A lone witness is not sufficient to establish any wrongdoing or sin against a manThis phrase emphasizes the importance of multiple witnesses in establishing the truth of an accusation. In the ancient Near Eastern context, where written records were scarce, oral testimony was crucial. The requirement for more than one witness served as a safeguard against false accusations and miscarriages of justice. This principle is echoed in other parts of Scripture, such as in
Numbers 35:30 and
Matthew 18:16, underscoring its enduring significance. It reflects God's justice, ensuring that accusations are substantiated and not based on hearsay or personal vendettas.
regardless of what offense he may have committed
This clause highlights the impartiality of the law. It applies universally, without exception, to all offenses, whether minor or severe. This universality underscores the fairness and consistency of God's law, ensuring that all individuals are treated equally under the law. It also reflects the seriousness with which God views justice, as even the smallest accusation requires proper validation.
A matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses
This requirement for two or three witnesses is a recurring biblical theme, seen in both the Old and New Testaments. It is a principle that Jesus Himself references inMatthew 18:16 when discussing church discipline. The number "two or three" is significant, as it provides a balance between sufficient evidence and practical feasibility. This principle also prefigures the communal aspect of the Church, where decisions and judgments are made collectively, reflecting the unity and accountability within the body of Christ. The insistence on multiple witnesses serves as a type of Christ's own trial, where false witnesses could not agree, highlighting the integrity and truth of His mission.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
MosesThe author of Deuteronomy, who is delivering God's laws to the Israelites.
2.
IsraelitesThe audience receiving the law, God's chosen people, who are preparing to enter the Promised Land.
3.
Promised LandThe land of Canaan, which the Israelites are about to enter and where these laws will be applied.
4.
Judicial SystemThe context in which this law is given, focusing on justice and fairness in legal proceedings.
5.
WitnessesIndividuals who provide testimony in legal matters, crucial for establishing truth and justice.
Teaching Points
The Importance of JusticeGod's law emphasizes fairness and justice, ensuring that accusations are substantiated by multiple witnesses to prevent false testimony and wrongful punishment.
The Role of CommunityThe requirement for multiple witnesses highlights the communal aspect of justice, where the community plays a role in establishing truth and maintaining order.
Guarding Against False AccusationsThis principle serves as a safeguard against false accusations, protecting individuals from being wrongfully condemned based on insufficient evidence.
Application in Church DisciplineThe New Testament application of this principle in church discipline underscores its continued relevance, ensuring that accusations are handled with integrity and fairness.
Encouragement for IntegrityBelievers are encouraged to live with integrity, knowing that truth is established through reliable testimony and that God values honesty and justice.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Deuteronomy 19:15?
2.How does Deuteronomy 19:15 emphasize the importance of multiple witnesses in justice?
3.Why is the testimony of one witness insufficient according to Deuteronomy 19:15?
4.How does Matthew 18:16 relate to Deuteronomy 19:15's principle of witnesses?
5.How can we apply the principle of multiple witnesses in church discipline today?
6.What safeguards does Deuteronomy 19:15 provide against false accusations in a community?
7.How does Deuteronomy 19:15 influence the concept of justice in biblical law?
8.Why is the testimony of two or three witnesses required in Deuteronomy 19:15?
9.How does Deuteronomy 19:15 relate to modern legal systems and their evidentiary standards?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Deuteronomy 19?
11.How many witnesses are needed, two or three?
12.How many witnesses are needed, two or three?
13.2 Samuel 14:5–11: How does this fabricated story align with Mosaic laws requiring genuine judicial proceedings, and isn’t it deceptive manipulation of a royal decree?
14.Does this miraculous event contradict other Bible passages that require signs to be witnessed multiple times for confirmation of God’s will? (Numbers 17)What Does Deuteronomy 19:15 Mean
A lone witness is not sufficient“A lone witness is not sufficient to establish any wrongdoing or sin against a man” (Deuteronomy 19:15a).
• God forbids rushing to judgment on the basis of a single charge.
• This guards reputations and upholds justice, echoingNumbers 35:30, “No one may be put to death on the testimony of a lone witness.”
• Jesus applies the principle inJohn 8:17, reminding His critics, “In your own Law it is written that the testimony of two men is valid.”
The standard protects both community cohesion and personal dignity, reminding us that truth requires confirmation.
To establish wrongdoing or sin against a manThe verse focuses on proving actual guilt, not merely suspicion.
• “Do not bring a charge against an elder except on the testimony of two or three witnesses” (1 Timothy 5:19) shows the principle extends into church life.
• Even kings were subject to verification: see1 Kings 21, where Naboth’s accusers were multiple—though still false—demonstrating how the law could also be abused when hearts are corrupt.
• This phrase emphasizes a fair hearing for every individual, aligning withProverbs 18:13, “He who answers before he hears—it is folly and shame to him.”
Regardless of what offense he may have committedThe rule applies across the board—big or small offenses, leaders or laypeople.
• Partiality is excluded, reflectingLeviticus 19:15, “Do not pervert justice; do not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the great.”
•James 2:1-4 warns against favoritism in the assembly, showing the enduring relevance.
• Consistency in justice keeps society from devolving into intimidation or mob rule.
A matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnessesThis is God’s minimum evidentiary requirement.
• Jesus uses the identical wording inMatthew 18:16 when outlining church discipline: “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.’”
• Paul echoes it in2 Corinthians 13:1, underscoring apostolic accountability.
• The pattern anticipates the courtroom standard fulfilled perfectly in God’s ultimate judgment, where all facts are fully known (Hebrews 4:13).
Practical takeaways• Verify facts before forming conclusions.
• Uphold due process in family, church, workplace, and civic life.
• Resist gossip; one uncorroborated story is not enough.
• Encourage systems that require corroboration, protecting both victims and the falsely accused.
summaryDeuteronomy 19:15 lays down a timeless safeguard for justice: no accusation stands on a single voice. God demands multiple, reliable witnesses to confirm wrongdoing, ensuring equity, restraining false testimony, and reflecting His own righteous standard—a principle reaffirmed by prophets, apostles, and Christ Himself for the well-being of every community.
Deuteronomy 19:15-21.
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 (seeDeuteronomy 17:9); 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.
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.Deuteronomy 17:6;Numbers 35:30).Verse 15. - The rule inDeuteronomy 17:6, 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.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
A lone
אֶחָ֜ד(’e·ḥāḏ)
Number - masculine singular
Strong's 259:United, one, first
witness
עֵ֨ד(‘êḏ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5707:A witness, testimony, a recorder, prince
is not sufficient
לֹֽא־(lō-)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808:Not, no
to establish
יָקוּם֩(yā·qūm)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6965:To arise, stand up, stand
any
לְכָל־(lə·ḵāl)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, every
wrongdoing
עָוֺן֙(‘ā·wōn)
Noun - common singular
Strong's 5771:Iniquity, guilt, punishment for iniquity
[or]
וּלְכָל־(ū·lə·ḵāl-)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, every
sin
חַטָּ֔את(ḥaṭ·ṭāṯ)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 2403:An offence, its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, expiation, an offender
against a man,
בְּאִ֗ישׁ(bə·’îš)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 376:A man as an individual, a male person
regardless of what
בְּכָל־(bə·ḵāl)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, every
offense
חֵ֖טְא(ḥêṭ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2399:A crime, its penalty
he may have committed.
יֶֽחֱטָ֑א(ye·ḥĕ·ṭā)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 2398:To miss, to sin, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, lead astray, condemn
A matter
דָּבָֽר׃(dā·ḇār)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1697:A word, a matter, thing, a cause
must be established
יָק֥וּם(yā·qūm)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6965:To arise, stand up, stand
by
עַל־(‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921:Above, over, upon, against
the testimony
פִּ֣י ׀(pî)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 6310:The mouth, edge, portion, side, according to
of two
שְׁנֵ֣י(šə·nê)
Number - mdc
Strong's 8147:Two (a cardinal number)
or
א֛וֹ(’ōw)
Conjunction
Strong's 176:Desire, if
three
שְׁלֹשָֽׁה־(šə·lō·šāh-)
Number - masculine singular
Strong's 7969:Three, third, thrice
witnesses.
עֵדִ֗ים(‘ê·ḏîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 5707:A witness, testimony, a recorder, prince
Links
Deuteronomy 19:15 NIV
Deuteronomy 19:15 NLT
Deuteronomy 19:15 ESV
Deuteronomy 19:15 NASB
Deuteronomy 19:15 KJV
Deuteronomy 19:15 BibleApps.com
Deuteronomy 19:15 Biblia Paralela
Deuteronomy 19:15 Chinese Bible
Deuteronomy 19:15 French Bible
Deuteronomy 19:15 Catholic Bible
OT Law: Deuteronomy 19:15 One witness shall not rise up against (Deut. De Du)
