Violence to the Blood

(Proverbs 28:17 KJV)  A man that doeth violence to the blood of any person shall flee to the pit; let no man stay him.

The KJV says “doeth violence” and the NASB says “laden with guilt” (6231) {28:3}.  The word used here has the idea of oppressing, not carrying.  That is the usual translation.

The word “guilt” does not appear to be in the Hebrew.  Instead the key is the two words “person” (human NASB) (5315) and “blood” (1818).  “Person” (human NASB) is the word for “soul” or “life,” so this could be translated “soul blood”. 

So we have a warning to those who oppress the soul blood of others.  I want to consider that this could refer to those who kill spiritually.  This is a very real warning for the influence we have on others by our example and our advice.

So?  Don’t think you cruise in a bubble.  You influence others.  Are you someone who edifies or are you an oppressor?  Accept it.