoever sheds man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed” (Genesis 9:6). It shows the fate of a murderer. Even if he runs for his life, he will be haunted by fear, and his own conscience will pursue him. He will, like Cain, the first murderer, become a restless wanderer, always trembling after killing his brother.
It also shows the duty of the avenger of blood, whether that means the magistrate, the nearest relative, or anyone responsible for seeking justice for bloodshed. They must be careful and firm in bringing the murderer to account, and they must not let him be bought off. Those who let the murderer go free, or help him escape, share in the guilt of that blood. The land cannot be cleansed from blood except by the blood of the one who shed it (Numbers 35:33).
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From This Chapter
Proverbs 28:1
"The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion."
Proverbs 28:2
"For the transgression of a land many are the princes thereof: but by a man of understanding and knowledge the state thereof shall be prolonged."
Proverbs 28:3
"A poor man that oppresseth the poor is like a sweeping rain which leaveth no food."
Proverbs 28:4
"They that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as keep the law contend"
Proverbs 28:5
"Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand"
Proverbs 28:6
"Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich."
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