King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 19:15 Mean?

“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.”

Context

Thine eye shall not pity him, but thou shalt put away the guilt of innocent blood from Israel, that it may go well with thee.

Thou shalt not remove thy neighbour's landmark, which they of old time have set in thine inheritance, which thou shalt inherit in the land that the LORD thy God giveth thee to possess it.

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.

If a false witness rise up against any man to testify against him that which is wrong; that: or, falling away

Then both the men, between whom the controversy is, shall stand before the LORD, before the priests and the judges, which shall be in those days;

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

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 (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. Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers Text Courtesy of BibleSupport.com. Used by Permission. Bible Hub

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

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 19:15 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.