Deuteronomy 17:6-7
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This verse emphasizes God's profound value for human life by requiring at least two, or even three, witnesses for a capital offense. It’s not just about having enough evidence, but about the overwhelming protection built into the system, ensuring no one is condemned by a single, potentially flawed, human voice.
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)
This verse is part of God's instructions for the Israelites regarding how to handle accusations of idolatry, the most serious crime in the community. Immediately before this, God commanded that those found guilty of worshipping other gods should be brought before judges. This passage emphasizes the critical importance of solid, confirmed evidence before carrying out the death penalty, ensuring that no one would be condemned based on a single, potentially flawed, testimony.
Imagine facing a charge that could cost you your life. How crucial would it be to know that one person's word isn't enough to condemn you?
God's law in Deuteronomy 17:6 establishes a high bar for capital punishment, demanding the testimony of at least two, or ideally three, witnesses. This wasn't just about fairness; it was a profound protection for every individual.
Why the Double Standard?
What does it mean for testimony to be 'at the mouth' of witnesses? It's more than just speaking; it's about the kind of witness you are.
The phrase 'at the mouth of' in Deuteronomy 17:6 points to the spoken, personal testimony delivered before authorities. This wasn't a minor detail; it shaped who could even speak as a witness.
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Who Qualifies?
Ancient Jewish tradition, as noted by commentators, understood this to mean credible and competent witnesses. This excluded:
The goal was to ensure that the testimony brought before the court was as reliable and unbiased as humanly possible. It’s about the integrity behind the words spoken.
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 echoes the principle of requiring multiple witnesses for confirmation, establishing it as a foundational element in legal and communal matters within the faith.
Numbers 35:30This earlier law establishes the same requirement for capital offenses, showing that the principle of needing two or three witnesses was a long-standing divine decree for justice.
John 8:17Jesus himself quotes this principle from Deuteronomy when challenging the accusers of the woman caught in adultery, reinforcing its importance in ensuring a just verdict.
Hebrews 10:28This New Testament passage directly references the Mosaic Law's requirement for two or three witnesses in cases of transgression, highlighting its continued relevance for understanding accountability.
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 emphasizes God's profound value for human life by requiring at least two, or even three, witnesses for a capital offense. It’s not just about having enough evidence, but about the overwhelming protection built into the system, ensuring no one is condemned by a single, potentially flawed, human voice.
This verse is part of God's instructions for the Israelites regarding how to handle accusations of idolatry, the most serious crime in the community. Immediately before this, God commanded that those found guilty of worshipping other gods should be brought before judges. This passage emphasizes the critical importance of solid, confirmed evidence before carrying out the death penalty, ensuring that no one would be condemned based on a single, potentially flawed, testimony.
This verse is part of God's instructions for the Israelites regarding how to handle accusations of idolatry, the most serious crime in the community. Immediately before this, God commanded that those found guilty of worshipping other gods should be brought before judges. This passage emphasizes the critical importance of solid, confirmed evidence before carrying out the death penalty, ensuring that no one would be condemned based on a single, potentially flawed, testimony.
"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 emphasizes God's profound value for human life by requiring at least two, or even three, witnesses for a capital offense. It’s not just about having enough evidence, but about the overwh…
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Last reviewed October 2026
