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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Deuteronomy 17:6 On the testimony of two or three witnesses a man shall be put to death, but he shall not be executed on the testimony of a lone witness.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/deuteronomy/17-6.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/8/05_Deu_17_06.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Deuteronomy 17:6 - Purge the Idolater" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="On the testimony of two or three witnesses a man shall be put to death, but he shall not be executed on the testimony of a lone witness." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/deuteronomy/17-6.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/deuteronomy/17-6.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/deuteronomy/">Deuteronomy</a> > <a href="/deuteronomy/17.htm">Chapter 17</a> > Verse 6</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad6.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/deuteronomy/17-5.htm" title="Deuteronomy 17:5">◄</a> Deuteronomy 17:6 <a href="/deuteronomy/17-7.htm" title="Deuteronomy 17:7">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/deuteronomy/17.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/deuteronomy/17.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />On the testimony of two or three witnesses a person is to be put to death, but no one is to be put to death on the testimony of only one witness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/deuteronomy/17.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />But never put a person to death on the testimony of only one witness. There must always be two or three witnesses.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/deuteronomy/17.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/deuteronomy/17.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />On the testimony of two or three witnesses a man shall be put to death, but he shall not be executed on the testimony of a lone witness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/deuteronomy/17.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />At the mouth of two witnesses, or three witnesses, shall he that is worthy of death be put to death; <i>but</i> at the mouth of one witness he shall not be put to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/deuteronomy/17.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Whoever is deserving of death shall be put to death on the testimony of two or three witnesses; he shall not be put to death on the testimony of one witness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/deuteronomy/17.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />On the testimony of two witnesses or three witnesses, the condemned shall be put to death; he shall not be put to death on the testimony of <i>only</i> one witness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/deuteronomy/17.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220On the evidence of two witnesses or three witnesses, he who is to die shall be put to death; he shall not be put to death on the evidence of one witness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/deuteronomy/17.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“On the evidence of two witnesses or three witnesses, he who is to die shall be put to death; he shall not be put to death on the evidence of one witness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/deuteronomy/17.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />On the mouth of two witnesses or three witnesses, he who is to die shall be put to death; he shall not be put to death on the mouth of one witness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/deuteronomy/17.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />On the evidence of two or three witnesses, he who is to die shall be put to death; he shall not be put to death on the evidence of [only] one witness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/deuteronomy/17.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The one condemned to die is to be executed on the testimony of two or three witnesses. No one is to be executed on the testimony of a single witness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/deuteronomy/17.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The one condemned to die is to be executed on the testimony of two or three witnesses. No one is to be executed on the testimony of a single witness. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/deuteronomy/17.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />At the mouth of two witnesses, or three witnesses, shall he that is to die be put to death; at the mouth of one witness he shall not be put to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/deuteronomy/17.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />At the mouth of two witnesses, or three witnesses, shall he that is to die be put to death; at the mouth of one witness he shall not be put to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/deuteronomy/17.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />The person can only be sentenced to death on the testimony of two or three witnesses, but no one should ever be sentenced to death on the testimony of only one witness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/deuteronomy/17.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />However, they may be put to death only if two or more witnesses testify against them; they are not to be put to death if there is only one witness. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/deuteronomy/17.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Based on the testimony of two or three witnesses, they must surely die. But they are not to die based on the testimony of one person. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/deuteronomy/17.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />On the testimony of two or three witnesses a man shall be put to death, but he shall not be executed on the testimony of a lone witness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/deuteronomy/17.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />At the testimony of two or three witnesses they must be executed. They cannot be put to death on the testimony of only one witness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/deuteronomy/17.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />At the mouth of two witnesses, or three witnesses, shall he who is to die be put to death; at the mouth of one witness he shall not be put to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/deuteronomy/17.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/deuteronomy/17.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />At the mouth of two witnesses, or three witnesses, he who is to die shall be put to death. At the mouth of one witness he shall not be put to death. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/deuteronomy/17.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />By the mouth of two witnesses or three witnesses is he who is being put to death put to death; he is not put to death by the mouth of one witness;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/deuteronomy/17.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> By the mouth of two witnesses or of three witnesses is he who is dead put to death; he is not put to death by the mouth of one witness;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/deuteronomy/17.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />At the mouth of two witnesses or three witnesses they shall be put to death; they shall not die by the mouth of one witness.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/deuteronomy/17.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />By the mouth of two or three witnesses shall he die that is to be slain. Let no man be put to death, when only one beareth witness against him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/deuteronomy/17.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />By the mouth of two or three witnesses, he who is to be put to death shall perish. Let no one be killed with only one person speaking testimony against him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/deuteronomy/17.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Only on the testimony of two or three witnesses shall a person be put to death; no one shall be put to death on the testimony of only one witness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/deuteronomy/17.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />On the evidence of two or three witnesses the death sentence shall be executed; a person must not be put to death on the evidence of only one witness.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/deuteronomy/17.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />On the testimony of two witnesses or three witnesses shall he that is worthy of death be put to death; but on the testimony of one witness he shall not be put to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/deuteronomy/17.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />By the mouth of two witnesses or by the mouth of three witnesses, one who is condemned to death will be killed; he will not be killed through the mouth of one witness.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/deuteronomy/17.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />At the mouth of two witnesses, or three witnesses, shall he that is to die be put to death; at the mouth of one witness he shall not be put to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/deuteronomy/17.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />He shall die on the testimony of two or three witnesses; a man who is put to death shall not be put to death for one witness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/deuteronomy/17-6.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IRhBtZaVxJ0?start=4871" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/deuteronomy/17.htm">Purge the Idolater</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">5</span>you must bring out to your gates the man or woman who has done this evil thing, and you must stone that person to death. <span class="reftext">6</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">On</a> <a href="/hebrew/6310.htm" title="6310: pî (N-msc) -- Mouth. From pa'ah; the mouth, whether literal or figurative; specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially according to.">the testimony</a> <a href="/hebrew/8147.htm" title="8147: šə·na·yim (Number-md) -- Two (a card. number). Dual of sheniy; feminine shttayim; two; also twofold.">of two</a> <a href="/hebrew/176.htm" title="176: ’ōw (Conj) -- Or. Presumed to be the constructive or genitival form of -av; short for 'avvah; desire; hence or, also if.">or</a> <a href="/hebrew/7969.htm" title="7969: šə·lō·šāh (Number-ms) -- A three, triad. Or shalosh; masculine shlowshah; or shloshah; a primitive number; three; occasionally third, or Thrice.">three</a> <a href="/hebrew/5707.htm" title="5707: ‘ê·ḏîm (N-mp) -- A witness. Contracted from uwd; concretely, a witness; abstractly, testimony; specifically, a recorder, i.e. Prince.">witnesses</a> <a href="/hebrew/4191.htm" title="4191: yū·maṯ (V-Hofal-Imperf-3ms) -- To die. A primitive root: to die; causatively, to kill.">a man shall be put to death,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4191.htm" title="4191: ham·mêṯ (Art:: V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To die. A primitive root: to die; causatively, to kill."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">but he shall not</a> <a href="/hebrew/4191.htm" title="4191: yū·maṯ (V-Hofal-Imperf-3ms) -- To die. A primitive root: to die; causatively, to kill.">be executed</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">on</a> <a href="/hebrew/6310.htm" title="6310: pî (N-msc) -- Mouth. From pa'ah; the mouth, whether literal or figurative; specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially according to.">the testimony</a> <a href="/hebrew/5707.htm" title="5707: ‘êḏ (N-ms) -- A witness. Contracted from uwd; concretely, a witness; abstractly, testimony; specifically, a recorder, i.e. Prince."></a> <a href="/hebrew/259.htm" title="259: ’e·ḥāḏ (Number-ms) -- One. A numeral from 'achad; properly, united, i.e. One; or first.">of a lone</a> <a href="/hebrew/5707.htm" title="5707: ‘ê·ḏîm (N-mp) -- A witness. Contracted from uwd; concretely, a witness; abstractly, testimony; specifically, a recorder, i.e. Prince.">witness.</a> </span><span class="reftext">7</span>The hands of the witnesses shall be the first in putting him to death, and after that, the hands of all the people. So you must purge the evil from among you.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/numbers/35-30.htm">Numbers 35:30</a></span><br />If anyone kills a person, the murderer is to be put to death on the testimony of the witnesses. But no one is to be put to death based on the testimony of a lone witness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/19-15.htm">Deuteronomy 19:15</a></span><br />A lone witness is not sufficient to establish any wrongdoing or sin against a man, regardless of what offense he may have committed. A matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/18-16.htm">Matthew 18:16</a></span><br />But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/8-17.htm">John 8:17</a></span><br />Even in your own Law it is written that the testimony of two men is valid.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/10-28.htm">Hebrews 10:28</a></span><br />Anyone who rejected the law of Moses died without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/13-1.htm">2 Corinthians 13:1</a></span><br />This is the third time I am coming to you. “Every matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/5-19.htm">1 Timothy 5:19</a></span><br />Do not entertain an accusation against an elder, except on the testimony of two or three witnesses.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/7-58.htm">Acts 7:58-59</a></span><br />They dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile the witnesses laid their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul. / While they were stoning him, Stephen appealed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/joshua/7-25.htm">Joshua 7:25</a></span><br />“Why have you brought this trouble upon us?” said Joshua. “Today the LORD will bring trouble upon you!” And all Israel stoned him to death. Then they stoned the others and burned their bodies.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/21-13.htm">1 Kings 21:13</a></span><br />And the two scoundrels came in and sat opposite Naboth, and these men testified against him before the people, saying, “Naboth has cursed both God and the king!” So they took him outside the city and stoned him to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/leviticus/24-14.htm">Leviticus 24:14</a></span><br />“Take the blasphemer outside the camp, and have all who heard him lay their hands on his head; then have the whole assembly stone him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/6-13.htm">Acts 6:13</a></span><br />where they presented false witnesses who said, “This man never stops speaking against this holy place and against the law.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/26-60.htm">Matthew 26:60-61</a></span><br />But they did not find any, though many false witnesses came forward. Finally two came forward / and declared, “This man said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and rebuild it in three days.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/14-56.htm">Mark 14:56-59</a></span><br />For many bore false witness against Jesus, but their testimony was inconsistent. / Then some men stood up and testified falsely against Him: / “We heard Him say, ‘I will destroy this man-made temple, and in three days I will build another that is made without hands.’” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/8-10.htm">John 8:10-11</a></span><br />Then Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are your accusers? Has no one condemned you?” / “No one, Lord,” she answered. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Now go and sin no more.”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">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.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/19-15.htm">Deuteronomy 19:15</a></b></br> 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.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/35-30.htm">Numbers 35:30</a></b></br> 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 <i>to cause him</i> to die.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/18-16.htm">Matthew 18:16</a></b></br> But if he will not hear <i>thee, then</i> take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/deuteronomy/17-5.htm">Dead</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/17-5.htm">Death</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/17-5.htm">Die</a> <a href="/numbers/35-30.htm">Evidence</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/14-6.htm">Mouth</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/7-10.htm">Punishment</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/5-20.htm">Testimony</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/16-16.htm">Three</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/5-20.htm">Witness</a> <a href="/numbers/35-30.htm">Witnesses</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/17-4.htm">Word</a> <a href="/genesis/32-10.htm">Worthy</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/deuteronomy/18-11.htm">Dead</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/17-7.htm">Death</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/17-12.htm">Die</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/19-15.htm">Evidence</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/18-18.htm">Mouth</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/19-12.htm">Punishment</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/19-18.htm">Testimony</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/19-2.htm">Three</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/19-15.htm">Witness</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/17-7.htm">Witnesses</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/17-9.htm">Word</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/19-6.htm">Worthy</a><div class="vheading2">Deuteronomy 17</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/deuteronomy/17-1.htm">The things sacrificed must be sound</a></span><br><span class="reftext">2. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/deuteronomy/17-2.htm">Idolaters must be slain</a></span><br><span class="reftext">8. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/deuteronomy/17-8.htm">Hard controversies are to be determined by the priests and judges</a></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/deuteronomy/17-12.htm">The one who shows contempt for the judge must die</a></span><br><span class="reftext">14. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/deuteronomy/17-14.htm">The election</a></span><br><span class="reftext">16. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/deuteronomy/17-16.htm">and duty of a king</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/deuteronomy/17.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/deuteronomy/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/deuteronomy/17.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>On the testimony of two or three witnesses</b><br>This phrase establishes a legal principle that emphasizes the need for corroboration in judicial matters. In ancient Israel, the requirement for multiple witnesses was a safeguard against false accusations and miscarriages of justice. This principle is echoed in the New Testament, where Jesus and Paul both reference the necessity of two or three witnesses (<a href="/matthew/18-16.htm">Matthew 18:16</a>, <a href="/2_corinthians/13.htm">2 Corinthians 13:1</a>). It underscores the importance of truth and fairness in legal proceedings, reflecting God's justice.<p><b>a man shall be put to death</b><br>The context here is the administration of capital punishment under the Mosaic Law. The death penalty was prescribed for certain offenses, such as murder, idolatry, and blasphemy, reflecting the seriousness with which these transgressions were viewed. This phrase highlights the gravity of the judicial process and the need for certainty before such an irreversible sentence is carried out. It also points to the holiness and justice of God, who demands that sin be dealt with severely.<p><b>but he shall not be executed on the testimony of a lone witness</b><br>This clause reinforces the protection against wrongful execution by prohibiting the death penalty based on the testimony of a single individual. It reflects a deep concern for justice and the value of human life, ensuring that no one is condemned without sufficient evidence. This principle is consistent with the broader biblical theme of justice and mercy, and it serves as a reminder of the fallibility of human judgment. It also foreshadows the ultimate justice and mercy found in Jesus Christ, who bore the penalty for sin on behalf of humanity.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/m/moses.htm">Moses</a></b><br>The author of Deuteronomy, Moses is delivering God's laws to the Israelites as they prepare to enter the Promised Land.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/i/israelites.htm">Israelites</a></b><br>The chosen people of God, receiving the law as a guide for living in covenant with Him.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/p/promised_land.htm">Promised Land</a></b><br>The land of Canaan, which God promised to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/w/witnesses.htm">Witnesses</a></b><br>Individuals who provide testimony in legal matters, crucial for establishing truth and justice in the community.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/j/judicial_system.htm">Judicial System</a></b><br>The system of laws and procedures established by God for the governance of Israel, emphasizing justice and fairness.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_justice.htm">The Importance of Justice</a></b><br>God's law emphasizes fairness and justice, ensuring that no one is condemned without sufficient evidence. This reflects God's character as just and righteous.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_community_in_accountability.htm">The Role of Community in Accountability</a></b><br>The requirement for multiple witnesses underscores the role of community in maintaining accountability and truth. It prevents false accusations and protects individuals from unjust punishment.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_seriousness_of_sin_and_judgment.htm">The Seriousness of Sin and Judgment</a></b><br>The context of this law is capital punishment, highlighting the gravity of sin and the need for careful deliberation in matters of life and death.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/i/integrity_in_testimony.htm">Integrity in Testimony</a></b><br>As believers, we are called to be truthful and reliable witnesses in all areas of life, reflecting God's truthfulness and integrity.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/application_in_church_discipline.htm">Application in Church Discipline</a></b><br>The principle of multiple witnesses is applicable in church settings, ensuring that accusations are handled with care and fairness, protecting both the accused and the accuser.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_deuteronomy_17.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Deuteronomy 17</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_might_'two_witnesses'_fail_in_deut._17_6.htm">Under Deuteronomy 17:6, how could the requirement of “two or three witnesses” fail to prevent false accusations or collusion? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_are_hereditary_spirits_in_the_bible.htm">How many witnesses are needed, two or three?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/two_or_three_witnesses_needed.htm">How many witnesses are needed, two or three?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_stoning_contradict_'do_not_kill'.htm">Does the prescribed stoning for blasphemy (Leviticus 24:14) contradict the Sixth Commandment against killing (Exodus 20:13)? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/deuteronomy/17.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 6, 7.</span> - Only on the testimony of more than one witness could the accused be condemned (of <a href="/numbers/35-30.htm">Numbers 35:30</a>); and the hand of the witnesses was to be first against him to put him to death - a rule which would tend to prevent accusations being lightly adduced, as none would venture to witness against any one unless so deeply convinced of his guilt that they were willing to assume the responsibility of inflicting on him the last penalty with their own hands. <span class="cmt_word">Worthy of death be put to death</span>; <span class="accented">i</span>.<span class="accented">e</span>. <span class="accented">adjudged</span> or <span class="accented">appointed to death</span>; literally, <span class="accented">the dead man shall die</span>. <span class="hebrew">מֵת</span>, the part. of <span class="hebrew">מוּת</span>, to die, is here equivalent to <span class="hebrew">בֶּן מָוֶת</span>, son of death (<a href="/1_samuel/20-31.htm">1 Samuel 20:31</a>), or <span class="hebrew">אִישׁ מָוֶת</span>, a man of death (<a href="/1_kings/2-26.htm">1 Kings 2:26</a>), <span class="accented">i</span>.<span class="accented">e</span>. one assigned to death, already the property of death, and so as good as dead. <span class="cmt_word">Put the evil away</span>; literally, <span class="accented">consume</span> or <span class="accented">sweep away the evil</span>. The verb <span class="hebrew">בָּעַר</span> means primarily to consume by burning. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/deuteronomy/17-6.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">On</span><br /><span class="heb">עַל־</span> <span class="translit">(‘al-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> </span><span class="str2">Above, over, upon, against</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the testimony</span><br /><span class="heb">פִּ֣י ׀</span> <span class="translit">(pî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6310.htm">Strong's 6310: </a> </span><span class="str2">The mouth, edge, portion, side, according to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of two</span><br /><span class="heb">שְׁנַ֣יִם</span> <span class="translit">(šə·na·yim)</span><br /><span class="parse">Number - md<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8147.htm">Strong's 8147: </a> </span><span class="str2">Two (a cardinal number)</span><br /><br /><span class="word">or</span><br /><span class="heb">א֛וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(’ōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_176.htm">Strong's 176: </a> </span><span class="str2">Desire, if</span><br /><br /><span class="word">three</span><br /><span class="heb">שְׁלֹשָׁ֥ה</span> <span class="translit">(šə·lō·šāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Number - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7969.htm">Strong's 7969: </a> </span><span class="str2">Three, third, thrice</span><br /><br /><span class="word">witnesses</span><br /><span class="heb">עֵדִ֗ים</span> <span class="translit">(‘ê·ḏîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5707.htm">Strong's 5707: </a> </span><span class="str2">A witness, testimony, a recorder, prince</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a man shall be put to death,</span><br /><span class="heb">יוּמַ֣ת</span> <span class="translit">(yū·maṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hofal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4191.htm">Strong's 4191: </a> </span><span class="str2">To die, to kill</span><br /><br /><span class="word">but he shall not</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹ֣א</span> <span class="translit">(lō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">be executed</span><br /><span class="heb">יוּמַ֔ת</span> <span class="translit">(yū·maṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hofal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4191.htm">Strong's 4191: </a> </span><span class="str2">To die, to kill</span><br /><br /><span class="word">on</span><br /><span class="heb">עַל־</span> <span class="translit">(‘al-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> </span><span class="str2">Above, over, upon, against</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the testimony</span><br /><span class="heb">פִּ֖י</span> <span class="translit">(pî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6310.htm">Strong's 6310: </a> </span><span class="str2">The mouth, edge, portion, side, according to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of a lone</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶחָֽד׃</span> <span class="translit">(’e·ḥāḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Number - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_259.htm">Strong's 259: </a> </span><span class="str2">United, one, first</span><br /><br /><span class="word">witness.</span><br /><span class="heb">עֵדִ֖ים</span> <span class="translit">(‘ê·ḏîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5707.htm">Strong's 5707: </a> </span><span class="str2">A witness, testimony, a recorder, prince</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/deuteronomy/17-6.htm">Deuteronomy 17:6 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/deuteronomy/17-6.htm">Deuteronomy 17:6 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/deuteronomy/17-6.htm">Deuteronomy 17:6 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/deuteronomy/17-6.htm">Deuteronomy 17:6 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/deuteronomy/17-6.htm">Deuteronomy 17:6 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/deuteronomy/17-6.htm">Deuteronomy 17:6 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/deuteronomy/17-6.htm">Deuteronomy 17:6 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/deuteronomy/17-6.htm">Deuteronomy 17:6 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/deuteronomy/17-6.htm">Deuteronomy 17:6 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/deuteronomy/17-6.htm">Deuteronomy 17:6 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/deuteronomy/17-6.htm">OT Law: Deuteronomy 17:6 At the mouth of two witnesses (Deut. De Du)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/deuteronomy/17-5.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Deuteronomy 17:5"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Deuteronomy 17:5" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/deuteronomy/17-7.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Deuteronomy 17:7"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Deuteronomy 17:7" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>