Deuteronomy 19:15

Deuteronomy 19:15 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

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.

King James Version KJV

¶ 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.

American Standard Version ASV

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.

Bible in Basic English BBE

One witness may not make a statement against a man in relation to any sin or wrongdoing which he has done: on the word of two or three witnesses a question is to be judged.

Free Bible Version FBV

The evidence given by a single witness is not enough to prove a sin or a crime against someone, never mind what offense they are alleged to have committed. The facts must be confirmed by the evidence given by two or three witnesses.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

One witnes shall not rise against a man for any trespasse, or for any sinne, or for any fault that hee offendeth in, but at the mouth of two witnesses or at the mouth of three witnesses shall the matter be stablished.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

'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.

World English Bible WEB

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.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

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.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

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.

Translation for Translators T4T

“If someone is accused of committing a crime, one ◄witness/person who says, ‘I saw him do it’► is not enough. There must be at least two ◄witnesses/people who say, ‘We saw him do it’►. If there is only one witness, the judge must not believe that what he says is true.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 19:15

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Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Deuteronomy 19:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB לֹֽא יָקוּם֩ עֵ֨ד אֶחָ֜ד בְּ/אִ֗ישׁ לְ/כָל עָוֺן֙ וּ/לְ/כָל חַטָּ֔את בְּ/כָל חֵ֖טְא אֲשֶׁ֣ר יֶֽחֱטָ֑א עַל פִּ֣י שְׁנֵ֣י עֵדִ֗ים א֛וֹ עַל פִּ֥י שְׁלֹשָֽׁה עֵדִ֖ים יָק֥וּם דָּבָֽר

לֹֽא lôʼ H3808 not Part

יָקוּם֩ qûwm H6965 -kamai V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

עֵ֨ד ʻêd H5707 witness N-ms

אֶחָ֜ד ʼechâd H259 one Adj

בְּ/אִ֗ישׁ ʼîysh H376 man Prep | N-ms

לְ/כָל kôl H3605 all Prep | N-ms

עָוֺן֙ ʻâvôn H5771 iniquity N-cs

וּ/לְ/כָל kôl H3605 all Conj | Prep | N-ms

חַטָּ֔את chaṭṭâʼâh H2403 sin N-fs

בְּ/כָל kôl H3605 all Prep | N-ms

חֵ֖טְא chêṭᵉʼ H2399 sin N-ms

אֲשֶׁ֣ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

יֶֽחֱטָ֑א châṭâʼ H2398 to sin V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep

פִּ֣י peh H6310 lip N-ms

שְׁנֵ֣י shᵉnayim H8147 two Adj

עֵדִ֗ים ʻêd H5707 witness N-mp

א֛וֹ ʼôw H176 or Conj

עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep

פִּ֥י peh H6310 lip N-ms

שְׁלֹשָֽׁה shâlôwsh H7969 three Adj

עֵדִ֖ים ʻêd H5707 witness N-mp

יָק֥וּם qûwm H6965 -kamai V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

דָּבָֽר dâbâr H1697 Chronicles N-ms

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 19:15

לֹֽא lôʼ H3808 "not" Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)

Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.

יָקוּם֩ qûwm H6965 "-kamai" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

Qum means to rise or stand up, used in various contexts like rising to power or standing firm, as seen in Jeremiah and Ezra.

Definition: Combined with lev (לֵב "Leb" H3820B) § -Kamai = "my adversary" Leb-kamai, i.e., people of Gambulai

Usage: Occurs in 596 OT verses. KJV: abide, accomplish, [idiom] be clearer, confirm, continue, decree, [idiom] be dim, endure, [idiom] enemy, enjoin, get up, make good, help, hold, (help to) lift up (again), make, [idiom] but newly, ordain, perform, pitch, raise (up), rear (up), remain, (a-) rise (up) (again, against), rouse up, set (up), (e-) stablish, (make to) stand (up), stir up, strengthen, succeed, (as-, make) sure(-ly), (be) up(-hold, -rising). See also: Genesis 4:8; Numbers 30:13; Ruth 4:10.

עֵ֨ד ʻêd H5707 "witness" N-ms

This Hebrew word means witness or testimony, describing someone who sees or experiences something. It's used in the Bible to talk about people who testify to what they've seen, like in Deuteronomy when describing legal witnesses.

Definition: 1) witness 1a) witness, testimony, evidence (of things) 1b) witness (of people)

Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: witness. See also: Genesis 31:44; Psalms 27:12; Psalms 35:11.

אֶחָ֜ד ʼechâd H259 "one" Adj

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means one or united, and is used to describe something that is single or unique. It is often translated as one, first, or alone. For example, in Genesis 1:5, God calls the light day and the darkness night, and separates them into one thing from another.

Definition: 1) one (number) 1a) one (number) 1b) each, every 1c) a certain 1d) an (indefinite article) 1e) only, once, once for all 1f) one...another, the one...the other, one after another, one by one 1g) first 1h) eleven (in combination), eleventh (ordinal)

Usage: Occurs in 739 OT verses. KJV: a, alike, alone, altogether, and, any(-thing), apiece, a certain, (dai-) ly, each (one), [phrase] eleven, every, few, first, [phrase] highway, a man, once, one, only, other, some, together, See also: Genesis 1:5; Exodus 36:26; Numbers 7:70.

בְּ/אִ֗ישׁ ʼîysh H376 "man" Prep | N-ms

The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.

Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)

Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.

לְ/כָל kôl H3605 "all" Prep | N-ms

The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.

Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.

עָוֺן֙ ʻâvôn H5771 "iniquity" N-cs

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means moral evil or sin, like the kind God sees in people's hearts. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Psalms. This concept is key to understanding human nature.

Definition: : crime 1) perversity, depravity, iniquity, guilt or punishment of iniquity 1a) iniquity 1b) guilt of iniquity, guilt (as great), guilt (of condition) 1c) consequence of or punishment for iniquity

Usage: Occurs in 215 OT verses. KJV: fault, iniquity, mischeif, punishment (of iniquity), sin. See also: Genesis 4:13; Psalms 107:17; Psalms 18:24.

וּ/לְ/כָל kôl H3605 "all" Conj | Prep | N-ms

Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

חַטָּ֔את chaṭṭâʼâh H2403 "sin" N-fs

This word describes sin, guilt, or punishment for sin, and also the sacrifice or purification made to atone for it. It is used in the Bible to describe the consequences and solutions for sin. The KJV translates it as 'punishment' or 'sin'.

Definition: sin, sinful thing

Usage: Occurs in 270 OT verses. KJV: punishment (of sin), purifying(-fication for sin), sin(-ner, offering). See also: Genesis 4:7; Numbers 12:11; Psalms 25:7.

בְּ/כָל kôl H3605 "all" Prep | N-ms

Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

חֵ֖טְא chêṭᵉʼ H2399 "sin" N-ms

Sin refers to a crime or its punishment, including guilt and offense. It is the result of missing the mark or going wrong, and can have serious consequences.

Definition: 1) sin 1a) sin 1b) guilt for sin 1c) punishment for sin Aramaic equivalent: cha.ti (חֲטָי "sin" H2408)

Usage: Occurs in 34 OT verses. KJV: fault, [idiom] grievously, offence, (punishment of) sin. See also: Genesis 41:9; 2 Kings 10:29; Psalms 51:7.

אֲשֶׁ֣ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when

Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.

יֶֽחֱטָ֑א châṭâʼ H2398 "to sin" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

To sin means to miss the mark or go wrong, incurring guilt or penalty, and can also mean to repent or make amends. It is used in the Bible to describe wrongdoing and its consequences.

Definition: 1) to sin, miss, miss the way, go wrong, incur guilt, forfeit, purify from uncleanness 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to miss 1a2) to sin, miss the goal or path of right and duty 1a3) to incur guilt, incur penalty by sin, forfeit 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to bear loss 1b2) to make a sin-offering 1b3) to purify from sin 1b4) to purify from uncleanness 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to miss the mark 1c2) to induce to sin, cause to sin 1c3) to bring into guilt or condemnation or punishment 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to miss oneself, lose oneself, wander from the way 1d2) to purify oneself from uncleanness

Usage: Occurs in 220 OT verses. KJV: bear the blame, cleanse, commit (sin), by fault, harm he hath done, loss, miss, (make) offend(-er), offer for sin, purge, purify (self), make reconciliation, (cause, make) sin(-ful, -ness), trespass. See also: Genesis 20:6; 1 Kings 15:34; Psalms 4:5.

עַל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)

Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.

פִּ֣י peh H6310 "lip" N-ms

In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to the mouth, lips, or edge of something, and can also mean a portion or side of something. It is often used to describe speech or the act of speaking. This word appears in various forms, such as mouth, lip, or edge.

Definition: : lip/mouth peh 1) mouth 1a) mouth (of man) 1b) mouth (as organ of speech) 1c) mouth (of animals) 1d) mouth, opening, orifice (of a well, river, etc) 1e) extremity, end pim 2) a weight equal to one third of a shekel, occurs only in 1Sa 13:21

Usage: Occurs in 460 OT verses. KJV: accord(-ing as, -ing to), after, appointment, assent, collar, command(-ment), [idiom] eat, edge, end, entry, [phrase] file, hole, [idiom] in, mind, mouth, part, portion, [idiom] (should) say(-ing), sentence, skirt, sound, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, tenor, [idiom] to, [phrase] two-edged, wish, word. See also: Genesis 4:11; Deuteronomy 21:17; Ezra 9:11.

שְׁנֵ֣י shᵉnayim H8147 "two" Adj

The Hebrew word for the number two appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing pairs and dualities. It can also mean double or twice. In the Bible, it is often used to describe things that come in twos, like two witnesses or two tablets.

Definition: 1) two 1a) two (the cardinal number) 1a1) two, both, double, twice 1b) second (the ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers 1d) both (a dual number)

Usage: Occurs in 646 OT verses. KJV: both, couple, double, second, twain, [phrase] twelfth, [phrase] twelve, [phrase] twenty (sixscore) thousand, twice, two. See also: Genesis 1:16; Exodus 30:4; Numbers 13:23.

עֵדִ֗ים ʻêd H5707 "witness" N-mp

Definition: 1) witness 1a) witness, testimony, evidence (of things) 1b) witness (of people)

Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: witness. See also: Genesis 31:44; Psalms 27:12; Psalms 35:11.

א֛וֹ ʼôw H176 "or" Conj

Desire can also mean or, and, or if, showing a choice between options, as seen in Proverbs 31:4. It is used to express alternatives or possibilities.

Definition: 1) or, rather 1a) implying that the latter choice is preferred 1b) or if, introducing an example to be seen under a particular principle 1c) (in series) either...or, whether...or 1d) if perchance 1e) except, or else 2) whether, not the least, if, otherwise, also, and, then

Usage: Occurs in 218 OT verses. KJV: also, and, either, if, at the least, [idiom] nor, or, otherwise, then, whether. See also: Genesis 24:49; Leviticus 25:49; Proverbs 30:31.

עַל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

פִּ֥י peh H6310 "lip" N-ms

שְׁלֹשָֽׁה shâlôwsh H7969 "three" Adj

This Hebrew word means three or thrice, and is used to describe quantities or repetitions in the Bible. It appears in various forms, including three, third, and thirteen.

Definition: 1) three, triad 1a) 3, 300, third Aramaic equivalent: te.lat (תְּלָת "three" H8532)

Usage: Occurs in 381 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] fork, [phrase] often(-times), third, thir(-teen, -teenth), three, [phrase] thrice. Compare H7991 (שָׁלִישׁ). See also: Genesis 5:22; Joshua 1:11; 2 Kings 9:32.

עֵדִ֖ים ʻêd H5707 "witness" N-mp

Definition: 1) witness 1a) witness, testimony, evidence (of things) 1b) witness (of people)

Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: witness. See also: Genesis 31:44; Psalms 27:12; Psalms 35:11.

יָק֥וּם qûwm H6965 "-kamai" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

Qum means to rise or stand up, used in various contexts like rising to power or standing firm, as seen in Jeremiah and Ezra.

Definition: Combined with lev (לֵב "Leb" H3820B) § -Kamai = "my adversary" Leb-kamai, i.e., people of Gambulai

דָּבָֽר dâbâr H1697 "Chronicles" N-ms

A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.

Definition: This name means word, speaking

Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.

Study Notes — Deuteronomy 19:15

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Deuteronomy 19:15 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 19:15
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 19:15
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 19:15
Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 19:15
Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 19:15
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 19:15
Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 19:15
Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 19:15
Sermons on Deuteronomy 19:15

Context — The Testimony of Two or Three Witnesses

13You must show him no pity. You are to purge from Israel the guilt of shedding innocent blood, that it may go well with you. 14You must not move your neighbor’s boundary marker, which was set up by your ancestors to mark the inheritance you shall receive in the land that the LORD your God is giving you to possess.

15A 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.

16If a false witness testifies against someone, accusing him of a crime, 17both parties to the dispute must stand in the presence of the LORD, before the priests and judges who are in office at that time.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Numbers 35:30	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.
2	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.
3	2 Corinthians 13:1	This is the third time I am coming to you. “Every matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.”
4	Hebrews 10:28	Anyone who rejected the law of Moses died without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses.
5	Matthew 18:16	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.’
6	1 Timothy 5:19	Do not entertain an accusation against an elder, except on the testimony of two or three witnesses.
7	John 8:17	Even in your own Law it is written that the testimony of two men is valid.
8	Revelation 11:3–7	And I will empower my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth.” These witnesses are the two olive trees and the two lampstands that stand before the Lord of the earth. If anyone wants to harm them, fire proceeds from their mouths and devours their enemies. In this way, anyone who wants to harm them must be killed. These witnesses have power to shut the sky so that no rain will fall during the days of their prophecy, and power to turn the waters into blood and to strike the earth with every kind of plague as often as they wish. When the two witnesses have finished their testimony, the beast that comes up from the Abyss will wage war with them, and will overpower and kill them.
9	1 Kings 21:10	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.”
10	Matthew 26:60–61	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.’”

Deuteronomy 19:15 Summary

This verse means that if someone accuses another person of doing something wrong, there needs to be more than one person who can confirm that it's true. This is to make sure that the person being accused is treated fairly and that the truth comes out, as seen in Deuteronomy 19:15. It's like when Jesus said that if someone sins against us, we should go to them and try to resolve the issue, and if that doesn't work, we should take one or two others with us, as taught in Matthew 18:15-17. By having multiple witnesses, we can be sure that we're making a fair and just decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the Bible require two or three witnesses to establish wrongdoing?

The Bible requires two or three witnesses to establish wrongdoing to ensure that accusations are reliable and to protect the accused from false testimony, as seen in Deuteronomy 19:15 and also in Matthew 18:16, where Jesus teaches that matters should be established by two or three witnesses.

What happens if there is only one witness to a crime?

If there is only one witness to a crime, it is not sufficient to establish wrongdoing, according to Deuteronomy 19:15, and therefore the accused cannot be convicted based on that single testimony alone.

How does this principle apply to our lives today?

This principle of requiring multiple witnesses to establish truth applies to our lives today by reminding us to be careful and thorough in our judgments and accusations, and to seek confirmation from multiple sources before making decisions, as encouraged in Proverbs 18:13 and Proverbs 24:23-25.

What is the purpose of having multiple witnesses?

The purpose of having multiple witnesses is to ensure that the truth is established and that justice is served, as seen in Deuteronomy 19:15 and also in Numbers 35:30, where it is written that a person cannot be put to death on the testimony of a single witness.

Reflection Questions

How can I apply the principle of seeking multiple witnesses to establish truth in my own life and decision-making processes?
What are some potential consequences of relying on a single witness or piece of evidence, and how can I avoid these pitfalls?
How does the requirement of multiple witnesses reflect God's desire for justice and fairness, and what does this reveal about His character?
In what ways can I be a faithful and trustworthy witness for God, and how can I use my testimony to bring glory to Him?

Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 19:15

One witness shall not rise up against a man for any iniquity, or for any sin, in any sin that he sinneth,.... Whether capital sins, or pecuniary debts; or whatsoever sins a man may be guilty of

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 19:15

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.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 19:15

Shall not rise up, or, not stand, or, not be established, accepted, owned as sufficient: it is the same word which in the end of the verse is rendered be established.

Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 19:15

Deuteronomy 19:15 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.Ver. 15. One witness shall not rise up.] Yet, if this one be a faithful witness, Mαρτυςδεπιστος, καιειςχρησιμος, saith Aristotle; one faithful witness in some case may suffice, in private offences howsoever: and that our Saviour speaketh of such, Basil and others are of opinion; if thy brother, a Jew, shall trespass against thee, being a Jew, right thyself by degrees. (1.) Deal with him fraternally, "tell him his fault betwixt thee and him alone"; (2.) Deal with him legally, "take with thee one or two more"; (3.) Deal with him Jewishly; "tell the Church," complain to the Sanhedrim; (4.) If he shall neglect to hear them, deal with him heathenishly, i.e., " let him be unto thee as a heathen and a publican"; make benefit of Roman sovereignty, let Caesar’ s justice end the difference between you. Arist., Rhetor., lib. ii. Mr Lightfoot’ s Harmony, p. 143.

Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 19:15

Deuteronomy 19:15-21. FALSE .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 Deuteronomy 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.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 19:15

Verse 15. One witness shall not rise up, &c.] See Clarke on Numbers 35:30.

Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 19:15

15–21. Of Witnesses Two or three witnesses are necessary for a conviction (Deuteronomy 19:15). If a witness, forcing his evidence, accuse a man of defection from the law, the two shall stand before God in the supreme court (Deuteronomy 19:16 f.), the judges shall investigate, and if the witness be found false, he shall have done to him what he devised for his brother; so shall evil be removed from Israel (Deuteronomy 19:18 f.) and others take warning (Deuteronomy 19:20); ruthlessly shall like for like be exacted (Deuteronomy 19:21).—Sg. (except for one slip into the Pl. in Deuteronomy 19:19) with the use of the term brother and other terms usual in Sg. passages. There are no deuteronomic formulas beyond the legal ones. On the subject of this law cp. E, Exodus 23:1, Exodus 20:16, Deuteronomy 5:20 (the 9th commandment), and other passages cited below. By the Code of Ḫ ?ammurabi §§ 3 f., false evidence is punished on the same principle of like for like as here, Deuteronomy 19:19. In Arabia at least two witnesses are necessary; if their charge is not brought home they must flee from the vengeance of the accused’s relatives, with whom however they may come to an arrangement (Musil, Ethn. Ber. 337).

Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 19:15

15. At the mouth of three witnesses — In Deuteronomy 17:6, the rule had been laid down that in capital offences the decision should not be made on the testimony of a single witness.

Sermons on Deuteronomy 19:15

	Sermon	Description
	The Tabernacle #2: The Holy Place by Stephen Kaung	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of the cross in our approach to God. The cross is not only the means by which our sins are forgiven, but it also removes our o
	Bristol Conference 1975-02 1 Timothy - Chapter 1: by Stan Ford	In this sermon, the preacher begins by highlighting various biblical events where God gave instructions or commands. He mentions how God gave the Ten Commandments to Moses and how
	Two Witnesses by John McGregor	In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the story of Simeon and Anna in the Bible and their encounter with baby Jesus. The speaker emphasizes the importance of taking Christ into o
	Why Go to Church? 2 by Anton Bosch	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of reading the Bible systematically rather than relying on chance or selective reading. He warns against using a promise box t
	My Two Witnesses by G.W. North	G.W. North emphasizes the significance of the number two in scripture, particularly in relation to the establishment of witness and testimony. He explains that God introduced a new
	The Book of Mormon by Marvin Cowan	Marvin Cowan discusses the claims surrounding the Book of Mormon, emphasizing that while it is presented as a second witness to the Bible, it lacks the historical and doctrinal con
	Watchman or Gossip? Contentiously Contending - 7 by Anton Bosch	Anton Bosch preaches on the importance of reacting to the fall of the wicked with mourning and intercession, rather than delighting in scandal or spreading rumors. He emphasizes th