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

PROVERBS 28:24KJV
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Proverbs 28:24 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 28:24 mean?

Proverbs 28:24 warns that a person who steals from their own father or mother and excuses it by saying it is not wrong is just like someone who destroys or ruins things. The verse equates this behavior with being a companion or partner to a "destroyer," showing that such actions are deeply harmful and not minor offenses.

This proverb is part of a collection of wise sayings traditionally attributed to Solomon, addressing everyday life and relationships. The verse speaks directly to the seriousness of dishonoring parents, especially through theft, and challenges the idea that taking from family is somehow less wrong. It also highlights the self-deception involved in justifying such actions and places them in the same category as those who bring harm and chaos.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 28:24

  • "robbeth" (גָּנַב, ganav): This word means to steal or rob, emphasizing an act of taking by deceit or stealth, not just a minor borrowing or misunderstanding.
  • "transgression" (פֶּשַׁע, pesha): This word refers to a serious offense or rebellion, not just a small mistake. The verse stresses that stealing from parents is a real violation, not something to be excused.
  • "companion" (חָבֵר, chaver): This word means an associate or partner, suggesting that someone who excuses such theft is aligning themselves with people who do real harm.
  • "destroyer" (אִישׁ, ish + שָׁחַת, shachat): The phrase here combines the word for "man" (ish) and "to destroy, ruin, or corrupt" (shachat), painting a picture of a person whose actions bring about ruin.

Why Proverbs 28:24 matters

  • Proverbs 28:24 corrects the common rationalization that stealing from family is less serious than stealing from others, making clear that it is a grave offense.
  • The verse connects personal actions within the family to broader moral consequences, showing that such behavior aligns a person with those who do real harm in society.
  • This proverb fits into a larger biblical theme of honoring parents and respecting family relationships as foundational to a healthy community.

Where else these words appear

“companion” Hebrew H2270 · used in 11 verses

  • Judges 20:11 So all the men of Israel were gathered against the city, knit together as one man.
  • Ecclesiastes 4:10 For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.
  • Isaiah 1:23 Thy princes are rebellious, and companions of thieves: every one loveth gifts, and followeth after rewards: they judge not the fatherless, neither doth the cause of the widow come unto them.

“robbeth” Hebrew H1497 · used in 30 verses

  • Genesis 21:25 And Abraham reproved Abimelech because of a well of water, which Abimelech's servants had violently taken away.
  • 1 Chronicles 11:23 And he slew an Egyptian, a man of great stature, five cubits high; and in the Egyptian's hand was a spear like a weaver's beam; and he went down to him with a staff, and plucked the spear out of the Egyptian's hand, and slew him with his own spear.
  • Jeremiah 21:12 O house of David, thus saith the LORD; Execute judgment in the morning, and deliver him that is spoiled out of the hand of the oppressor, lest my fury go out like fire, and burn that none can quench it, because of the evil of your doings.

“transgression” Hebrew H6588 · used in 90 verses

  • Genesis 31:36 And Jacob was wroth, and chode with Laban: and Jacob answered and said to Laban, What is my trespass? what is my sin, that thou hast so hotly pursued after me?
  • Psalms 51:1 To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David, when Nathan the prophet came unto him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba. Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.
  • Lamentations 1:14 The yoke of my transgressions is bound by his hand: they are wreathed, and come up upon my neck: he hath made my strength to fall, the Lord hath delivered me into their hands, from whom I am not able to rise up.

“destroyer” Hebrew H7843 · used in 136 verses

  • Genesis 6:11 The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence.
  • 2 Samuel 1:14 And David said unto him, How wast thou not afraid to stretch forth thine hand to destroy the LORD'S anointed?
  • Jeremiah 6:5 Arise, and let us go by night, and let us destroy her palaces.