One witness shall not rise up against a man for any iniquity, or for any sin that he sins. At the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall a matter be established. If an unrighteous witness rises up against any man to testify against him of wrongdoing, then both the men, between whom the controversy is, shall stand before Yahweh, before the priests and the judges who shall be in those days; and the judges shall make diligent inquisition; and behold, if the witness is a false witness, and has testified falsely against his brother, then you shall do to him as he had thought to do to his brother. So you shall remove the evil from among you. Those who remain shall hear, and fear, and will never again commit any such evil among you. Your eyes shall not pity: life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.
Parallel Translations
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One witness shall not rise up against a man for any iniquity, or for any sin that he sins. At the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall a matter be established.
If an unrighteous witness rises up against any man to testify against him of wrongdoing,
then both the men, between whom the controversy is, shall stand before Yahweh, before the priests and the judges who shall be in those days;
and the judges shall make diligent inquisition; and behold, if the witness is a false witness, and has testified falsely against his brother,
then you shall do to him as he had thought to do to his brother. So you shall remove the evil from among you.
Those who remain shall hear, and fear, and will never again commit any such evil among you.
Your eyes shall not pity: life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.
-
One witness shall not rise up against a man for any iniquity, or for any sin, in any sin that he sinneth: at the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall the matter be established.
If a false witness rise up against any man to testify against him that which is wrong;
Then both the men, between whom the controversy is, shall stand before the LORD, before the priests and the judges, which shall be in those days;
And the judges shall make diligent inquisition: and, behold, if the witness be a false witness, and hath testified falsely against his brother;
Then shall ye do unto him, as he had thought to have done unto his brother: so shalt thou put the evil away from among you.
And those which remain shall hear, and fear, and shall henceforth commit no more any such evil among you.
And thine eye shall not pity; but life shall go for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.
Show all 3 translations
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One witness shall not rise up against a man for any iniquity, or for any sin, in any sin that he sinneth; at the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall a matter be establishment
If an unrighteous witness rise up against any man to bear perverted witness against him;
then both the men, between whom the controversy is, shall stand before the LORD, before the priests and the judges that shall be in those days.
And the judges shall inquire diligently; and, behold, if the witness be a false witness, and hath testified falsely against his brother;
then shall ye do unto him, as he had purposed to do unto his brother; so shalt thou put away the evil from the midst of thee.
And those that remain shall hear, and fear, and shall henceforth commit no more any such evil in the midst of thee.
And thine eye shall not pity: life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.
Examined in Scripture Analysis
Commandments (2)
The laws of the Torah, each cited and shown as a primary source.
Cross-references (46)
- Numbers 35:30 (v15) “ ‘Whoever kills any person, the murderer shall be slain based on the testimony of witnesses; but one witness shall not testify alone…
- Matthew 5:38-39 (v21) “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I tell you, don’t resist him who is evil; but whoever…
- Deuteronomy 17:6 (v15) At the mouth of two witnesses, or three witnesses, he who is to die shall be put to death. At the mouth of one witness he shall not be put…
- 2 Corinthians 13:1 (v15) This is the third time I am coming to you. “At the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.”
- Matthew 18:16 (v15) But if he doesn’t listen, take one or two more with you, that at the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.
Show all 45 cross-references
- Hebrews 10:28 (v15) A man who disregards Moses’ law dies without compassion on the word of two or three witnesses.
- Deuteronomy 17:9 (v17) You shall come to the priests who are Levites and to the judge who shall be in those days. You shall inquire, and they shall give you the…
- Deuteronomy 21:5 (v17) The priests the sons of Levi shall come near, for them Yahweh your God has chosen to minister to him, and to bless in Yahweh’s name; and…
- John 8:17 (v15) It’s also written in your law that the testimony of two people is valid.
- 1 Timothy 5:19 (v15) Don’t receive an accusation against an elder, except at the word of two or three witnesses.
- Exodus 21:23-25 (v21) But if any harm follows, then you must take life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, burning for burning,…
- Proverbs 19:5 (v19) A false witness shall not be unpunished. He who pours out lies shall not go free.
- Deuteronomy 19:13 (v21) Your eye shall not pity him, but you shall purge the innocent blood from Israel that it may go well with you.
- Psalms 27:12 (v16) Don’t deliver me over to the desire of my adversaries, for false witnesses have risen up against me, such as breathe out cruelty.
- Proverbs 19:9 (v19) A false witness shall not be unpunished. He who utters lies shall perish.
- Malachi 2:7 (v17) For the priest’s lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the law at his mouth; for he is the messenger of Yahweh of Armies.
- Deuteronomy 17:13 (v20) All the people shall hear and fear, and do no more presumptuously.
- Deuteronomy 21:21 (v20) All the men of his city shall stone him to death with stones. So you shall remove the evil from among you. All Israel shall hear, and fear.
- Psalms 35:11 (v16) Unrighteous witnesses rise up. They ask me about things that I don’t know about.
- Deuteronomy 17:7 (vv19–20) The hands of the witnesses shall be first on him to put him to death, and afterward the hands of all the people. So you shall remove the…
- Exodus 23:1-7 (v16) “You shall not spread a false report. Don’t join your hand with the wicked to be a malicious witness. “You shall not follow a crowd to do…
- Leviticus 24:17-21 (v21) “ ‘He who strikes any man mortally shall surely be put to death. He who strikes an animal mortally shall make it good, life for life. If…
- Deuteronomy 13:11 (v20) All Israel shall hear, and fear, and shall not do any more wickedness like this among you.
- Deuteronomy 13:14 (v18) then you shall inquire, investigate, and ask diligently. Behold, if it is true, and the thing certain, that such abomination was done among…
- Deuteronomy 17:4 (v18) and you are told, and you have heard of it, then you shall inquire diligently. Behold, if it is true, and the thing certain, that such…
- Deuteronomy 22:24 (v19) then you shall bring them both out to the gate of that city, and you shall stone them to death with stones; the lady, because she didn’t…
- 1 Kings 21:10 (v15) Set two men, wicked fellows, before him, and let them testify against him, saying, ‘You cursed God and the king!’ Then carry him out, and…
- 1 Kings 21:13 (v15) The two men, the wicked fellows, came in and sat before him. The wicked fellows testified against him, even against Naboth, in the presence…
- Daniel 6:24 (v19) The king commanded, and they brought those men who had accused Daniel, and they cast them into the den of lions, them, their children, and…
- Matthew 26:60-61 (v15) and they found none. Even though many false witnesses came forward, they found none. But at last two false witnesses came forward, and…
- Revelation 11:3-7 (v15) I will give power to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy one thousand two hundred sixty days, clothed in sackcloth.” These are the two…
- Deuteronomy 13:5 (v19) That prophet, or that dreamer of dreams, shall be put to death, because he has spoken rebellion against Yahweh your God, who brought you…
- Deuteronomy 19:20 (v19) Those who remain shall hear, and fear, and will never again commit any such evil among you.
- Deuteronomy 21:20-21 (v19) They shall tell the elders of his city, “This our son is stubborn and rebellious. He will not obey our voice. He is a glutton and a…
- Deuteronomy 22:21 (v19) then they shall bring out the young lady to the door of her father’s house, and the men of her city shall stone her to death with stones,…
- Deuteronomy 24:7 (v19) If a man is found stealing any of his brothers of the children of Israel, and he deals with him as a slave, or sells him, then that thief…
- 1 Kings 21:10-13 (v16) Set two men, wicked fellows, before him, and let them testify against him, saying, ‘You cursed God and the king!’ Then carry him out, and…
- 2 Chronicles 19:6-7 (v18) and said to the judges, “Consider what you do, for you don’t judge for man, but for Yahweh; and he is with you in the judgment. Now…
- Job 19:16 (v18) I call to my servant, and he gives me no answer. I beg him with my mouth.
- Proverbs 21:11 (v20) When the mocker is punished, the simple gains wisdom. When the wise is instructed, he receives knowledge.
- Jeremiah 14:15 (v19) Therefore Yahweh says concerning the prophets who prophesy in my name, but I didn’t send them, yet they say, ‘Sword and famine will not be…
- Mark 14:55-59 (v16) Now the chief priests and the whole council sought witnesses against Jesus to put him to death, and found none. For many gave false…
- Acts 6:13 (v16) and set up false witnesses who said, “This man never stops speaking blasphemous words against this holy place and the law.
- Romans 13:3-4 (v20) For rulers are not a terror to the good work, but to the evil. Do you desire to have no fear of the authority? Do that which is good, and…
- 1 Timothy 5:20 (v20) Those who sin, reprove in the sight of all, that the rest also may be in fear.
45 distinct cross-references across this passage (46 total citations).
Cross-references from openbible.info (CC BY 4.0)
Explain this passage (16 sources)
Historical commentary, presented as a primary source — not an endorsement.
Private notes
Saved on this device only — never synced or sent anywhere.
Geneva Bible translators 1599 · Public Domain On v17 God’s presence is where his true ministers are assembled.
God’s presence is where his true ministers are assembled.
Geneva Bible (1599) marginal notes — public domain.
John Trapp 1656 · Public Domain On vv15, 20, 21 Deu 19:15 One witness shall not rise up against…
Deu 19:15 One witness shall not rise up against a man for any iniquity, or for any sin, in any sin that he sinneth: at the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall the matter be established.
Ver. 15. One witness shall not rise up.] Yet, if this one be a faithful witness, Mαρτυς δε πιστος, και εις χρησιμος, saith Aristotle; {a} one faithful witness in some case may suffice, in private offences howsoever: and that our Saviour speaketh of such, {Mat 18:19} Basil and others are of opinion; if thy brother, a Jew, shall trespass against thee, being a Jew, right thyself by degrees. (1.) Deal with him fraternally, "tell him his fault betwixt thee and him alone"; {Mat 18:15} (2.) Deal with him legally, "take with thee one or two more"; {Deu 19:15} (3.) Deal with him Jewishly; "tell the Church," {Deu 19:17} complain to the Sanhedrim; (4.) If he shall neglect to hear them, deal with him heathenishly, i.e., " let him be unto thee as a heathen and a publican"; make benefit of Roman sovereignty, let Caesar’s justice end the difference between you. {b}
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{a} Arist., Rhetor., lib. ii.
{b} Mr Lightfoot’s Harmony, p. 143.
John Trapp, A Commentary or Exposition upon All the Books of the Old and New Testament (1647–1656) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Matthew Poole 1685 · Public Domain On vv15, 16, 17, 20, 21 Shall not rise up, or, not stand, or, not…
Shall not rise up, or, not stand, or, not be established, accepted, owned as sufficient: it is the same word which in the end of the verse is rendered be established.
Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible (1683–1685) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
John Gill 1763 · Public Domain On vv15–19 If a false witness rise up against any man,....…
If a false witness rise up against any man,.... In a court of judicature:
to testify against him: that which is not true of him, let it be in what case it will; Aben Ezra instances in idolatry, but it holds good of any other.
John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible (1746–1763) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
John Wesley 1765 · Public Domain On vv15, 16, 21 Rise - Or be established, accepted, owned as sufficient:…
Rise - Or be established, accepted, owned as sufficient: it is the same word which in the end of the verse is rendered, be established.
John Wesley, Explanatory Notes Upon the Whole Bible (1754–1765) — public domain. Text via the GEBible commentary corpus.
Adam Clarke 1810 · Public Domain On vv15, 19, 21 Verse 15. One witness shall not rise up, &c.]…
Verse 15. One witness shall not rise up, &c.] See Clarke on Nu 35:30.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible (1810–1826) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Joseph Benson 1811 · Public Domain On vv15, 21 Deu 19:15-17. One witness shall not rise up —…
Deu 19:15-17. One witness shall not rise up — Or, be established, as the same word is rendered in the end of the verse; that is, shall not be accepted or owned as sufficient. If a false witness rise up — A single witness, though he speak truth, is not to be accepted for the condemnation of another man; but if he be convicted of bearing false witness, it is sufficient for his own condemnation. Both the men shall stand before the Lord — That is, shall come to the supreme court, which consisted partly of priests, and partly of other great persons, who, it seems, in Moses’s time, sat at the door of the tabernacle, and so the men, in standing before them, might properly be said to stand before the Lord.
Joseph Benson's Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1811–1818) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Albert Barnes 1834 · Public Domain On vv16, 17, 19 Testify against him that which is wrong - Margin,…
Testify against him that which is wrong - Margin, more literally, “a falling away.” The word is used Deu 13:5 to signify apostasy or revolt; here it is no doubt to be understood in the wider sense of any departure from the Law.
Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible (1834–1885) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary 1859 · Public Domain On vv15, 16, 17, 20, 21 One would suffice to make an enquiry into the…
One would suffice to make an enquiry into the affair, and to oblige the person accused, in pecuniary matters, to take an oath that he owed nothing. (Maimonides) --- Stand. This expression was become proverbial, to denote the certainty of a thing, Matthew xviii. 16., and 2 Corinthians xiii. 1. Two witnesses can not so easily carry on a cheat, (Calmet) as was seen in the case of Susanna. [Daniel xiii.] (Haydock) --- The law is satisfied with moral certainty. (Calmet)
George Leo Haydock (1774–1849), Haydock's Catholic Family Bible and Commentary, 1859 edition — public domain. Excludes Psalms (Douay-Rheims chapter numbering differs from Protestant) and Deuterocanonical books (Catholic canon only).
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown 1871 · Public Domain On vv15–16 TWO WITNESSES REQUIRED. (Deu 19:15)
TWO WITNESSES REQUIRED. (Deu 19:15)
One witness shall not rise up against a man for any iniquity--The following rules to regulate the admission of testimony in public courts are founded on the principles of natural justice. A single witness shall not be admitted to the condemnation of an accused person.
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown — Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (1871) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
Daniel D. Whedon 1874 · Public Domain On vv15, 16, 17, 19, 21 15. At the mouth of three witnesses — In…
15. At the mouth of three witnesses — In Deu_17:6, the rule had been laid down that in capital offences the decision should not be made on the testimony of a single witness. The same rule is here extended so as to apply to all cases that come before the courts.
Daniel D. Whedon (gen. ed.), Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1874–1909) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges 1878 · Public Domain On vv15–21 15. By Deu_17:6 (cp. P, Num_35:30), a man may…
15. By Deu_17:6 (cp. P, Num_35:30), a man may not be put to death save on the evidence of more than one witness. Here the same is enforced for all cases.
One witness shall not rise up] Or, stand, that is, of course, as a valid effectual witness; the vb is the same as at the end of the v., shall a matter be established. But in the next v. rise up simply means appear, offer himself.
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in any sin that he sinneth] Luc. omits.
15–21. Of Witnesses
Two or three witnesses are necessary for a conviction (Deu_19:15). If a witness, forcing his evidence, accuse a man of defection from the law, the two shall stand before God in the supreme court (Deu_19:16 f.), the judges shall investigate, and if the witness be found false, he shall have done to him what he devised for his brother; so shall evil be removed from Israel (Deu_19:18 f.) and others take warning (Deu_19:20); ruthlessly shall like for like be exacted (Deu_19:21).—Sg. (except for one slip into the Pl. in Deu_19:19) with the use of the term brother and other terms usual in Sg. passages. There are no deuteronomic formulas beyond the legal ones.
On the subject of this law cp. E, Exo_23:1, Exo_20:16, Deu_5:20 (the 9th commandment), and other passages cited below. By the Code of Ḫammurabi §§ 3 f., false evidence is punished on the same principle of like for like as here, Deu_19:19. In Arabia at least two witnesses are necessary; if their charge is not brought home they must flee from the vengeance of the accused’s relatives, with whom however they may come to an arrangement (Musil, Ethn. Ber. 337).
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges (gen. ed. J. J. S. Perowne; Cambridge University Press, 1878–1918) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers 1878 · Public Domain On v15 Deu_19:15-21. FALSE TESTIMONY.
Deu_19:15-21. FALSE TESTIMONY.
The law of retaliation is sternly laid down here; but it must be administered by the judges, not by men acting on their own behalf.
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(17) Both the men . . . shall stand before the Lord, before the priests and the judges.—This appears to mean that all cases of suspected false testimony were to go before the supreme court (see Deu_17:9); that the matter was not to be lightly decided.
(21) Eye for eye, tooth for tooth.—This is to be effected by the award of the judges, not as a matter of private revenge. But manifestly it rests with the injured party to press the case.
A Bible Commentary for English Readers, edited by Charles John Ellicott (1878–1897) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Pulpit Commentary 1880 · Public Domain On vv15, 16, 17, 19, 20, 21 Vers. 15-21. To secure against injury to life or…
Vers. 15-21. To secure against injury to life or property through inadequate or false attestation, it is enacted that more than one witness must appear before anything can be established; and that, should a witness be found on trial to have testified falsely against his neighbor, he was to be punished by having done to him what he thought to have done to his neighbor. (cf. Deu_17:6; Num_35:30)
The rule in Deu_17:6, regarding accusations of idolatry, is here extended to accusations of every kind before a court of justice; a single witness was not to be admitted as sufficient to convict a man of any offence, either civil or criminal.
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Vers. 15-21. Bulwark against perjury.
tongue is an unruly member, and cannot easily be restrained." Private slander is base enough, but its basest utterance is when, in the sacred halls of justice, it swears away a man"s reputation or his life. It is doubtful if a deed so black is done in hell.
I PERJURY IS SO COMMON AS TO NECESSITATE A PUBLIC STIGMA ON HUMANITY. "One witness shall not rise up against a man." If every man had been known as truthful, the testimony of one witness on any accusation would be ample. The narration of one eye-witness or earwitness ought to be enough. For a truthful man would always speak within the limits of truth, and would promptly express his doubt, if certainty could not be reached. But the common experience of humanity has been that the bulk of men will prevaricate and conceal the truth, even under the solemn sanction of an oath. Hence it has been found wise to condemn no man judicially, unless more than one witness can be found. Cumulative evidence is required to obtain a valid sentence. This can be interpreted in no other way than a public testimony to the depravity of man. The prisoner obtains the benefit.
II PERJURY IS A CRIME, TO BE TRIED IN THE HIGHEST COURT OF THE REALM. The accused and the accuser in such a case shall "stand before the Lord." This is not so much a sin against man as a sin against God. The sacred person of Truth has been publicly violated, and the wisest and holiest in the land are commissioned by God to be the judges. As often as we violate the truth, we insult the God of truth, and stand before God for judgment. Hence it is of the first importance that we cultivate truthfulness in our thoughts and in our speech.
III IN PROPORTION TO THE GRAVITY OF THE CHARGE SHOULD BE THE THOROUGHNESS OF THE SCRUTINY. Although we may expect to know the will of God in any particular ease by laying our own minds open to the action of God"s Spirit, we are still bound to pursue the most diligent and thorough inquiry. God rewards, not the indolent, but the patient searcher after truth. He that does the truth will discover the truth. "God helps those who help themselves.
IV INTENDED MISCHIEF IS TREATED AS ACTUAL CRIME. The character and quality of a deed depend upon the moral intention. Whether the intention becomes an overt act will often depend upon outward opportunity and circumstance. But God sees the incipient motive and purpose; in his court, judgment passes upon the offender. Human courts are to be, as far as possible, copies of the court of heaven. Hence the perjured witness, who seeks to visit judicial penalties upon the head of the innocent, is himself as guilty as if his base project had succeeded. "Into the pit which he had digged for another he shall fall himself." The gallows which Haman prepared for Mordecai, served for his own doom. This is God"s law of retribution.
V THE END SOUGHT IN THIS JUDICIAL EXECUTION IS THE PUBLIC GOOD. The sacrifice of one life is intended to bring advantage to the many. The moral effect is most precious, viz. regard for righteousness public abstinence from crime. Every man should be filled with this patriotic sentiment the higher virtue of the nation. We may do good in our circle, either intensively on the minds of a few, or extensively on the minds of the many. In doing good to others we do good to ourselves. "We are members one of another. D.
The Pulpit Commentary (1880–1919), ed. H.D.M. Spence-Jones & Joseph S. Exell — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
unfoldingWord translationNotes 2017 · CC BY-SA 4.0 On vv15, 17, 20 General Information:
General Information:
Moses is still speaking to the people of Israel.
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One sole witness
"A single witness" or "Only one witness"
must not rise up against a man
Here "rise up" means to stand up in court and speak against someone to a judge. AT: "must not speak to the judges about something bad that a man did" (See: Idiom)
in any matter that he sins
"anytime that a man does something bad"
at the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses
Here "mouth" represents what the witnesses say. It is implied that there must be at least two or three witnesses. AT: "at the testimony of at least two or three people" or "based on what at least two or three people say happened" (See: Metonymy and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
must any matter be confirmed
This can be stated in active form. AT: "will you confirm that the man is guilty" (See: Active or Passive)
Suppose that
"When" or "If"
an unrighteous witness
"a witness who intends to harm someone else"
rises up against any man to testify against him of wrongdoing
Here "rise up" means to stand up in court and speak against someone to a judge. AT: "tells the judge that a man sinned in order to get the man in trouble" or "tells the judge that a man sinned, so the judge will punish him" (See: Idiom)
translationWords
testimony
iniquity
sin
confirm
righteous
testimony
wrong
unfoldingWord translationNotes — © Distant Shores Media and the Door43 World Missions Community, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Source: git.door43.org/Door43/en_tn.
Tyndale Open Study Notes 2022 · CC BY-SA 4.0 On vv15, 21 19:15 The word of one witness alone would count…
19:15 The word of one witness alone would count no more than the word of the accused. However, two or three witnesses would confirm or discount each other’s testimony. For New Testament references to this law, see Matt 18:15-20; John 8:17-18; 2 Cor 13:1-2 and study note.
Tyndale Open Study Notes — © Tyndale Open Resources, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Text via the HelloAO Bible API.