Deuteronomy 19:18-19
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The text emphasizes the word "brother" when describing the victim of false testimony. This isn't just a casual term; it highlights that the legal system is designed to protect fellow Israelites, demanding extraordinary care when someone accuses another member of their community. This legal requirement shows God's deep concern for justice within His covenant people.
The judges shall inquire diligently, and if the witness is a false witness and has accused his brother falsely, then you shall do to him as he had meant to do to his brother. So you shall purge the evil from your midst.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage is part of a series of laws in Deuteronomy outlining justice procedures for the new Israelite nation. It follows laws about establishing cities of refuge and directly addresses the serious crime of bearing false witness, building on the requirement for at least two or three witnesses to convict someone. The instructions here detail how judges are to thoroughly investigate accusations, especially when a conviction has already been secured, to ensure justice is served and false accusers face the consequences they intended for their victim.
Imagine being wrongly accused. What would give you peace? This passage reveals God's deep concern for accurate justice, starting with the judges.
The verse emphasizes that judges aren't just passive listeners; they must actively investigate.
The Judge's Duty
God commands the judges to "inquire diligently." This wasn't a casual process. It meant thoroughly examining the evidence, questioning witnesses, and seeking the truth before making any judgment. This principle is vital because a false accusation can ruin a life, and the court's job is to prevent that from happening.
Preventing Wrongful Convictions
This diligent inquiry is the first line of defense against injustice. It’s about ensuring that accusations are proven, not just assumed. The foundation of a fair society rests on this careful, meticulous pursuit of truth by those in authority.
What’s the difference between a mistake and a lie? This passage defines a specific, destructive sin that strikes at the heart of community.
The core of this passage addresses the deliberate act of bearing false witness.
More Than Just Untruth
It's not simply about being mistaken; it's about a false witness and . This implies intent and deceit. In ancient Israel, bearing false witness could have devastating consequences, leading to unjust punishment, loss of property, or even death for the accused.
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The 'Brother' Aspect
The phrase 'against his brother' is significant. It highlights that this betrayal often happens within the community, among people who should have trusted each other. Lying about a fellow Israelite wasn't just a legal offense; it was a deep betrayal of communal bonds and God's covenant.
Understand the original words
sheqer · Hebrew Noun/Adjective
Lying or deceptive testimony; it is considered a grave sin because it perverts justice and undermines the sanctity of truth, which is central to God's character.
ach · Hebrew Noun
A fellow Israelite, reflecting the communal bond and covenantal obligation of love and justice shared by members of God's people.
ba‘ar · Hebrew Verb
The act of removing moral impurity or wickedness from the community, ensuring that the people remain holy and set apart for God's presence.
ra‘ah · Hebrew Noun/Adjective
A broad category for anything that is morally wicked, corrupt, or contrary to the will of God, often requiring decisive action to remove it from the covenant community.
This passage establishes the foundational command against bearing false witness, highlighting the seriousness of truthfulness in testimony, which Deuteronomy 19 further elaborates on with specific legal consequences.
Leviticus 19:11This verse calls for a general prohibition against deceit and false swearing among the people, echoing the principle behind the specific legal penalties for false witnesses in Deuteronomy 19.
Matthew 26:59-60This New Testament account shows false witnesses being brought against Jesus, demonstrating how the ancient prohibition against deceitful testimony continued to be a relevant concern in later biblical history.
Proverbs 19:5This proverb directly states that a false witness will not go unpunished and will speak lies, reinforcing the theme of accountability for deceitful testimony found in Deuteronomy 19.
Acts 6:13This passage describes false witnesses testifying against Stephen, illustrating a direct application of the principles against false accusation and the need for diligent inquiry within the early church.
calvinDeuteronomy 19:16-21: "If a false witness rise up against any man to testify against him that which is wrong;"
- If a false witness rise up against any man. Because the fear of God does not so prevail in all men, as that they should voluntarily abstain from the love of slander, God here appoints the punishment to be inflicted for perjury: for political laws are enacted against the ungodly and disobedient, in order that those who despise God's judgment should be brought before the tribunal of…
cambridgeDeuteronomy 19:18: "And the judges shall make diligent inquisition: and, behold, if the witness be a false witness, and hath testified falsely against his brother;"
18 . shall make diligent inquisition ] See Deuteronomy 13:14 (15), Deuteronomy 17:4 ; Deuteronomy 17:9 ; Sg. false, falsely ] Heb. sheḳer : so in Exodus 20:16 , but Deuteronomy 5:20 has shav, vain . brother ] here and next v .: the usual term in Sg. passages for fellow-Israelite .
The text emphasizes the word "brother" when describing the victim of false testimony. This isn't just a casual term; it highlights that the legal system is designed to protect fellow Israelites, demanding extraordinary care when someone accuses another member of their community. This legal requirement shows God's deep concern for justice within His covenant people.
This passage is part of a series of laws in Deuteronomy outlining justice procedures for the new Israelite nation. It follows laws about establishing cities of refuge and directly addresses the serious crime of bearing false witness, building on the requirement for at least two or three witnesses to convict someone. The instructions here detail how judges are to thoroughly investigate accusations, especially when a conviction has already been secured, to ensure justice is served and false accusers face the consequences they intended for their victim.
This passage is part of a series of laws in Deuteronomy outlining justice procedures for the new Israelite nation. It follows laws about establishing cities of refuge and directly addresses the serious crime of bearing false witness, building on the requirement for at least two or three witnesses to convict someone. The instructions here detail how judges are to thoroughly investigate accusations, especially when a conviction has already been secured, to ensure justice is served and false accusers face the consequences they intended for their victim.
"The judges shall inquire diligently, and if the witness is a false witness and has accused his brother falsely, then you shall do to him as he had meant to do to his brother. So you shall purge the evil from your midst." — The text emphasizes the word "brother" when describing the victim of false testimony. This isn't just a casual term; it highlights that the legal system is designed to protect fellow Israelites, dema…
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Last reviewed October 2026
