Deuteronomy 19:20
Deuteronomy 19:20 in Multiple Translations
Then the rest of the people will hear and be afraid, and they will never again do anything so evil among you.
And those which remain shall hear, and fear, and shall henceforth commit no more any such evil among you.
And those that remain shall hear, and fear, and shall henceforth commit no more any such evil in the midst of thee.
And the rest of the people, hearing of it, will be full of fear, and never again do such evil among you.
Then the rest of the people will hear and be afraid, and they will never again do anything so evil among you. Then everyone else will hear about it and be afraid, and won't ever do anything so evil.
And the rest shall heare this, and feare, and shall henceforth commit no more any such wickednes among you.
and those who are left do hear and fear, and add not to do any more according to this evil thing in thy midst;
Those who remain shall hear, and fear, and will never again commit any such evil among you.
And those who remain shall hear, and fear, and shall henceforth commit no more any such evil among you.
That others hearing may fear, and may not dare to do such things.
And/Because when that person is punished, everyone will hear what has happened, and they will be afraid, and no one will dare to act that way any more.
Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 19:20
BAB
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 19:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/הַ/נִּשְׁאָרִ֖ים
יִשְׁמְע֣וּ
וְ/יִרָ֑אוּ
וְ/לֹֽא
יֹסִ֨פוּ
לַ/עֲשׂ֜וֹת
ע֗וֹד
כַּ/דָּבָ֥ר
הָ/רָ֛ע
הַ/זֶּ֖ה
בְּ/קִרְבֶּֽ/ךָ
וְ/הַ/נִּשְׁאָרִ֖ים
shâʼar
H7604
to remain
Conj | Art | V-Niphal
יִשְׁמְע֣וּ
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
וְ/יִרָ֑אוּ
yârêʼ
H3372
to fear
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
וְ/לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
יֹסִ֨פוּ
yâçaph
H3254
to add
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3mp
לַ/עֲשׂ֜וֹת
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
ע֗וֹד
ʻôwd
H5750
still
Adv
כַּ/דָּבָ֥ר
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
Prep | N-ms
הָ/רָ֛ע
raʻ
H7451
bad
Art | Adj
הַ/זֶּ֖ה
zeh
H2088
this
Art | Pron
בְּ/קִרְבֶּֽ/ךָ
qereb
H7130
entrails
Prep | N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 19:20
וְ/הַ/נִּשְׁאָרִ֖ים
shâʼar
H7604
"to remain"
Conj | Art | V-Niphal
To remain or be left over, as in Joshua 10:20. It can also mean to spare or reserve something, like God sparing Noah in Genesis 7:23. This word is used to describe the remnant of Israel.
Definition: 1) to remain, be left over, be left behind 1a) (Qal) to remain 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be left over, be left alive, survive 1b1a) remainder, remnant (participle) 1b2) to be left behind 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to leave over, spare 1c2) to leave or keep over 1c3) to have left 1c4) to leave (as a gift)
Usage: Occurs in 123 OT verses. KJV: leave, (be) left, let, remain, remnant, reserve, the rest. See also: Genesis 7:23; 1 Kings 22:47; Isaiah 4:3.
יִשְׁמְע֣וּ
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
וְ/יִרָ֑אוּ
yârêʼ
H3372
"to fear"
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to fear or revere, and is used to describe being afraid or standing in awe of something, like God's power. It appears in the Bible to convey a sense of respect or reverence. In the KJV, it's translated as 'affright' or 'reverence'.
Definition: : frightening(DANGER) 1) to fear, revere, be afraid 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fear, be afraid 1a2) to stand in awe of, be awed 1a3) to fear, reverence, honour, respect 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be fearful, be dreadful, be feared 1b2) to cause astonishment and awe, be held in awe 1b3) to inspire reverence or godly fear or awe 1c) (Piel) to make afraid, terrify 2) (TWOT) to shoot, pour
Usage: Occurs in 318 OT verses. KJV: affright, be (make) afraid, dread(-ful), (put in) fear(-ful, -fully, -ing), (be had in) reverence(-end), [idiom] see, terrible (act, -ness, thing). See also: Genesis 3:10; 1 Samuel 12:18; Psalms 3:7.
וְ/לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | 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.
יֹסִ֨פוּ
yâçaph
H3254
"to add"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3mp
To add means to increase or do something again, like adding more of something or continuing an action. This word is used in the Bible to describe growth or repetition.
Definition: : add/more[amount] 1) to add, increase, do again 1a) (Qal) to add, increase, do again 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to join, join oneself to 1b2) to be joined, be added to 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to add, increase 1c2) to do more, do again
Usage: Occurs in 205 OT verses. KJV: add, [idiom] again, [idiom] any more, [idiom] cease, [idiom] come more, [phrase] conceive again, continue, exceed, [idiom] further, [idiom] gather together, get more, give more-over, [idiom] henceforth, increase (more and more), join, [idiom] longer (bring, do, make, much, put), [idiom] (the, much, yet) more (and more), proceed (further), prolong, put, be (strong-) er, [idiom] yet, yield. See also: Genesis 4:2; 2 Samuel 19:14; Psalms 10:18.
לַ/עֲשׂ֜וֹת
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
ע֗וֹד
ʻôwd
H5750
"still"
Adv
The word 'still' means something continues or happens again, like in Genesis 29:26 and Isaiah 2:11. It can also mean 'more' or 'additionally'.
Definition: subst 1) a going round, continuance adv 2) still, yet, again, besides 2a) still, yet (of continuance or persistence) 2b) still, yet, more (of addition or repetition) 2c) again 2d) still, moreover, besides Aramaic equivalent: od (עוֹד "still" H5751)
Usage: Occurs in 459 OT verses. KJV: again, [idiom] all life long, at all, besides, but, else, further(-more), henceforth, (any) longer, (any) more(-over), [idiom] once, since, (be) still, when, (good, the) while (having being), (as, because, whether, while) yet (within). See also: Genesis 4:25; Judges 9:37; 2 Chronicles 32:16.
כַּ/דָּבָ֥ר
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
Prep | 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.
הָ/רָ֛ע
raʻ
H7451
"bad"
Art | Adj
Ra means bad or evil, referring to moral or natural harm. It describes adversity, affliction, or distress, and is often used to convey a sense of misery or injury.
Definition: : harmful adj 1) bad, evil 1a) bad, disagreeable, malignant 1b) bad, unpleasant, evil (giving pain, unhappiness, misery) 1c) evil, displeasing 1d) bad (of its kind-land, water, etc) 1e) bad (of value) 1f) worse than, worst (comparison) 1g) sad, unhappy 1h) evil (hurtful) 1i) bad, unkind (vicious in disposition) 1j) bad, evil, wicked (ethically) 1j1) in general, of persons, of thoughts 1j2) deeds, actions
Usage: Occurs in 623 OT verses. KJV: adversity, affliction, bad, calamity, [phrase] displease(-ure), distress, evil((-favouredness), man, thing), [phrase] exceedingly, [idiom] great, grief(-vous), harm, heavy, hurt(-ful), ill (favoured), [phrase] mark, mischief(-vous), misery, naught(-ty), noisome, [phrase] not please, sad(-ly), sore, sorrow, trouble, vex, wicked(-ly, -ness, one), worse(-st), wretchedness, wrong. (Incl. feminine raaah; as adjective or noun.). See also: Genesis 2:9; Judges 9:57; 2 Kings 21:6.
הַ/זֶּ֖ה
zeh
H2088
"this"
Art | Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.
בְּ/קִרְבֶּֽ/ךָ
qereb
H7130
"entrails"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means the inner part or midst of something, whether physical or emotional, and can refer to the entrails of an animal or the seat of thought and emotion. In 1 Kings 17:21, it describes Elijah's emotional plea to God.
Definition: : among/within 1) midst, among, inner part, middle 1a) inward part 1a1) physical sense 1a2) as seat of thought and emotion 1a3) as faculty of thought and emotion 1b) in the midst, among, from among (of a number of persons) 1c) entrails (of sacrificial animals) Also means: qe.rev (קֶ֫רֶב ": inner_parts" H7130H)
Usage: Occurs in 220 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] among, [idiom] before, bowels, [idiom] unto charge, [phrase] eat (up), [idiom] heart, [idiom] him, [idiom] in, inward ([idiom] -ly, part, -s, thought), midst, [phrase] out of, purtenance, [idiom] therein, [idiom] through, [idiom] within self. See also: Genesis 18:12; Joshua 7:12; Psalms 5:10.
Study Notes — Deuteronomy 19:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Deuteronomy 19:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 19:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 19:20
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 19:20
- Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 19:20
- Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 19:20
- Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 19:20
- Sermons on Deuteronomy 19:20
Context — The Testimony of Two or Three Witnesses
18The judges shall investigate thoroughly, and if the witness is proven to be a liar who has falsely accused his brother,
19you must do to him as he intended to do to his brother. So you must purge the evil from among you.
20Then the rest of the people will hear and be afraid, and they will never again do anything so evil among you.
21You must show no pity: life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, and foot for foot.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deuteronomy 21:21 | Then all the men of his city will stone him to death. So you must purge the evil from among you, and all Israel will hear and be afraid. |
| 2 | Deuteronomy 17:13 | Then all the people will hear and be afraid, and will no longer behave arrogantly. |
| 3 | Deuteronomy 13:11 | Then all Israel will hear and be afraid, and will never again do such a wicked thing among you. |
| 4 | Romans 13:3–4 | For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Do you want to be unafraid of the one in authority? Then do what is right, and you will have his approval. For he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not carry the sword in vain. He is God’s servant, an agent of retribution to the wrongdoer. |
| 5 | 1 Timothy 5:20 | But those who persist in sin should be rebuked in front of everyone, so that the others will stand in fear of sin. |
| 6 | Deuteronomy 17:7 | The 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. |
| 7 | Proverbs 21:11 | When a mocker is punished, the simple gain wisdom; and when a wise man is instructed, he acquires knowledge. |
Deuteronomy 19:20 Summary
This verse, Deuteronomy 19:20, is saying that when people see that evil acts are punished, they will be afraid to do anything similar, and this fear will help to keep the community safe and righteous. This is similar to what is stated in Proverbs 10:9, which says that the man who walks in integrity will be safe, but the one who makes his ways crooked will be found out. By fearing and revering God, we can maintain a righteous community and live in a way that is pleasing to Him, as seen in Psalm 34:11-14. This is also reinforced in Romans 13:1-5, which teaches us to respect and obey the authorities that God has established.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of punishing the false witness in Deuteronomy 19:20?
The purpose is to deter others from committing similar evil acts, as stated in Deuteronomy 19:20, and to maintain justice and order in the community, as seen in Exodus 23:1-3 and Proverbs 19:5.
How does this verse relate to the concept of fear and reverence for God?
This verse shows that fear and reverence for God are essential in maintaining a righteous community, as the people will be afraid and refrain from evil acts, which is also emphasized in Psalm 111:10 and Proverbs 1:7.
Is this verse promoting revenge or punishment?
This verse is promoting punishment as a means of maintaining justice and order, as stated in Deuteronomy 19:21, and not revenge, which is condemned in Romans 12:19 and Leviticus 19:18.
How does this verse apply to Christians today?
While the specific punishment mentioned in Deuteronomy 19:20 may not apply directly to Christians, the principle of maintaining justice and order in the community still applies, as seen in 1 Corinthians 5:1-13 and Galatians 6:1, and Christians are called to live in reverence and fear of God, as stated in 2 Corinthians 7:1 and Hebrews 12:28-29.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can reverence and fear God in my daily life, and how can I maintain a righteous community around me?
- How can I balance the need for justice and punishment with the call to show mercy and forgiveness, as seen in Matthew 18:21-22 and Luke 6:27-36?
- What are some evil acts that I need to purge from my own life, and how can I seek God's help in overcoming them, as stated in 1 John 1:9 and James 1:5?
- How can I use my influence and position to promote justice and righteousness in my community, and what are some ways that I can be a positive example to others, as seen in Matthew 5:13-16 and Philippians 2:14-15?
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 19:20
And those which remain shall hear, and fear,.... Those which survive the false witness shall hear of the punishment inflicted on him, and fear to commit the like sin, lest they should be punished in like manner.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 19:20
If a false witness rise up against any man to testify against him that which is wrong; But if convicted of perjury, it will be sufficient for his own condemnation, and his punishment shall be exactly
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 19:20
Those which remain, i.e. the rest of the people. See 17:13.
Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 19:20
Deuteronomy 19:20 And those which remain shall hear, and fear, and shall henceforth commit no more any such evil among you.Ver. 20. Shall hear and fear.] Others’ woes should be our warnings, others’ sufferings our sermons, yea, standing sermons. God’ s house of correction is the school of instruction.
Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 19:20
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.
Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 19:20
20. those which remain, etc.] A curious parallel to Deuteronomy 13:11 (12).
Sermons on Deuteronomy 19:20
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Nature and End of Excommunication by Jonathan Edwards | Jonathan Edwards preaches on the nature and purpose of excommunication based on 1 Corinthians 5:11, emphasizing the duty of the church to maintain purity by casting out visibly wic |
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The Sin of Silence by Laurence White | In this sermon, the speaker urges Christians in America to take action against evil and fight for righteousness. He references the story of the White Rose, a group of university st |
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The Decree of Judgment by Aaron Dunlop | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the concept of judgment and the decree of judgment as prescribed by the Lord. The sermon explores the idea that what we sow, we will reap, a |
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Be a Servant of All! by Bill Gothard | Bill Gothard shares a powerful story of a bitter beggar who, after initially rejecting God due to his hardships, eventually accepts Christ and becomes a dynamic witness of the Gosp |
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If the Foundations Are Destroyed by Shane Idleman | Shane Idleman emphasizes the critical role of the church in guiding society during turbulent times, asserting that if the foundations of truth are destroyed, the righteous must act |
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Epistle 188 by George Fox | George Fox emphasizes the importance of living in the seed of God, which overcomes the devil and the strife he causes. He calls for a rejection of false accusations against those w |
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Epistle 111 by George Fox | George Fox warns believers to speak plainly and truthfully, allowing their words to reflect the light of Christ within them. He emphasizes that words should be life-giving and root |