King James Version

What Does Proverbs 28:3 Mean?

Proverbs 28:3 in the King James Version says “A poor man that oppresseth the poor is like a sweeping rain which leaveth no food. which: Heb. without food” — study this verse from Proverbs chapter 28 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“A poor man that oppresseth the poor is like a sweeping rain which leaveth no food. which: Heb. without food”

Proverbs 28:3 · KJV

Context

1

The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.

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. by: or, by men of understanding and wisdom shall they likewise be prolonged

3

A poor man that oppresseth the poor is like a sweeping rain which leaveth no food. which: Heb. without food

4

They that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as keep the law contend with them.

5

Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all things.

Read Proverbs 28 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
A poor man who oppresses the poor is like 'a sweeping rain which leaveth no food.' The Hebrew 'geshem sobeph' (driving/sweeping rain) destroys crops rather than nourishing them. When the poor oppress the poor, it's doubly tragic—they should understand suffering but instead inflict it. Reformed theology recognizes that sin transcends economic categories; poverty doesn't ensure virtue. Some of history's cruelest oppressors arose from poverty. This verse condemns all oppression, especially when those who should sympathize based on experience become oppressors.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Tax collectors in Roman Palestine, often poor Jews exploiting fellow poor Jews for Rome, exemplified this proverb. Understanding oppression firsthand didn't prevent them from becoming oppressors for personal gain.

Reflection Questions

  1. Have you seen people who experienced hardship become hard-hearted rather than compassionate?
  2. How can you ensure that your own difficulties produce compassion rather than bitterness?
  3. What does this proverb teach about sin's universality across all economic classes?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
גֶּ֣בֶר1 of 8

“man”

H1397

properly, a valiant man or warrior; generally, a person simply

רָ֭שׁ2 of 8

“A poor”

H7326

to be destitute

וְעֹשֵׁ֣ק3 of 8

“that oppresseth”

H6231

to press upon, i.e., oppress, defraud, violate, overflow

דַּלִּ֑ים4 of 8

“the poor”

H1800

properly, dangling, i.e., (by implication) weak or thin

מָטָ֥ר5 of 8

“rain”

H4306

rain

סֹ֝חֵ֗ף6 of 8

“is like a sweeping”

H5502

to scrape off

וְאֵ֣ין7 of 8
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

לָֽחֶם׃8 of 8

“which leaveth no food”

H3899

food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)

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 28:3 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 28:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 18:28-30

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