Deuteronomy 17:6-7
On the evidence of two witnesses or of three witnesses the one who is to die shall be put to death; a person shall not be put to death on the evidence of one witness. The hand of the witnesses shall be first against him to put him to death, and afterward the hand of all the people. So you shall purge the evil from your midst.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This verse isn't just about numbers; it highlights the immense value God places on human life by requiring multiple, credible witnesses for even the most severe punishments. This insistence on strong, corroborating evidence underscores that no one should face condemnation based on a single, potentially flawed, accusation. It's a divine safeguard, demonstrating God's profound care for justice and the sanctity of life.
This verse appears in the context of laws given to Israel about how to deal with idolaters, those who worship false gods. God demands a strict penalty for such betrayal, but insists that the judgment must be fair and just, requiring the confirmation of at least two or three witnesses before anyone can be put to death. This principle is later reinforced in the New Testament as Jesus quotes the Old Testament, emphasizing the necessity of multiple testimonies for legal proceedings.
In a world where life can be cheap, this verse reveals how highly God esteems every individual soul.
This passage is about the execution of an idolater, a serious offense against God. Yet, even in such a case, God institutes strict safeguards.
Protecting the Innocent
The core principle here is that no one could be condemned to death based on a single accusation. This wasn't just about fairness; it was a divine protection built into the legal system. Imagine the fear and potential for abuse if one person's word could seal another's fate.
The Weight of Truth
Requiring two or three witnesses wasn't just about corroboration. It meant that bringing an accusation, especially a capital one, carried immense responsibility. The witnesses themselves were to be the first to lay hands on the condemned, ensuring they were absolutely certain of the guilt. This dramatically elevated the seriousness and sanctity of testimony.
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Not just any testimony counted. God had a clear idea of who could be trusted to speak truth in matters of life and death.
This verse, and the surrounding legal context in Deuteronomy, implies that witness testimony wasn't a free-for-all.
Who Qualified?
While not explicitly detailed in this single verse, the broader Jewish legal tradition, as understood by commentators, excluded certain individuals from testifying. This included children, women, servants, friends, enemies, and those of ill repute.
The 'Why' Behind the Rule
This wasn't about discrimination in a modern sense, but about ensuring the reliability of evidence in capital cases. The goal was to prevent false accusations and ensure that convictions were based on solid, trustworthy accounts. The integrity of the judicial process, and the protection of life, depended on the credibility of the witnesses.
Understand the original words
ʿēḏ · Hebrew Noun
A person who observes an event and provides testimony about it, serving as a basis for judicial truth. In biblical law, multiple witnesses were required to establish the veracity of a serious accusation.
bāʿar · Hebrew Verb
To remove or eradicate something, often referring to sin or wickedness from the community, to restore purity and holiness before God. It carries the sense of taking decisive action to maintain covenant fidelity.
rāʿâ · Hebrew Noun/Adjective
In a biblical context, this refers to behavior or attitudes that are morally corrupt, harmful, or contrary to God's law. It represents that which is wicked or offensive in the sight of God.
This passage establishes the foundational legal principle that a capital crime requires the testimony of at least two or three witnesses, directly echoing the requirement in Deuteronomy.
Matthew 18:16Jesus applies a similar principle for church discipline, stating that 'on the evidence of two or three witnesses every case can be established.' This shows the enduring importance of corroborating testimony in establishing truth.
John 8:17Jesus himself quotes Deuteronomy (and implicitly references this principle), stating in His defense, 'It is written in your own Law that the testimony of two men is valid.' This highlights how this legal standard was recognized even in the New Testament era.
1 Timothy 5:19Paul instructs Timothy to 'not admit a charge against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses.' This demonstrates the application of the two-witness rule beyond capital cases, emphasizing its role in ensuring fairness and preventing slander.
clarkeDeuteronomy 17:6: "At the mouth of two witnesses, or three witnesses, shall he that is worthy of death be put to death; but at the mouth of one witness he shall not be put to death."
Two witnesses - One might be deceived, or be prejudiced or malicious; therefore God required two substantial witnesses for the support of the charge.
pooleDeuteronomy 17:6: "At the mouth of two witnesses, or three witnesses, shall he that is worthy of death be put to death; but at the mouth of one witness he shall not be put to death."
At the mouth, i.e. upon the testimony delivered upon oath before the magistrates. Three witnesses, to wit, credible and competent witnesses. The Jews rejected the testimonies of madmen. children, women, servants, familiar friends, or enemies, persons of dissolute lives and evil fame.
This verse isn't just about numbers; it highlights the immense value God places on human life by requiring multiple, credible witnesses for even the most severe punishments. This insistence on strong, corroborating evidence underscores that no one should face condemnation based on a single, potentially flawed, accusation. It's a divine safeguard, demonstrating God's profound care for justice and the sanctity of life.
This verse appears in the context of laws given to Israel about how to deal with idolaters, those who worship false gods. God demands a strict penalty for such betrayal, but insists that the judgment must be fair and just, requiring the confirmation of at least two or three witnesses before anyone can be put to death. This principle is later reinforced in the New Testament as Jesus quotes the Old Testament, emphasizing the necessity of multiple testimonies for legal proceedings.
This verse appears in the context of laws given to Israel about how to deal with idolaters, those who worship false gods. God demands a strict penalty for such betrayal, but insists that the judgment must be fair and just, requiring the confirmation of at least two or three witnesses before anyone can be put to death. This principle is later reinforced in the New Testament as Jesus quotes the Old Testament, emphasizing the necessity of multiple testimonies for legal proceedings.
"On the evidence of two witnesses or of three witnesses the one who is to die shall be put to death; a person shall not be put to death on the evidence of one witness. The hand of the witnesses shall be first against him to put him to death…" — This verse isn't just about numbers; it highlights the immense value God places on human life by requiring multiple, credible witnesses for even the most severe punishments. This insistence on stro…
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