Proverbs 28 24

Proverbs 28:24 kjv

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

Proverbs 28:24 nkjv

Whoever robs his father or his mother, And says, "It is no transgression," The same is companion to a destroyer.

Proverbs 28:24 niv

Whoever robs their father or mother and says, "It's not wrong," is partner to one who destroys.

Proverbs 28:24 esv

Whoever robs his father or his mother and says, "That is no transgression," is a companion to a man who destroys.

Proverbs 28:24 nlt

Anyone who steals from his father and mother
and says, "What's wrong with that?"
is no better than a murderer.

Proverbs 28 verses

Proverbs 28 24 Meaning

This proverb describes a severe form of wickedness: the act of unlawfully taking from one's own father or mother, made even more heinous by the defiant claim that such an act constitutes "no transgression." The verse equates the individual who commits this familial betrayal and denies its wrongness with an associate of a destroyer, highlighting the profoundly destructive character and impact of such behavior and self-deception.

Proverbs 28 24 Context

Proverbs chapter 28 systematically contrasts the attributes, actions, and consequences of the wicked and the righteous. This verse is situated within a series of admonitions that expose various forms of wickedness, self-deception, and the moral degradation that stems from unrighteous living. Specifically, it addresses actions that betray fundamental trust and ethical principles within the family unit. In the ancient Israelite context, the family served as the foundational unit of society, and the honor of parents was explicitly commanded by God as a cornerstone of the Law. Therefore, defrauding or robbing one's parents was not merely an act of theft but a profound transgression against divine commandment, familial integrity, and societal order.

Proverbs 28 24 Word analysis

• "Whoever robs" (שׁוֹסֶה - shoseh): This Hebrew term signifies more than just stealing; it implies plundering, despoiling, or acting violently to take possessions. It suggests a strong, aggressive, and even abusive appropriation of property, violating personal rights and trust. It indicates exploitation and violation.
• "his father or his mother": This highlights the gravest nature of the offense. It is a betrayal of the most foundational and sacred relationship in society, striking at the core of filial duty and love. This act directly contravenes one of God's Ten Commandments (Exod 20:12), showing contempt for both human authority and divine instruction.
• "and says, 'It is no transgression'" (פֶשַׁע - pesha): The critical element emphasizing the moral depravity. "Pesha" is a strong term denoting rebellion, revolt, or a severe breach of trust or covenant. It is not merely an excuse but an arrogant and defiant denial of wrongdoing, indicating a seared conscience and utter lack of remorse. This self-justification signifies moral blindness and a warped internal moral compass.
• "is a companion to a destroyer" (מַשְׁחִית - mashḥît): The word "companion" (חָבֵר - chaver) implies an intimate associate, one who shares character, goals, or purpose. "Destroyer" (mashḥît) refers to one who corrupts, ruins, spoils, or brings desolation. This connection reveals the deeper nature of the "robber": their self-justifying attitude aligns them not with mere law-breakers but with those whose very character is destructive. Such an individual participates in a process of moral and societal ruin, demonstrating a profoundly corrupt disposition that is destructive both to themselves and to those within their sphere.

Proverbs 28 24 Bonus section

This proverb highlights the profound danger of moral relativism and self-deception. When one’s conscience is so corrupted that they can rationalize a severe breach of foundational ethical and familial duty, it points to a deep spiritual illness. The severity of being called a "companion to a destroyer" underscores that acts against the most basic unit of society – the family – have wider implications, contributing to overall moral decay and disruption. The proverb serves as a warning not only against the specific sin of defrauding parents but also against any form of self-justification that suppresses the truth and denies accountability for wrongdoing.

Proverbs 28 24 Commentary

Proverbs 28:24 profoundly condemns the act of plundering one's parents, made far more heinous by the offender's self-justifying declaration of innocence. The offense itself is grave, involving a violation of fundamental trust and a divine command to honor parents. However, the accompanying denial, proclaiming "no transgression," elevates the sin from a failure to a blatant act of rebellion against moral and divine law. This chilling lack of remorse reveals a hardened heart and a dangerously twisted sense of right and wrong. Such a person, the proverb warns, shares the company, character, and ultimately the fate of a "destroyer"—someone who causes ruin and moral decay. This implies that the self-righteousness of the act does not lessen its evil, but rather magnifies it, signifying an internal corruption that threatens the very fabric of family and society. It underscores that unchecked sin, particularly when justified, morphs the individual into an agent of destruction.