King James Version

What Does Proverbs 28:24 Mean?

Proverbs 28:24 in the King James Version says “Whoso robbeth his father or his mother, and saith, It is no transgression; the same is the companion of a destroyer . a ...” — study this verse from Proverbs chapter 28 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Whoso robbeth his father or his mother, and saith, It is no transgression; the same is the companion of a destroyer . a destroyer: Heb. a man destroying”

Proverbs 28:24 · KJV

Context

22

He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him. hasteth: or, hath and evil eye hasteth to be rich

23

He that rebuketh a man afterwards shall find more favour than he that flattereth with the tongue.

24

Whoso robbeth his father or his mother, and saith, It is no transgression; the same is the companion of a destroyer . a destroyer: Heb. a man destroying

25

He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the LORD shall be made fat.

26

He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.

Read Proverbs 28 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Whoso robbeth his father or his mother, and saith, It is no transgression (גּוֹזֵל אָבִיו וְאִמּוֹ וְאֹמֵר אֵין־פָּשַׁע, gozel aviv ve'immo ve'omer ein-pasha)—גָּזַל (gazal, 'to rob, plunder, tear away violently') from אָב (av, 'father') and אֵם (em, 'mother') while claiming אֵין פֶּשַׁע (ein pesha, 'no transgression, no sin') reveals radical moral blindness. Jesus condemned the Corban tradition that evaded parental support (Mark 7:9-13): 'Ye say, If a man shall say to his father or mother, It is Corban... he shall be free.'

The same is the companion of a destroyer (חָבֵר הוּא לְאִישׁ מַשְׁחִית, chaver hu le'ish mashchit)—חָבֵר (chaver, 'companion, associate, partner') with אִישׁ מַשְׁחִית (ish mashchit, 'man of destruction, one who ruins/destroys'). Such behavior aligns one with those who tear down rather than build. The fifth commandment (Exodus 20:12) promises long life for honoring parents; this proverb shows the inverse—robbing parents associates one with death-dealers.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern societies considered parental care a sacred duty. Adult children supported aging parents who had no social security system. Jesus's anger at Corban abuse (first-century Pharisaic loophole allowing vows to temple to override parental support) shows how seriously He took this command. Paul echoes it: 'If any provide not for his own... he hath denied the faith' (1 Timothy 5:8).

Reflection Questions

  1. Are you caring for your aging parents according to biblical commands, or finding loopholes?
  2. What rationalizations might you use to justify withholding support or honor from parents?
  3. How does proper honor of parents reflect honoring God, who commands it?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
גּוֹזֵ֤ל׀1 of 10

“Whoso robbeth”

H1497

to pluck off; specifically to flay, strip or rob

אָ֘בִ֤יו2 of 10

“his father”

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

וְאִמּ֗וֹ3 of 10

“or his mother”

H517

a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively [like father])

וְאֹמֵ֥ר4 of 10

“and saith”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֵֽין5 of 10
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

פָּ֑שַׁע6 of 10

“It is no transgression”

H6588

a revolt (national, moral or religious)

חָבֵ֥ר7 of 10

“the same is the companion”

H2270

an associate

ה֝֗וּא8 of 10
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

לְאִ֣ישׁ9 of 10

“of a destroyer”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

מַשְׁחִֽית׃10 of 10
H7843

to decay, i.e., (causatively) ruin (literally or figuratively)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Proverbs. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Proverbs 28:24 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Proverbs 28:24 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 15:4-6Proverbs 18:9Proverbs 19:26Judges 17:2Proverbs 28:7Proverbs 13:20

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