Deuteronomy 17:6
Deuteronomy 17:6 in Multiple Translations
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.
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.
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.
On the word of two or three witnesses, a man may be given the punishment of death; but he is not to be put to death on the word of one witness.
That person is to be executed based on the evidence given by two or three witnesses. No one shall be executed on the evidence given by a single witness.
At the mouth of two or three witnesses shall he that is woorthie of death, die: but at the mouth of one witnesse, he shall not die.
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;
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.
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.
By 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.
But you are allowed to execute such people only if at least two witnesses testify that they saw them doing that. They must not be executed if there is only one witness.
Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 17:6
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 17:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 17:6
Study Notes — Deuteronomy 17:6
- Context
- Cross References
- Deuteronomy 17:6 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 17:6
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 17:6
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 17:6
- Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 17:6
- Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 17:6
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 17:6
- Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 17:6
- Sermons on Deuteronomy 17:6
Context — Purge the Idolater
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. 8If a case is too difficult for you to judge, whether the controversy within your gates is regarding bloodshed, lawsuits, or assaults, you must go up to the place the LORD your God will choose.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 | Hebrews 10:28 | Anyone who rejected the law of Moses died without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. |
| 3 | 1 Timothy 5:19 | Do not entertain an accusation against an elder, except on the testimony of two or three witnesses. |
| 4 | 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.’ |
| 5 | 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. |
| 6 | John 8:17–18 | Even in your own Law it is written that the testimony of two men is valid. I am One who testifies about Myself, and the Father, who sent Me, also testifies about Me.” |
| 7 | 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.” |
Deuteronomy 17:6 Summary
This verse, Deuteronomy 17:6, teaches us that it's not right to punish someone based on what only one person says. Instead, we need to hear from two or three people to make sure we're making a fair decision. This is similar to what Jesus said in Matthew 18:16, where He taught that we should have two or three witnesses to confirm something is true. By requiring multiple witnesses, we can help ensure that justice is served and that people are treated fairly, just like God wants us to, as seen in Deuteronomy 16:20, where it says we should follow justice and justice alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Deuteronomy 17:6 require two or three witnesses for the death penalty?
This requirement is to ensure that the accused is given a fair trial and that false accusations are prevented, as seen in Deuteronomy 19:15-19, where it is written that a false witness will receive the punishment they intended for the accused.
What is the significance of the number of witnesses in this verse?
The number of witnesses, two or three, is significant because it provides a safeguard against false accusations, as supported by Matthew 18:16, where Jesus teaches that every matter should be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.
How does this verse relate to the concept of justice in the Bible?
This verse demonstrates the importance of fairness and due process in the administration of justice, as emphasized in Proverbs 11:1, which states that the Lord abhors dishonest scales, and in Deuteronomy 16:20, which commands the pursuit of justice.
What is the role of witnesses in this verse?
The witnesses play a crucial role in establishing the guilt or innocence of the accused, and as stated in Deuteronomy 17:7, they are also responsible for carrying out the sentence, emphasizing their responsibility to truth and justice.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can ensure that I am seeking truth and fairness in my own relationships and interactions with others?
- How can I apply the principle of requiring multiple witnesses to my own decision-making processes, whether in personal or professional contexts?
- What are some potential consequences of acting on the testimony of a lone witness, and how can I avoid these pitfalls in my own life?
- In what ways can I demonstrate a commitment to justice and fairness in my community, as reflected in this verse?
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 17:6
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 17:6
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 17:6
Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 17:6
Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 17:6
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 17:6
Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 17:6
Sermons on Deuteronomy 17:6
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
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 |
|
1 John 5:9 by John Gill | John Gill emphasizes the superiority of God's testimony over human witness, illustrating that while credible human testimonies are accepted in courts and can validate truths, the t |
|
Grumbling and Complaining - Part 1 by Keith Green | Keith Green addresses the dangers of grumbling and complaining, emphasizing how such attitudes anger God and burden spiritual leaders. He highlights the contrast between the Old an |
|
Loss and Recovery of Spiritual Power by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the current state of the church and the need for repentance and revival. He emphasizes the importance of prioritizing God's work and not being |
|
Do Not Sin Willfully by Richard Owen Roberts | In this sermon, the speaker addresses six warnings mentioned in the book of Hebrews. The first warning is about drifting away, the second is about hardening of hearts, the third is |
|
An Alarm to the Unconverted 3 of 5 by Joseph Alleine | The sermon transcript emphasizes the importance of reading and understanding the word of God. It warns about the consequences of living in a state of sin and being unprepared for j |
|
Christian, Are You Refusing God? by Tim Conway | This sermon emphasizes the importance of not refusing God's voice, drawing parallels between the consequences faced by those who rejected God's warnings in the past and the greater |







