“If anyone kills a person, the murderer shall be put to death on the evidence of witnesses. But no person shall be put to death on the testimony of one witness.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The law here doesn't just establish a requirement for multiple witnesses, but emphasizes that even with sufficient testimony, the accused is the one whose "mouth" (testimony) is to be considered in bringing about the death penalty. This highlights a careful, deliberative process where human testimony, under oath, is what officially condemns, protecting against rash judgment. It underscores that the ultimate authority for justice rests with God, who uses human means to administer it, but only after careful deliberation and witness confirmation.
“If anyone kills a person, the murderer shall be put to death on the evidence of witnesses. But no person shall be put to death on the testimony of one witness.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage continues the instructions about the cities of refuge, clarifying the strict legal requirements for capital punishment. It emphasizes that while murder is a grave offense demanding the death penalty, no one can be condemned to die based on the word of just one accuser, highlighting God's concern for justice and the protection of innocent life. This rule is set in contrast to the previous regulations concerning unintentional killings and the role of the blood avenger, ensuring that only the truly guilty face the ultimate penalty after thorough examination.
Why does the Bible demand multiple witnesses for a death sentence? It's all about protecting the preciousness of human life.
This verse establishes a crucial legal principle: a person's life can only be taken if at least two, or preferably three, witnesses confirm the crime. This wasn't just a legal technicality; it was a profound statement about the value God places on every individual.
A High Bar for Justice
God's law regarding murder is stark and uncompromising. What does this reveal about the holiness of life?
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This passage, alongside the concept of cities of refuge, underscores the immense gravity of murder. While providing refuge for those who killed accidentally, the law is crystal clear about intentional killing.
The Price of Malice
Understand the original words
ratschan · Hebrew Noun
One who intentionally takes the life of another, distinct from the accidental manslayer. Under biblical law, murder demands the forfeiture of the murderer’s life to satisfy justice.
ed / peh · Hebrew Noun phrase
Legal proof or testimony provided in a court of law to establish the truth of a matter. Biblical law required multiple witnesses to ensure justice and prevent the innocent from being condemned based on a single, potentially biased account.
This verse is part of a larger legal framework established during the Israelite settlement of Canaan, highlighting God's meticulous concern for justice and the protection of life.
c. 1400 BC— this verse
Establishment of the Law of the Cities of Refuge
Following the conquest and settlement of Canaan, God institutes a system of cities of refuge to protect those who unintentionally caused a death, distinguishing them from willful murderers.
c. 1400 BC
Reiteration of the Law on Witness Testimony
Alongside the laws for cities of refuge, the Mosaic Law emphasizes the requirement for at least two witnesses for capital offenses, underscoring the gravity of capital punishment.
c. 1400 BC
Prohibition of Financial Compensation for Murder
The Law explicitly forbids accepting payment to spare a murderer, emphasizing that the shedding of innocent blood pollutes the land and can only be atoned for by the murderer's own blood.
This passage reiterates the same requirement for at least two or three witnesses before a capital offense can be punished, emphasizing the gravity of taking a life and the need for solid evidence.
Matthew 18:16In the New Testament, Jesus echoes this principle in church discipline, stating that a matter is confirmed 'on the evidence of two or three witnesses,' showing the enduring importance of corroboration.
1 Timothy 5:19Paul instructs Timothy to 'not admit a charge against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses,' extending the principle beyond capital crimes to matters of leadership and reputation.
John 8:17Jesus himself cites this legal principle when confronting the accusers of the woman caught in adultery, saying, 'It is written in your Law that the testimony of two men is valid,' highlighting its established legal and moral weight.
gillNumbers 35:30: "Whoso killeth any person, the murderer shall be put to death by the mouth of witnesses: but one witness shall not testify against any person to cause him to die."
Whoso killeth any person,.... Willingly, and through enmity and malice: the murderer shall be put to death by the mouth of two witnesses; which is repeated partly to show, that this law concerning the cities of refuge was not designed to screen a murderer, who was guilty through malice prepense; and partly for the sake…
bensonNumbers 35:30: "Whoso killeth any person, the murderer shall be put to death by the mouth of witnesses: but one witness shall not testify against any person to cause him to die."
Numbers 35:30-31 . By the mouth of witnesses — A wise precaution to prevent the shedding of innocent blood. If we may credit the Jews, where there was but one witness, and the person accused of murder could not, therefore, be put to death, yet he did not escape without punishment, but was thrown into a very strait pris…
The law here doesn't just establish a requirement for multiple witnesses, but emphasizes that even with sufficient testimony, the accused is the one whose "mouth" (testimony) is to be considered in bringing about the death penalty. This highlights a careful, deliberative process where human testimony, under oath, is what officially condemns, protecting against rash judgment. It underscores that the ultimate authority for justice rests with God, who uses human means to administer it, but only after careful deliberation and witness confirmation.
This passage continues the instructions about the cities of refuge, clarifying the strict legal requirements for capital punishment. It emphasizes that while murder is a grave offense demanding the death penalty, no one can be condemned to die based on the word of just one accuser, highlighting God's concern for justice and the protection of innocent life. This rule is set in contrast to the previous regulations concerning unintentional killings and the role of the blood avenger, ensuring that only the truly guilty face the ultimate penalty after thorough examination.
This passage continues the instructions about the cities of refuge, clarifying the strict legal requirements for capital punishment. It emphasizes that while murder is a grave offense demanding the death penalty, no one can be condemned to die based on the word of just one accuser, highlighting God's concern for justice and the protection of innocent life. This rule is set in contrast to the previous regulations concerning unintentional killings and the role of the blood avenger, ensuring that only the truly guilty face the ultimate penalty after thorough examination.
"“If anyone kills a person, the murderer shall be put to death on the evidence of witnesses. But no person shall be put to death on the testimony of one witness." — The law here doesn't just establish a requirement for multiple witnesses, but emphasizes that even with sufficient testimony, the accused is the one whose "mouth" (testimony) is to be considered in…
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Last reviewed October 2026