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A matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/deuteronomy/19-15.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/5/05_Deu_19_15.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Deuteronomy 19:15 - The Testimony of Two or Three Witnesses" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="A lone witness is not sufficient to establish any wrongdoing or sin against a man, regardless of what offense he may have committed. 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A matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses. <a href="/nlt/deuteronomy/19.htm">New Living Translation</a> “You must not convict anyone of a crime on the testimony of only one witness. The facts of the case must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses. <a href="/esv/deuteronomy/19.htm">English Standard Version</a> “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. <a href="/bsb/deuteronomy/19.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/kjv/deuteronomy/19.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/deuteronomy/19.htm">New King James Version</a> “One witness shall not rise against a man concerning any iniquity or any sin that he commits; by the mouth of two or three witnesses the matter shall be established. <a href="/nasb_/deuteronomy/19.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> “A single witness shall not rise up against a person regarding any wrongdoing or any sin that he commits; on the testimony of two or three witnesses a matter shall be confirmed. <a href="/nasb/deuteronomy/19.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220A single witness shall not rise up against a man on account of any iniquity or any sin which he has committed; on the evidence of two or three witnesses a matter shall be confirmed. <a href="/nasb77/deuteronomy/19.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “A single witness shall not rise up against a man on account of any iniquity or any sin which he has committed; on the evidence of two or three witnesses a matter shall be confirmed. <a href="/lsb/deuteronomy/19.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> “A single witness shall not rise up against a man on account of any iniquity or any sin which he has committed; at the mouth of two or three witnesses a matter shall be established. <a href="/amp/deuteronomy/19.htm">Amplified Bible</a> “A single witness shall not appear in a trial against a man for any wrong or any sin which he has committed; [only] on the testimony or evidence of two or three witnesses shall a charge be confirmed. <a href="/csb/deuteronomy/19.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> “One witness cannot establish any iniquity or sin against a person, whatever that person has done. A fact must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses. <a href="/hcsb/deuteronomy/19.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> One witness cannot establish any wrongdoing or sin against a person, whatever that person has done. A fact must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.&#8221 <a href="/asv/deuteronomy/19.htm">American Standard Version</a> 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 a matter be established. <a href="/cev/deuteronomy/19.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Before you are convicted of a crime, at least two witnesses must be able to testify that you did it. <a href="/erv/deuteronomy/19.htm">English Revised Version</a> 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 a matter be established. <a href="/gwt/deuteronomy/19.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> One witness is never enough to convict someone of a crime, offense, or sin he may have committed. Cases must be settled based on the testimony of two or three witnesses. <a href="/gnt/deuteronomy/19.htm">Good News Translation</a> "One witness is not enough to convict someone of a crime; at least two witnesses are necessary to prove that someone is guilty. <a href="/isv/deuteronomy/19.htm">International Standard Version</a> "The testimony of one person alone is not to suffice to convict anyone of any iniquity, sin, or guilt. But the matter will stand on the testimony of two or three witnesses. <a href="/msb/deuteronomy/19.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/net/deuteronomy/19.htm">NET Bible</a> A single witness may not testify against another person for any trespass or sin that he commits. A matter may be legally established only on the testimony of two or three witnesses. <a href="/nheb/deuteronomy/19.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> One witness shall not rise up against a man for any iniquity, or for any sin, in any sin that he sins: at the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall every word be established. <a href="/wbt/deuteronomy/19.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> 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. <a href="/web/deuteronomy/19.htm">World English Bible</a> One witness shall not rise up against a man for any iniquity, or for any sin that he sins. At the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall a matter be established. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/deuteronomy/19.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> One witness does not rise against a man for any iniquity and for any sin, in any sin which he sins; by the mouth of two witnesses or by the mouth of three witnesses is a thing established. <a href="/ylt/deuteronomy/19.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> 'One witness doth not rise against a man for any iniquity, and for any sin, in any sin which he sinneth; by the mouth of two witnesses, or by the mouth of three witnesses, is a thing established. <a href="/slt/deuteronomy/19.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> One witness shall not rise up against a man for any iniquity, and for any sin, in any sin which he shall sin; by the mouth of two witnesses or by the mouth of three witnesses the word shall be established.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/deuteronomy/19.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> One witness shall not rise up against any man, whatsoever the sin or wickedness be: but in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word shall stand. <a href="/cpdv/deuteronomy/19.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> One witness shall not stand against another, no matter what the sin or outrage may be. For every word shall stand by the mouth of two or three witnesses. <a href="/nabre/deuteronomy/19.htm">New American Bible</a> One witness alone shall not stand against someone in regard to any crime or any offense that may have been committed; a charge shall stand only on the testimony of two or three witnesses. <a href="/nrsvce/deuteronomy/19.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> A single witness shall not suffice to convict a person of any crime or wrongdoing in connection with any offense that may be committed. Only on the evidence of two or three witnesses shall a charge be sustained.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/deuteronomy/19.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> A single witness shall not rise up against a man for any offense, or for any crime, in whatever offense or crime he may commit; on the testimony of two witnesses, or on the testimony of three witnesses, shall a charge be established. <a href="/hpbt/deuteronomy/19.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> One witness shall not stand up against a man for any offense or for any sin in any sin that one will sin; by the mouth of two witnesses or by the mouth of three witnesses a word will be established.<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/deuteronomy/19.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> 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 a matter be establishment <a href="/sep/deuteronomy/19.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> One witness shall not stand to testify against a man for any iniquity, or for any fault, or for any sin which he may commit; by the mouth of two witnesses, or by the mouth of three witnesses, shall every word be established. <a href="/parallel/deuteronomy/19-15.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IRhBtZaVxJ0?start=5410" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/deuteronomy/19.htm">The Testimony of Two or Three Witnesses</a> 15<a href="/hebrew/259.htm" title="259: ’e·ḥāḏ (Number-ms) -- One. A numeral from 'achad; properly, united, i.e. One; or first.">A lone</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.">witness</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.">is not sufficient</a> <a href="/hebrew/6965.htm" title="6965: yā·qūm (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To arise, stand up, stand. A primitive root; to rise.">to establish</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: lə·ḵāl (Prep-l:: N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">any</a> <a href="/hebrew/5771.htm" title="5771: ‘ā·wōn (N-cs) -- Iniquity, guilt, punishment for iniquity. Or oavown; from avah; perversity, i.e. evil.">wrongdoing</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: ū·lə·ḵāl- (Conj-w, Prep-l:: N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">or</a> <a href="/hebrew/2403.htm" title="2403: ḥaṭ·ṭāṯ (N-fs) -- Or chattacth; from chata'; an offence, and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also an offender.">sin</a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: bə·’îš (Prep-b:: N-ms) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term.">against a man,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: bə·ḵāl (Prep-b:: N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">regardless of what</a> <a href="/hebrew/2399.htm" title="2399: ḥêṭ (N-ms) -- A sin. From chata'; a crime or its penalty.">offense</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc."></a> <a href="/hebrew/2398.htm" title="2398: ye·ḥĕ·ṭā (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- A primitive root; properly, to miss; hence to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, lead astray, condemn.">he may have committed.</a> <a href="/hebrew/1697.htm" title="1697: dā·ḇār (N-ms) -- Speech, word. From dabar; a word; by implication, a matter or thing; adverbially, a cause.">A matter</a> <a href="/hebrew/6965.htm" title="6965: yā·qūm (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To arise, stand up, stand. A primitive root; to rise.">must be established</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.">by</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·nê (Number-mdc) -- 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/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."></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."></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."></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> 16If a false witness testifies against someone, accusing him of a crime,…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/matthew/18-16.htm">Matthew 18:16</a> 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.’ <a href="/2_corinthians/13-1.htm">2 Corinthians 13:1</a> This is the third time I am coming to you. “Every matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.” <a href="/john/8-17.htm">John 8:17</a> Even in your own Law it is written that the testimony of two men is valid. <a href="/1_timothy/5-19.htm">1 Timothy 5:19</a> Do not entertain an accusation against an elder, except on the testimony of two or three witnesses. <a href="/hebrews/10-28.htm">Hebrews 10:28</a> Anyone who rejected the law of Moses died without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. <a href="/numbers/35-30.htm">Numbers 35:30</a> 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. <a href="/deuteronomy/17-6.htm">Deuteronomy 17:6</a> 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. <a href="/matthew/26-60.htm">Matthew 26:60-61</a> 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.’” <a href="/acts/10-43.htm">Acts 10:43</a> All the prophets testify about Him that everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins through His name.” <a href="/1_john/5-7.htm">1 John 5:7-8</a> For there are three that testify: / the Spirit, the water, and the blood—and these three are in agreement. <a href="/1_kings/21-10.htm">1 Kings 21:10-13</a> But seat two scoundrels opposite him and have them testify, ‘You have cursed both God and the king!’ Then take him out and stone him to death.” / So the elders and nobles who lived in Naboth’s city did as Jezebel had instructed in the letters she had written to them. / They proclaimed a fast and gave Naboth a seat of honor among the people. ... <a href="/proverbs/18-17.htm">Proverbs 18:17</a> The first to state his case seems right until another comes and cross-examines him. <a href="/joshua/7-14.htm">Joshua 7:14-18</a> In the morning you must present yourselves tribe by tribe. The tribe that the LORD selects shall come forward clan by clan, and the clan that the LORD selects shall come forward family by family, and the family that the LORD selects shall come forward man by man. / The one who is caught with the things devoted to destruction must be burned, along with all that belongs to him, because he has transgressed the covenant of the LORD and committed an outrage in Israel.’” / So Joshua arose early the next morning and had Israel come forward tribe by tribe, and the tribe of Judah was selected. ... <a href="/1_samuel/14-38.htm">1 Samuel 14:38-45</a> Therefore Saul said, “Come here, all you leaders of the troops, and let us investigate how this sin has occurred today. / As surely as the LORD who saves Israel lives, even if it is my son Jonathan, he must die!” But not one of the troops said a word. / Then Saul said to all Israel, “You stand on one side, and I and my son Jonathan will stand on the other side.” “Do what seems good to you,” the troops replied. ... <a href="/acts/1-21.htm">Acts 1:21-22</a> Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have accompanied us the whole time the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, / beginning from John’s baptism until the day Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection.”</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>One witness shall not rise up against a man for any iniquity, or for any sin, in any sin that he sins: at the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall the matter be established.at the mouth<a href="/deuteronomy/17-6.htm">Deuteronomy 17:6</a> 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.<a href="/numbers/35-30.htm">Numbers 35:30</a> 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.<a href="/1_kings/21-10.htm">1 Kings 21:10,13</a> And set two men, sons of Belial, before him, to bear witness against him, saying, Thou didst blaspheme God and the king. And then carry him out, and stone him, that he may die… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/deuteronomy/18-19.htm">Account</a> <a href="/numbers/35-28.htm">Accused</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/17-5.htm">Committed</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-31.htm">Confirmed</a> <a href="/numbers/18-23.htm">Connection</a> <a href="/revelation/3-19.htm">Convict</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/19-13.htm">Crime</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/9-20.htm">Enough</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/13-14.htm">Established</a> <a href="/job/20-4.htm">Establishment</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/17-6.htm">Evidence</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/5-9.htm">Iniquity</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/19-4.htm">Matter</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/18-18.htm">Mouth</a> <a href="/leviticus/19-7.htm">Offense</a> <a href="/numbers/22-6.htm">Prevail</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/19-11.htm">Rise</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/15-9.htm">Sin</a> <a href="/numbers/16-15.htm">Single</a> <a href="/numbers/16-22.htm">Sinneth</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/9-18.htm">Sins</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/19-9.htm">Three</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/17-6.htm">Witness</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/17-7.htm">Witnesses</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/15-21.htm">Wrong</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/deuteronomy/23-21.htm">Account</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/19-18.htm">Accused</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/21-22.htm">Committed</a> <a href="/1_samuel/3-20.htm">Confirmed</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/22-13.htm">Connection</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-25.htm">Convict</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/19-16.htm">Crime</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/23-24.htm">Enough</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/32-6.htm">Established</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/32-1.htm">Establishment</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/22-15.htm">Evidence</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/25-16.htm">Iniquity</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/22-26.htm">Matter</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/20-13.htm">Mouth</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/21-22.htm">Offense</a> <a href="/judges/16-5.htm">Prevail</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/19-16.htm">Rise</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/20-18.htm">Sin</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/29-21.htm">Single</a> <a href="/1_kings/8-31.htm">Sinneth</a> <a href="/joshua/24-19.htm">Sins</a> <a href="/joshua/1-11.htm">Three</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/19-16.htm">Witness</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/30-19.htm">Witnesses</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/19-16.htm">Wrong</a><div class="vheading2">Deuteronomy 19</div>1. <a href="/deuteronomy/19-1.htm">The cities of refuge</a> 4. <a href="/deuteronomy/19-4.htm">The privilege thereof for the manslayer</a> 14. <a href="/deuteronomy/19-14.htm">The landmark is not to be removed</a> 15. <a href="/deuteronomy/19-15.htm">At least two witnesses are required</a> 16. <a href="/deuteronomy/19-16.htm">the punishment of a false witness</a> </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>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <script type="text/javascript"> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading"><a href="/study/deuteronomy/19.htm">Berean Study Bible</a></div>A single witness In the context of ancient Israelite society, the testimony of a single individual was not sufficient to establish a matter of legal or moral consequence. The Hebrew word for "witness" is "עֵד" (ed), which implies someone who provides evidence or testimony. This principle underscores the importance of communal discernment and the prevention of false accusations. In a broader sense, it reflects the biblical emphasis on truth and justice, ensuring that decisions are not made hastily or based on potentially biased or incomplete information.shall not suffice The insufficiency of a single witness highlights the need for corroboration in legal matters. This phrase emphasizes the biblical principle that justice must be thorough and fair. The Hebrew root "דַּי" (day) conveys the idea of adequacy or sufficiency, suggesting that more than one perspective is necessary to establish the truth. This principle is echoed in the New Testament, where Jesus and Paul both affirm the need for multiple witnesses (<a href="/matthew/18-16.htm">Matthew 18:16</a>, <a href="/2_corinthians/13.htm">2 Corinthians 13:1</a>).to convict a man The term "convict" in this context refers to the establishment of guilt or responsibility. The Hebrew word "קוּם" (qum) can mean to arise or stand, indicating the formal establishment of a charge against someone. This reflects the seriousness with which accusations were treated in Israelite law, ensuring that individuals were not wrongfully condemned without substantial evidence.of any crime or wrongdoing The phrase encompasses a broad range of offenses, from minor transgressions to serious crimes. The Hebrew words "חַטָּאָה" (chatta'ah) for sin or crime and "עָוֹן" (avon) for wrongdoing or iniquity, indicate both moral and legal violations. This comprehensive approach underscores the biblical commitment to justice in all areas of life, recognizing that both minor and major offenses require careful consideration and evidence.that he may have committed This phrase acknowledges the potential for human error and wrongdoing. The Hebrew verb "חָטָא" (chata) means to miss the mark or to sin, suggesting that all individuals are capable of falling short of God's standards. This recognition of human fallibility is balanced by the need for justice and accountability, ensuring that accusations are not made lightly or without due process.A matter must be established The establishment of a matter involves a process of verification and confirmation. The Hebrew word "קוּם" (qum) again appears here, emphasizing the need for a firm and reliable foundation for any accusation. This principle reflects the biblical value of truth and the importance of ensuring that justice is based on solid evidence rather than hearsay or assumption.by the testimony of two or three witnesses This requirement for multiple witnesses is a safeguard against false accusations and ensures a more comprehensive understanding of the situation. The number "two or three" is significant in biblical law, providing a balance between thoroughness and practicality. This principle is rooted in the communal nature of Israelite society, where the collective testimony of the community helps to discern truth and maintain justice. It also foreshadows New Testament teachings on church discipline and the confirmation of truth within the Christian community.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/deuteronomy/19.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div><a href="/context/deuteronomy/19-15.htm" title="One witness shall not rise up against a man for any iniquity, or for any sin, in any sin that he sins: at the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall the matter be established.">Deuteronomy 19:15-21</a>. FALSE TESTIMONY.The law of retaliation is sternly laid down here; but it must be administered by the judges, not by men acting on their own behalf.(17) Both the men . . . shall stand before the Lord, before the priests and the judges.--This appears to mean that all cases of suspected false testimony were to go before the supreme court (see <a href="/deuteronomy/17-9.htm" title="And you shall come to the priests the Levites, and to the judge that shall be in those days, and inquire; and they shall show you the sentence of judgment:">Deuteronomy 17:9</a>); that the matter was not to be lightly decided.(21) Eye for eye, tooth for tooth.--This is to be effected by the award of the judges, not as a matter of private revenge. But manifestly it rests with the injured party to press the case.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/deuteronomy/19.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verses 15-21. - To secure against injury to life or property through inadequate or false attestation, it is enacted that more than one witness must appear before anything can be established; and that, should a witness be found on trial to have testified falsely against his neighbor, he was to be punished by having done to him what he thought to have done to his neighbor (cf. <a href="/deuteronomy/17-6.htm">Deuteronomy 17:6</a>; <a href="/numbers/35-30.htm">Numbers 35:30</a>). Verse 15. - The rule in <a href="/deuteronomy/17-6.htm">Deuteronomy 17:6</a>, regarding accusations of idolatry, is here extended to accusations of every kind before a court of justice; a single witness was not to be admitted as sufficient to convict a man of any offence, either civil or criminal. <a href="/commentaries/deuteronomy/19-15.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>A lone אֶחָ֜ד (’e·ḥāḏ) Number - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_259.htm">Strong's 259: </a> United, one, first witness עֵ֨ד (‘êḏ) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5707.htm">Strong's 5707: </a> A witness, testimony, a recorder, prince is not sufficient לֹֽא־ (lō-) Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no to establish יָקוּם֩ (yā·qūm) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6965.htm">Strong's 6965: </a> To arise, stand up, stand any לְכָל־ (lə·ḵāl) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> The whole, all, any, every wrongdoing עָוֺן֙ (‘ā·wōn) Noun - common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5771.htm">Strong's 5771: </a> Iniquity, guilt, punishment for iniquity [or] וּלְכָל־ (ū·lə·ḵāl-) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> The whole, all, any, every sin חַטָּ֔את (ḥaṭ·ṭāṯ) Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2403.htm">Strong's 2403: </a> An offence, its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, expiation, an offender against a man, בְּאִ֗ישׁ (bə·’îš) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> A man as an individual, a male person regardless of what בְּכָל־ (bə·ḵāl) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> The whole, all, any, every offense חֵ֖טְא (ḥêṭ) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2399.htm">Strong's 2399: </a> A crime, its penalty he may have committed. יֶֽחֱטָ֑א (ye·ḥĕ·ṭā) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2398.htm">Strong's 2398: </a> To miss, to sin, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, lead astray, condemn A matter דָּבָֽר׃ (dā·ḇār) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1697.htm">Strong's 1697: </a> A word, a matter, thing, a cause must be established יָק֥וּם (yā·qūm) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6965.htm">Strong's 6965: </a> To arise, stand up, stand by עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> Above, over, upon, against the testimony פִּ֣י ׀ (pî) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6310.htm">Strong's 6310: </a> The mouth, edge, portion, side, according to of two שְׁנֵ֣י (šə·nê) Number - mdc <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8147.htm">Strong's 8147: </a> Two (a cardinal number) or א֛וֹ (’ōw) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_176.htm">Strong's 176: </a> Desire, if three שְׁלֹשָֽׁה־ (šə·lō·šāh-) Number - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7969.htm">Strong's 7969: </a> Three, third, thrice witnesses. עֵדִ֗ים (‘ê·ḏîm) Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5707.htm">Strong's 5707: </a> A witness, testimony, a recorder, prince <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/deuteronomy/19-15.htm">Deuteronomy 19:15 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/deuteronomy/19-15.htm">Deuteronomy 19:15 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/deuteronomy/19-15.htm">Deuteronomy 19:15 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/deuteronomy/19-15.htm">Deuteronomy 19:15 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/deuteronomy/19-15.htm">Deuteronomy 19:15 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/deuteronomy/19-15.htm">Deuteronomy 19:15 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/deuteronomy/19-15.htm">Deuteronomy 19:15 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/deuteronomy/19-15.htm">Deuteronomy 19:15 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/deuteronomy/19-15.htm">Deuteronomy 19:15 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/deuteronomy/19-15.htm">Deuteronomy 19:15 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/19-15.htm">OT Law: Deuteronomy 19:15 One witness shall not rise up against (Deut. De Du)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/deuteronomy/19-14.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Deuteronomy 19:14"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Deuteronomy 19:14" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/deuteronomy/19-16.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Deuteronomy 19:16"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Deuteronomy 19:16" /></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>