Deuteronomy 19:15-16
“A single witness shall not suffice against a person for any crime or for any wrong in connection with any offense that he has committed. Only on the evidence of two witnesses or of three witnesses shall a charge be established. If a malicious witness arises to accuse a person of wrongdoing,
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This verse isn't just about justice; it's a powerful statement of God's care for human life, establishing a safeguard against rash judgments and protecting the innocent from condemnation based on flimsy accusations. The repeated phrase "in any sin that he sinneth" emphasizes that this protection applies universally, no matter how minor or major the alleged offense.
This verse is part of a larger section about justice and fair trials within Israel. Immediately preceding this, God outlines the establishment of cities of refuge to protect those who accidentally caused someone's death, emphasizing the value of life. Following this, Moses details the severe consequences for false witnesses, including the law of "eye for eye," which is meant to deter deceit and ensure justice is administered through proper channels, not private revenge.
Ever feel like an accusation could ruin your life? God cared deeply about this. He set up a system to prevent rash judgments.
God established a high bar for legal proceedings to safeguard individuals from false accusations. Imagine being brought before a judge – your life and reputation on the line! This verse says one person’s word, no matter how convincing they seem, isn't enough to condemn someone.
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What makes someone’s word reliable in a court of law? This verse points to more than just speaking – it's about the establishment of truth.
The wording here emphasizes that the testimony must 'stand' or 'be established.' This means the evidence needs to be solid and confirmed.
Understand the original words
ed · Hebrew Noun
A person who provides testimony regarding facts or events; biblically, the testimony must be corroborated to ensure truthfulness and protect the accused.
‘ed · Hebrew Noun
A person who provides testimony in a legal setting; in Scripture, this role is crucial for justice, and false testimony is strictly forbidden as a violation of the commandment against bearing false witness.
sarah · Hebrew Noun
A legal or moral offense, iniquity, or deviation from the standard of holiness established by God; it represents a failure to live according to the covenantal law.
This New Testament passage echoes the Old Testament requirement for multiple witnesses, specifically mentioning two or three, to establish a matter, showing the enduring principle of verified testimony in spiritual and communal matters.
Numbers 35:30This verse directly supports the principle laid out in Deuteronomy, stating that a murderer shall be put to death only on the evidence of two or three witnesses, reinforcing the foundational importance of corroboration in judicial matters.
John 8:17Jesus himself cites this very principle from the Law (referencing Deuteronomy) when confronting the Pharisees, underscoring that even in His ministry, the requirement for multiple witnesses was a foundational truth of justice.
2 Corinthians 13:1Paul applies the principle of establishing a case with two or three witnesses to the church's disciplinary process, demonstrating how this ancient judicial standard is relevant for addressing sin and wrongdoing within the community of faith.
calvinDeuteronomy 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."
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.
Non stabit testis unus contra quenquam in quacunque iniqu…
pooleDeuteronomy 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."
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 .
This verse isn't just about justice; it's a powerful statement of God's care for human life, establishing a safeguard against rash judgments and protecting the innocent from condemnation based on flimsy accusations. The repeated phrase "in any sin that he sinneth" emphasizes that this protection applies universally, no matter how minor or major the alleged offense.
This verse is part of a larger section about justice and fair trials within Israel. Immediately preceding this, God outlines the establishment of cities of refuge to protect those who accidentally caused someone's death, emphasizing the value of life. Following this, Moses details the severe consequences for false witnesses, including the law of "eye for eye," which is meant to deter deceit and ensure justice is administered through proper channels, not private revenge.
This verse is part of a larger section about justice and fair trials within Israel. Immediately preceding this, God outlines the establishment of cities of refuge to protect those who accidentally caused someone's death, emphasizing the value of life. Following this, Moses details the severe consequences for false witnesses, including the law of "eye for eye," which is meant to deter deceit and ensure justice is administered through proper channels, not private revenge.
"“A single witness shall not suffice against a person for any crime or for any wrong in connection with any offense that he has committed. Only on the evidence of two witnesses or of three witnesses shall a charge be established. If a malic…" — This verse isn't just about justice; it's a powerful statement of God's care for human life, establishing a safeguard against rash judgments and protecting the innocent from condemnation based on fli…
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