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So you must purge the evil from among you.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/deuteronomy/17-7.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/9/05_Deu_17_07.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Deuteronomy 17:7 - Purge the Idolater" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="The hands of the witnesses shall be the first in putting him to death, and after that, the hands of all the people. 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You must purge the evil from among you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/deuteronomy/17.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />The witnesses must throw the first stones, and then all the people may join in. In this way, you will purge the evil from among you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/deuteronomy/17.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/deuteronomy/17.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/deuteronomy/17.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />The hands of the witnesses shall be first upon him to put him to death, and afterward the hands of all the people. So thou shalt put the evil away from among you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/deuteronomy/17.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />The hands of the witnesses shall be the first against him to put him to death, and afterward the hands of all the people. So you shall put away the evil from among you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/deuteronomy/17.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />The hands of the witnesses shall be first against him to put him to death, and afterward the hands of all the people. So you shall eliminate the evil from your midst.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/deuteronomy/17.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220The 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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/deuteronomy/17.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/deuteronomy/17.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/deuteronomy/17.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />The hand of the witnesses shall be the first against him to put him to death, and afterward the hand of all the people. So you shall remove the evil from among you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/deuteronomy/17.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The witnesses’ hands are to be the first in putting him to death, and after that, the hands of all the people. You must purge the evil from you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/deuteronomy/17.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The witnesses&#8217 hands are to be the first in putting him to death, and after that, the hands of all the people. You must purge the evil from you.&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/deuteronomy/17.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />The hand of the witnesses shall be first upon him to put him to death, and afterward the hand of all the people. So thou shalt put away the evil from the midst of thee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/deuteronomy/17.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />The hand of the witnesses shall be first upon him to put him to death, and afterward the hand of all the people. So thou shalt put away the evil from the midst of thee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/deuteronomy/17.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />The witnesses must start the execution, then all the other people will join them in putting the person to death. You must get rid of this evil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/deuteronomy/17.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />The witnesses are to throw the first stones, and then the rest of the people are to stone them; in this way you will get rid of this evil. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/deuteronomy/17.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Let the witnesses be the first to begin executing them, then the rest of the people shall follow. By doing this you will purge evil from among you."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/deuteronomy/17.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/deuteronomy/17.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />The witnesses must be first to begin the execution, and then all the people are to join in afterward. In this way you will purge evil from among you. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/deuteronomy/17.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />The hand of the witnesses shall be first on him to put him to death, and afterward the hand of all the people. So you shall put away the evil from the midst of you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/deuteronomy/17.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />The hands of the witnesses shall be first upon him to put him to death, and afterward the hands of all the people. So thou shalt remove the evil from among you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/deuteronomy/17.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />The hands of the witnesses shall be first on him to put him to death, and afterward the hands of all the people. So you shall remove the evil from among you. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/deuteronomy/17.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />the hand of the witnesses is on him in the first place to put him to death, and the hand of all the people last; and you have put away evil out of your midst.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/deuteronomy/17.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> the hand of the witnesses is on him, in the first place, to put him to death, and the hand of all the people last; and thou hast put away the evil thing out of thy midst.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/deuteronomy/17.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />The hand of the witnesses shall be at first upon him to put him to death, and the hand of all the people afterward. And put thou away the evil from the midst of thee.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/deuteronomy/17.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />The hands of the witnesses shall be first upon him to kill him, and afterwards the hands of the rest of the people: that thou mayst take away the evil out of the midst of thee. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/deuteronomy/17.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />First, the hands of the witnesses shall be upon him who will be put to death, and lastly, the hands of the remainder of the people shall be sent forth. So may you take away the evil from your midst.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/deuteronomy/17.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />The hands of the witnesses shall be the first raised to put the person to death, and afterward the hands of all the people. Thus shall you purge the evil from your midst. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/deuteronomy/17.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />The hands of the witnesses shall be the first raised against the person to execute the death penalty, and afterward the hands of all the people. So you shall purge the evil from your midst.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/deuteronomy/17.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And the hand of the witnesses shall be the first against him to put him to death, and afterward the hands of all the people. So you shall destroy the evildoers from among you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/deuteronomy/17.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And the hand of the witnesses shall begin with him at the first to kill him and the hand of all the people at the end, and destroy the workers of evil from among you.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/deuteronomy/17.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />The hand of the witnesses shall be first upon him to put him to death, and afterward the hand of all the people. So thou shalt put away the evil from the midst of thee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/deuteronomy/17.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And the hand of the witnesses shall be upon him among the first to put him to death, and the hand of the people at the last; so shalt thou remove the evil one from among yourselves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/deuteronomy/17-7.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=4881" 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">6</span>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="reftext">7</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3027.htm" title="3027: yaḏ (N-fsc) -- Hand (indicating power, means, direction, etc.)">The hands</a> <a href="/hebrew/5707.htm" title="5707: hā·‘ê·ḏîm (Art:: N-mp) -- A witness. Contracted from uwd; concretely, a witness; abstractly, testimony; specifically, a recorder, i.e. Prince.">of the witnesses</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: tih·yeh- (V-Qal-Imperf-3fs) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">shall be</a> <a href="/hebrew/bōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- "></a> <a href="/hebrew/7223.htm" title="7223: ḇā·ri·šō·nāh (Prep-b, Art:: Adj-fs) -- Former, first, chief. Or riishon; from ri'shah; first, in place, time or rank.">the first</a> <a href="/hebrew/4191.htm" title="4191: la·hă·mî·ṯōw (Prep-l:: V-Hifil-Inf:: 3ms) -- To die. A primitive root: to die; causatively, to kill.">in putting him to death,</a> <a href="/hebrew/314.htm" title="314: bā·’a·ḥă·rō·nāh (Prep-b, Art:: Adj-fs) -- Coming after or behind. Or;acharon; from 'achar; hinder; generally, late or last; specifically western.">and after that,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3027.htm" title="3027: wə·yaḏ (Conj-w:: N-fsc) -- Hand (indicating power, means, direction, etc.)">the hands</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: kāl- (N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">of all</a> <a href="/hebrew/5971.htm" title="5971: hā·‘ām (Art:: N-ms) -- From amam; a people; specifically, a tribe; hence troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock.">the people.</a> <a href="/hebrew/1197.htm" title="1197: ū·ḇi·‘ar·tā (Conj-w:: V-Piel-ConjPerf-2ms) -- To kindle, consume, to be, brutish. A primitive root; to kindle, i.e. Consume; also to be(-come) brutish.">So you must purge</a> <a href="/hebrew/7451.htm" title="7451: hā·rā‘ (Art:: Adj-ms) -- Bad, evil. From ra'a'; bad or evil.">the evil</a> <a href="/hebrew/7130.htm" title="7130: miq·qir·be·ḵā (Prep-m:: N-msc:: 2ms) -- Inward part, midst. From qarab; properly, the nearest part, i.e. The center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial.">from among you.</a> </span><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="/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="/numbers/15-35.htm">Numbers 15:35-36</a></span><br />And the LORD said to Moses, “The man must surely be put to death. The whole congregation is to stone him outside the camp.” / So the whole congregation took the man outside the camp and stoned him to death, as the LORD had commanded Moses.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/13-9.htm">Deuteronomy 13:9</a></span><br />Instead, you must surely kill him. Your hand must be the first against him to put him to death, and then the hands of all the people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/19-19.htm">Deuteronomy 19:19</a></span><br />you must do to him as he intended to do to his brother. So you must purge the evil from among you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/21-21.htm">Deuteronomy 21:21</a></span><br />Then all the men of his city will stone him to death. So you must purge the evil from among you, and all Israel will hear and be afraid.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/22-21.htm">Deuteronomy 22:21</a></span><br />she shall be brought to the door of her father’s house, and there the men of her city will stone her to death. For she has committed an outrage in Israel by being promiscuous in her father’s house. So you must purge the evil from among you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/22-24.htm">Deuteronomy 22:24</a></span><br />you must take both of them out to the gate of that city and stone them to death—the young woman because she did not cry out in the city, and the man because he has violated his neighbor’s wife. So you must purge the evil from among you.<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="/acts/7-58.htm">Acts 7:58</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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/8-7.htm">John 8:7</a></span><br />When they continued to question Him, He straightened up and said to them, “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to cast a stone at her.”<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="/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="/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="/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.”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">The hands of the witnesses shall be first on him to put him to death, and afterward the hands of all the people. So you shall put the evil away from among you.</p><p class="hdg">of the witnesses</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/13-9.htm">Deuteronomy 13:9</a></b></br> But thou shalt surely kill him; thine hand shall be first upon him to put him to death, and afterwards the hand of all the people.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/7-58.htm">Acts 7:58,59</a></b></br> And cast <i>him</i> out of the city, and stoned <i>him</i>: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul… </p><p class="hdg">So thou</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/17-12.htm">Deuteronomy 17:12</a></b></br> And the man that will do presumptuously, and will not hearken unto the priest that standeth to minister there before the LORD thy God, or unto the judge, even that man shall die: and thou shalt put away the evil from Israel.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/13-5.htm">Deuteronomy 13:5</a></b></br> And that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams, shall be put to death; because he hath spoken to turn <i>you</i> away from the LORD your God, which brought you out of the land of Egypt, and redeemed you out of the house of bondage, to thrust thee out of the way which the LORD thy God commanded thee to walk in. So shalt thou put the evil away from the midst of thee.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/19-19.htm">Deuteronomy 19:19</a></b></br> Then shall ye do unto him, as he had thought to have done unto his brother: so shalt thou put the evil away from among you.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/numbers/32-22.htm">Afterward</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/13-9.htm">Afterwards</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/17-6.htm">Death</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/17-5.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/16-17.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/16-15.htm">Hands</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/13-9.htm">Last</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/17-2.htm">Midst</a> <a href="/leviticus/14-52.htm">Purge</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/16-9.htm">Putting</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/7-15.htm">Remove</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/17-6.htm">Witnesses</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/deuteronomy/24-21.htm">Afterward</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/24-21.htm">Afterwards</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/17-12.htm">Death</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/17-12.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/17-11.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/20-13.htm">Hands</a> <a href="/joshua/12-4.htm">Last</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/17-20.htm">Midst</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/17-12.htm">Purge</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/18-11.htm">Putting</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/17-12.htm">Remove</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/19-15.htm">Witnesses</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>The hands of the witnesses shall be the first in putting him to death</b><br>In ancient Israel, the legal system required the testimony of two or three witnesses to establish a matter (<a href="/deuteronomy/19-15.htm">Deuteronomy 19:15</a>). This phrase emphasizes the responsibility and accountability of the witnesses. By being the first to act, witnesses were required to be certain of their testimony, knowing they would initiate the execution. This practice served as a deterrent against false accusations, as seen in the story of Naboth's vineyard (1 Kings 21). It also reflects the seriousness of bearing false witness, a violation of the Ten Commandments (<a href="/exodus/20-16.htm">Exodus 20:16</a>). Theologically, this prefigures the role of Christ as the faithful and true witness (<a href="/revelation/3-14.htm">Revelation 3:14</a>), who bears witness to the truth.<p><b>and after that, the hands of all the people</b><br>This communal involvement underscores the collective responsibility of the community to uphold justice and maintain holiness. It reflects the covenantal relationship between God and Israel, where the community is called to be holy as God is holy (<a href="/leviticus/19-2.htm">Leviticus 19:2</a>). The participation of all the people in the execution process also served to reinforce the seriousness of sin and the need for communal purity. This concept is echoed in the New Testament, where church discipline involves the community (<a href="/matthew/18-17.htm">Matthew 18:17</a>). It also foreshadows the ultimate judgment where all will stand before God (<a href="/revelation/20-12.htm">Revelation 20:12</a>).<p><b>So you must purge the evil from among you</b><br>This command highlights the necessity of removing sin to maintain the sanctity of the community. The phrase "purge the evil" is repeated throughout Deuteronomy (e.g., <a href="/deuteronomy/13-5.htm">Deuteronomy 13:5, 19</a>:19) and emphasizes the need for Israel to be distinct from surrounding nations. It reflects the holiness code found in Leviticus and the call to be a kingdom of priests (<a href="/exodus/19-6.htm">Exodus 19:6</a>). In the New Testament, this concept is spiritualized as believers are called to put to death the deeds of the body (<a href="/romans/8-13.htm">Romans 8:13</a>) and to cleanse themselves from all defilement (<a href="/2_corinthians/7.htm">2 Corinthians 7:1</a>). This purging is ultimately fulfilled in Christ, who purifies His people (<a href="/titus/2-14.htm">Titus 2:14</a>) and will one day eradicate all evil (<a href="/revelation/21-27.htm">Revelation 21:27</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/w/witnesses.htm">Witnesses</a></b><br>Individuals who have firsthand knowledge of a crime or wrongdoing. In the context of ancient Israel, their testimony was crucial in legal proceedings.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_people.htm">The People</a></b><br>Refers to the community of Israel, who were collectively responsible for maintaining justice and righteousness within their society.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_accused.htm">The Accused</a></b><br>The person who has been charged with a crime, particularly one deserving of capital punishment according to the Mosaic Law.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/m/moses.htm">Moses</a></b><br>The leader and prophet who delivered God's laws to the Israelites, including the instructions found in Deuteronomy.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a></b><br>The nation chosen by God to be His people, living under the covenant and laws given through Moses.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_witnesses.htm">The Role of Witnesses</a></b><br>Witnesses bear a significant responsibility in the administration of justice. Their integrity and truthfulness are paramount, as they initiate the process of judgment.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/community_responsibility.htm">Community Responsibility</a></b><br>The entire community is involved in upholding justice. This collective responsibility ensures that justice is not only a legal matter but a communal one.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/purging_evil.htm">Purging Evil</a></b><br>The command to purge evil underscores the importance of holiness and purity within the community. It serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance against sin.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/j/justice_and_mercy.htm">Justice and Mercy</a></b><br>While justice is necessary, it must be tempered with mercy and self-reflection, as seen in the broader biblical account.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_seriousness_of_sin.htm">The Seriousness of Sin</a></b><br>The severe consequences for sin in the Old Testament highlight the seriousness with which God views sin and the need for repentance and atonement.<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/what_is_the_bible's_stance_on_stoning.htm">What is the Bible's stance on stoning?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_evidence_supports_naboth's_execution.htm">What historical documentation supports or contradicts the swift execution of Naboth described in 1 Kings 21:13–14? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_did_jesus_write_in_the_dirt.htm">What did Jesus write in the dirt?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_is_sinless_to_cast_the_first_stone.htm">Who among you is sinless to cast the first stone?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/deuteronomy/17-7.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">The hands</span><br /><span class="heb">יַ֣ד</span> <span class="translit">(yaḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3027.htm">Strong's 3027: </a> </span><span class="str2">A hand</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the witnesses</span><br /><span class="heb">הָעֵדִ֞ים</span> <span class="translit">(hā·‘ê·ḏîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | 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">shall be</span><br /><span class="heb">תִּֽהְיֶה־</span> <span class="translit">(tih·yeh-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fall out, come to pass, become, be</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the first</span><br /><span class="heb">בָרִאשֹׁנָה֙</span> <span class="translit">(ḇā·ri·šō·nāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b, Article | Adjective - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7223.htm">Strong's 7223: </a> </span><span class="str2">First, in place, time, rank</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in putting him to death,</span><br /><span class="heb">לַהֲמִית֔וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(la·hă·mî·ṯōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct | 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">and after that,</span><br /><span class="heb">בָּאַחֲרֹנָ֑ה</span> <span class="translit">(bā·’a·ḥă·rō·nāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b, Article | Adjective - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_314.htm">Strong's 314: </a> </span><span class="str2">Hinder, late, last, western</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the hands</span><br /><span class="heb">וְיַ֥ד</span> <span class="translit">(wə·yaḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3027.htm">Strong's 3027: </a> </span><span class="str2">A hand</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of all</span><br /><span class="heb">כָּל־</span> <span class="translit">(kāl-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> </span><span class="str2">The whole, all, any, every</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the people.</span><br /><span class="heb">הָעָ֖ם</span> <span class="translit">(hā·‘ām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5971.htm">Strong's 5971: </a> </span><span class="str2">A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock</span><br /><br /><span class="word">You must purge</span><br /><span class="heb">וּבִֽעַרְתָּ֥</span> <span class="translit">(ū·ḇi·‘ar·tā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1197.htm">Strong's 1197: </a> </span><span class="str2">To kindle, consume, to be, brutish</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the evil</span><br /><span class="heb">הָרָ֖ע</span> <span class="translit">(hā·rā‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7451.htm">Strong's 7451: </a> </span><span class="str2">Bad, evil</span><br /><br /><span class="word">from among you.</span><br /><span class="heb">מִקִּרְבֶּֽךָ׃</span> <span class="translit">(miq·qir·be·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7130.htm">Strong's 7130: </a> </span><span class="str2">The nearest part, the center</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/deuteronomy/17-7.htm">Deuteronomy 17:7 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/deuteronomy/17-7.htm">Deuteronomy 17:7 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/deuteronomy/17-7.htm">Deuteronomy 17:7 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/deuteronomy/17-7.htm">Deuteronomy 17:7 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/deuteronomy/17-7.htm">Deuteronomy 17:7 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/deuteronomy/17-7.htm">Deuteronomy 17:7 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/deuteronomy/17-7.htm">Deuteronomy 17:7 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/deuteronomy/17-7.htm">Deuteronomy 17:7 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/deuteronomy/17-7.htm">Deuteronomy 17:7 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/deuteronomy/17-7.htm">Deuteronomy 17:7 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/deuteronomy/17-7.htm">OT Law: Deuteronomy 17:7 The hand of the witnesses shall be (Deut. De Du)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/deuteronomy/17-6.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Deuteronomy 17:6"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Deuteronomy 17:6" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/deuteronomy/17-8.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Deuteronomy 17:8"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Deuteronomy 17:8" /></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>