King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 17:6 Mean?

Deuteronomy 17:6 in the King James Version says “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...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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 17:6 · KJV

Context

4

And it be told thee, and thou hast heard of it, and enquired diligently, and, behold, it be true, and the thing certain, that such abomination is wrought in Israel:

5

Then shalt thou bring forth that man or that woman, which have committed that wicked thing, unto thy gates, even that man or that woman, and shalt stone them with stones, till they die.

6

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.

7

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.

8

If there arise a matter too hard for thee in judgment, between blood and blood, between plea and plea, and between stroke and stroke, being matters of controversy within thy gates: then shalt thou arise, and get thee up into the place which the LORD thy God shall choose;

Read Deuteronomy 17 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Judicial requirement: '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.' Capital cases require multiple witnesses—minimum two, ideally three. One witness is insufficient regardless of credibility. This protects against false accusation and rushed judgment. The phrase 'at the mouth of' emphasizes testimony's spoken nature—witnesses must publicly testify, not merely provide written statements. This accountability guards justice. New Testament applies this to church discipline (Matthew 18:16; 2 Corinthians 13:1; 1 Timothy 5:19). Truth established by multiple witnesses prevents both injustice and abuse.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This principle pervades Scripture: Numbers 35:30; Deuteronomy 19:15; 1 Kings 21:10, 13 (Naboth's false accusation required two lying witnesses). Jesus's trial violated this—conflicting witnesses, no proper testimony (Matthew 26:60-61). Early church applied it to doctrinal disputes and discipline. The principle protects innocent while requiring sufficient evidence to convict. Modern jurisprudence assumes innocence until proven guilty, parallel to this protection. False testimony merited the punishment the accused would have received (Deuteronomy 19:16-19), deterring perjury.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does requiring multiple witnesses balance protecting innocent while pursuing justice?
  2. What does this teach about presumption of innocence versus presumption of guilt in addressing accusations?
  3. How should churches apply the 'two or three witnesses' principle in handling allegations of sin or abuse?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
עַל1 of 15
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

פִּ֖י2 of 15

“At the mouth”

H6310

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

שְׁנַ֣יִם3 of 15

“of two”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

עֵ֥ד4 of 15

“witness”

H5707

concretely, a witness; abstractly, testimony; specifically, a recorder, i.e., prince

א֛וֹ5 of 15
H176

desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if

שְׁלֹשָׁ֥ה6 of 15

“or three”

H7969

three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice

עֵ֥ד7 of 15

“witness”

H5707

concretely, a witness; abstractly, testimony; specifically, a recorder, i.e., prince

יוּמַ֔ת8 of 15

“be put to death”

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

יוּמַ֔ת9 of 15

“be put to death”

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

לֹ֣א10 of 15
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יוּמַ֔ת11 of 15

“be put to death”

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

עַל12 of 15
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

פִּ֖י13 of 15

“At the mouth”

H6310

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

עֵ֥ד14 of 15

“witness”

H5707

concretely, a witness; abstractly, testimony; specifically, a recorder, i.e., prince

אֶחָֽד׃15 of 15

“of one”

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Deuteronomy. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Deuteronomy 17:6 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Deuteronomy 17:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 35:30Hebrews 10:28Deuteronomy 19:15Matthew 18:161 Timothy 5:19John 8:17-18

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