Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version On the testimony of two or three witnesses a person is to be put to death, but no one is to be put to death on the testimony of only one witness. New Living Translation But never put a person to death on the testimony of only one witness. There must always be two or three witnesses. English Standard Version On the evidence of two witnesses or of three witnesses the one who is to die shall be put to death; a person shall not be put to death on the evidence of one witness. Berean Standard Bible 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. King James Bible 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. New King James Version Whoever is deserving of death shall be put to death on the testimony of two or three witnesses; he shall not be put to death on the testimony of one witness. New American Standard Bible On the testimony of two witnesses or three witnesses, the condemned shall be put to death; he shall not be put to death on the testimony of only one witness. NASB 1995 “On the evidence of two witnesses or three witnesses, he who is to die shall be put to death; he shall not be put to death on the evidence of one witness. NASB 1977 “On the evidence of two witnesses or three witnesses, he who is to die shall be put to death; he shall not be put to death on the evidence of one witness. Legacy Standard Bible On the mouth of two witnesses or three witnesses, he who is to die shall be put to death; he shall not be put to death on the mouth of one witness. Amplified Bible On the evidence of two or three witnesses, he who is to die shall be put to death; he shall not be put to death on the evidence of [only] one witness. Christian Standard Bible The one condemned to die is to be executed on the testimony of two or three witnesses. No one is to be executed on the testimony of a single witness. Holman Christian Standard Bible The one condemned to die is to be executed on the testimony of two or three witnesses. No one is to be executed on the testimony of a single witness. American Standard Version At the mouth of two witnesses, or three witnesses, shall he that is to die be put to death; at the mouth of one witness he shall not be put to death. English Revised Version At the mouth of two witnesses, or three witnesses, shall he that is to die be put to death; at the mouth of one witness he shall not be put to death. GOD'S WORD® Translation The person can only be sentenced to death on the testimony of two or three witnesses, but no one should ever be sentenced to death on the testimony of only one witness. Good News Translation However, they may be put to death only if two or more witnesses testify against them; they are not to be put to death if there is only one witness. International Standard Version Based on the testimony of two or three witnesses, they must surely die. But they are not to die based on the testimony of one person. Majority Standard Bible 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. NET Bible At the testimony of two or three witnesses they must be executed. They cannot be put to death on the testimony of only one witness. New Heart English Bible At the mouth of two witnesses, or three witnesses, shall he who is to die be put to death; at the mouth of one witness he shall not be put to death. Webster's Bible Translation 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. World English Bible At the mouth of two witnesses, or three witnesses, he who is to die shall be put to death. At the mouth of one witness he shall not be put to death. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionBy the mouth of two witnesses or three witnesses is he who is being put to death put to death; he is not put to death by the mouth of one witness; Young's Literal Translation By the mouth of two witnesses or of three witnesses is he who is dead put to death; he is not put to death by the mouth of one witness; Smith's Literal Translation At the mouth of two witnesses or three witnesses they shall be put to death; they shall not die by the mouth of one witness. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleBy the mouth of two or three witnesses shall he die that is to be slain. Let no man be put to death, when only one beareth witness against him. Catholic Public Domain Version By the mouth of two or three witnesses, he who is to be put to death shall perish. Let no one be killed with only one person speaking testimony against him. New American Bible Only on the testimony of two or three witnesses shall a person be put to death; no one shall be put to death on the testimony of only one witness. New Revised Standard Version On the evidence of two or three witnesses the death sentence shall be executed; a person must not be put to death on the evidence of only one witness. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleOn the testimony of two witnesses or three witnesses shall he that is worthy of death be put to death; but on the testimony of one witness he shall not be put to death. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated By the mouth of two witnesses or by the mouth of three witnesses, one who is condemned to death will be killed; he will not be killed through the mouth of one witness. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917At the mouth of two witnesses, or three witnesses, shall he that is to die be put to death; at the mouth of one witness he shall not be put to death. Brenton Septuagint Translation He shall die on the testimony of two or three witnesses; a man who is put to death shall not be put to death for one witness. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Purge the Idolater…5you must bring out to your gates the man or woman who has done this evil thing, and you must stone that person to death. 6On 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. 7The 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.… Cross References 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. Deuteronomy 19:15 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. 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.’ John 8:17 Even in your own Law it is written that the testimony of two men is valid. Hebrews 10:28 Anyone who rejected the law of Moses died without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. 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.” 1 Timothy 5:19 Do not entertain an accusation against an elder, except on the testimony of two or three witnesses. Acts 7:58-59 They dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile the witnesses laid their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul. / While they were stoning him, Stephen appealed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Joshua 7:25 “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. 1 Kings 21:13 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. Leviticus 24:14 “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. Acts 6:13 where they presented false witnesses who said, “This man never stops speaking against this holy place and against the law. 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.’” Mark 14:56-59 For many bore false witness against Jesus, but their testimony was inconsistent. / Then some men stood up and testified falsely against Him: / “We heard Him say, ‘I will destroy this man-made temple, and in three days I will build another that is made without hands.’” ... John 8:10-11 Then Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are your accusers? Has no one condemned you?” / “No one, Lord,” she answered. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Now go and sin no more.” Treasury of Scripture 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. 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. Numbers 35:30 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. Matthew 18:16 But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. Jump to Previous Dead Death Die Evidence Mouth Punishment Testimony Three Witness Witnesses Word WorthyJump to Next Dead Death Die Evidence Mouth Punishment Testimony Three Witness Witnesses Word WorthyDeuteronomy 17 1. The things sacrificed must be sound2. Idolaters must be slain 8. Hard controversies are to be determined by the priests and judges 12. The one who shows contempt for the judge must die 14. The election 16. and duty of a king On the testimony of two or three witnesses This phrase establishes a legal principle that emphasizes the need for corroboration in judicial matters. In ancient Israel, the requirement for multiple witnesses was a safeguard against false accusations and miscarriages of justice. This principle is echoed in the New Testament, where Jesus and Paul both reference the necessity of two or three witnesses (Matthew 18:16, 2 Corinthians 13:1). It underscores the importance of truth and fairness in legal proceedings, reflecting God's justice. a man shall be put to death but he shall not be executed on the testimony of a lone witness Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesThe author of Deuteronomy, Moses is delivering God's laws to the Israelites as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. 2. Israelites The chosen people of God, receiving the law as a guide for living in covenant with Him. 3. Promised Land The land of Canaan, which God promised to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. 4. Witnesses Individuals who provide testimony in legal matters, crucial for establishing truth and justice in the community. 5. Judicial System The system of laws and procedures established by God for the governance of Israel, emphasizing justice and fairness. Teaching Points The Importance of JusticeGod's law emphasizes fairness and justice, ensuring that no one is condemned without sufficient evidence. This reflects God's character as just and righteous. The Role of Community in Accountability The requirement for multiple witnesses underscores the role of community in maintaining accountability and truth. It prevents false accusations and protects individuals from unjust punishment. The Seriousness of Sin and Judgment The context of this law is capital punishment, highlighting the gravity of sin and the need for careful deliberation in matters of life and death. Integrity in Testimony As believers, we are called to be truthful and reliable witnesses in all areas of life, reflecting God's truthfulness and integrity. Application in Church Discipline The principle of multiple witnesses is applicable in church settings, ensuring that accusations are handled with care and fairness, protecting both the accused and the accuser.Verses 6, 7. - Only on the testimony of more than one witness could the accused be condemned (of Numbers 35:30); and the hand of the witnesses was to be first against him to put him to death - a rule which would tend to prevent accusations being lightly adduced, as none would venture to witness against any one unless so deeply convinced of his guilt that they were willing to assume the responsibility of inflicting on him the last penalty with their own hands. Worthy of death be put to death; i.e. adjudged or appointed to death; literally, the dead man shall die. מֵת, the part. of מוּת, to die, is here equivalent to בֶּן מָוֶת, son of death (1 Samuel 20:31), or אִישׁ מָוֶת, a man of death (1 Kings 2:26), i.e. one assigned to death, already the property of death, and so as good as dead. Put the evil away; literally, consume or sweep away the evil. The verb בָּעַר means primarily to consume by burning. Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Onעַל־ (‘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 שְׁנַ֣יִם (šə·na·yim) Number - md Strong's 8147: Two (a cardinal number) or א֛וֹ (’ōw) Conjunction Strong's 176: Desire, if three שְׁלֹשָׁ֥ה (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 a man shall be put to death, יוּמַ֣ת (yū·maṯ) Verb - Hofal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 4191: To die, to kill but he shall not לֹ֣א (lō) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no be executed יוּמַ֔ת (yū·maṯ) Verb - Hofal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 4191: To die, to kill on עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against the testimony פִּ֖י (pî) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 6310: The mouth, edge, portion, side, according to of a lone אֶחָֽד׃ (’e·ḥāḏ) Number - masculine singular Strong's 259: United, one, first witness. עֵדִ֖ים (‘ê·ḏîm) Noun - masculine plural Strong's 5707: A witness, testimony, a recorder, prince Links Deuteronomy 17:6 NIVDeuteronomy 17:6 NLT Deuteronomy 17:6 ESV Deuteronomy 17:6 NASB Deuteronomy 17:6 KJV Deuteronomy 17:6 BibleApps.com Deuteronomy 17:6 Biblia Paralela Deuteronomy 17:6 Chinese Bible Deuteronomy 17:6 French Bible Deuteronomy 17:6 Catholic Bible OT Law: Deuteronomy 17:6 At the mouth of two witnesses (Deut. 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