Whoever robs his father or his mother and says, “That is no transgression,” is a companion to a man who destroys.
English Standard Version (ESV)
All verses
Proverbs 28:24
What does Proverbs 28:24 mean?
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
Proverbs 28:24
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
This verse reveals that the act of taking from parents isn't just simple theft; it’s a deeper betrayal that blinds the heart. The crucial detail is the person saying, "That is no transgression," which exposes a warped conscience, justifying an act that Scripture equates with partnering with those who bring total ruin.
Whoever robs his father or his mother and says, “That is no transgression,” is a companion to a man who destroys.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse falls within a section of Proverbs contrasting the righteous and the wicked. It directly follows warnings against associating with drunkards and gluttons, and precedes advice on showing mercy and the consequences of corrupt leadership. The specific context here highlights a shocking betrayal of trust, where a child not only steals from their parents but also attempts to justify the act, revealing a deep moral bankruptcy that aligns them with those who cause utter ruin.
This verse speaks of a crime that goes beyond mere theft. It's a betrayal that cuts to the core of family and loyalty.
Imagine the shock and pain: a child, who has been loved, nurtured, and provided for, steals from their own parents. This isn't just taking property; it's a profound act of ingratitude. It disregards the very foundation of the parent-child relationship, built on sacrifice and care. The proverb declares that this act is not simply a lesser offense, but is akin to the most destructive actions, highlighting the unique gravity of betraying those who gave you life.
Why would someone steal from their parents and then try to convince themselves it's okay? This verse exposes a dangerous kind of thinking.
The most chilling part of this verse is the statement, "and says, ‘That is no transgression.’" This isn't just a casual dismissal; it's a deliberate attempt to numb the conscience and justify wickedness. It's a form of self-deception where the thief tries to convince themselves they have a right to what they're taking, perhaps thinking, 'It will be mine eventually anyway.' This rationalization is a slippery slope, leading them to associate with and become like those who truly destroy lives and property.
The proverb makes a stark comparison: stealing from parents makes you a friend to those who cause ruin.
The verse concludes with a powerful metaphor: the one who robs their parents is a "companion to a man who destroys." This means their sin isn't isolated; it aligns them with a destructive mindset and lifestyle. It suggests that this act opens the door to deeper wickedness, associating them with highway robbers, ruinous individuals, or anyone who lives to take and destroy. It’s a warning that this specific betrayal isn't just a familial issue, but a spiritual one, placing them in dangerous company and on a path toward greater moral collapse.
Ask a follow-up
Understand the original words
gazal · Hebrew Verb
To take by force or stealth; an act of theft or violence that violates covenantal obligations.
pesha' · Hebrew Noun
A violation of the Law, a rebellion against God's commands, or a breach of a relationship.
Jesus directly quotes the commandment to honor parents and highlights that using 'Corban' (a vow to God) to avoid supporting parents is a way of nullifying God's command, echoing the disregard for parental provision seen in Proverbs 28:24.
Judges 17:2This passage describes Micah confessing to his mother that he had stolen money from her, which his mother then dedicates to the Lord, providing a biblical narrative example of the very sin described in Proverbs.
Luke 15:12The parable of the prodigal son shows a younger son demanding his inheritance early, which is a form of 'robbing' his father of his capital and his legacy before his death, illustrating the principle of taking what is not yet rightfully his.
Romans 1:29-31This describes a general list of sinful behaviors, including 'disobedient to parents' and 'destroyers,' showing how actions contrary to familial honor and destructive tendencies are linked in God's eyes.
clarkeProverbs 28:24: "Whoso robbeth his father or his mother, and saith, It is no transgression; the same is the companion of a destroyer."
Whoso robbeth his father - The father's property is as much his own, in reference to the child, as that of the merest stronger. He who robs his parents is worse than a common robber; to the act of dishonesty and rapine he adds ingratitude, cruelty, and disobedience. Such a person is the compatriot of a destroyer; he may be considered as a murderer.
pulpitProverbs 28:24: "Whoso robbeth his father or his mother, and saith, It is no transgression; the same is the companion of a destroyer."
Verse 24. - Whoso robbeth his father or his mother (comp. Proverbs 19:26); taking from them what belongs to them. Septuagint, "He who casts off (ἀποβάλλεται) father or mother." And saith, It is no transgression. He salves his conscience by thinking all would be his ere long in the course of nature; or he uses the plea of Corban denounced by our Lord (Mark 7:11,…
This verse reveals that the act of taking from parents isn't just simple theft; it’s a deeper betrayal that blinds the heart. The crucial detail is the person saying, "That is no transgression," which exposes a warped conscience, justifying an act that Scripture equates with partnering with those who bring total ruin.
This verse falls within a section of Proverbs contrasting the righteous and the wicked. It directly follows warnings against associating with drunkards and gluttons, and precedes advice on showing mercy and the consequences of corrupt leadership. The specific context here highlights a shocking betrayal of trust, where a child not only steals from their parents but also attempts to justify the act, revealing a deep moral bankruptcy that aligns them with those who cause utter ruin.
This verse falls within a section of Proverbs contrasting the righteous and the wicked. It directly follows warnings against associating with drunkards and gluttons, and precedes advice on showing mercy and the consequences of corrupt leadership. The specific context here highlights a shocking betrayal of trust, where a child not only steals from their parents but also attempts to justify the act, revealing a deep moral bankruptcy that aligns them with those who cause utter ruin.
"Whoever robs his father or his mother and says, “That is no transgression,” is a companion to a man who destroys." — This verse reveals that the act of taking from parents isn't just simple theft; it’s a deeper betrayal that blinds the heart. The crucial detail is the person saying, "That is no transgression," whic…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026