King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
And the judges shall make diligent inquisition: and, behold, [if] the witness [be] a false witness, [and] hath testified falsely against his brother;
Complete Jewish Bible:
The judges are to investigate carefully. If they find that the witness is lying and has given false testimony against his brother,
Berean Standard Bible:
The judges shall investigate thoroughly, and if the witness is proven to be a liar who has falsely accused his brother,
American Standard Version:
and the judges shall make diligent inquisition: and, behold, if the witness be a false witness, and have testified falsely against his brother;
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
And the judges{H8199} shall make diligent{H3190} inquisition{H1875}: and, behold, if the witness{H5707} be a false{H8267} witness{H5707}, and hath testified{H6030} falsely{H8267} against his brother{H251};
Cross-References (KJV):
Deuteronomy 13:14
- Then shalt thou enquire, and make search, and ask diligently; and, behold, [if it be] truth, [and] the thing certain, [that] such abomination is wrought among you;
Deuteronomy 17:4
- 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:
Job 19:16
- I called my servant, and he gave [me] no answer; I intreated him with my mouth.
2 Chronicles 19:6
- And said to the judges, Take heed what ye do: for ye judge not for man, but for the LORD, who [is] with you in the judgment.
2 Chronicles 19:7
- Wherefore now let the fear of the LORD be upon you; take heed and do [it]: for [there is] no iniquity with the LORD our God, nor respect of persons, nor taking of gifts.
Explore This Verse Across Other Resources:
Commentary for Deuteronomy 19:18
1. **Themes:**
- **Justice and Truth:** The verse emphasizes the importance of truthful testimony in legal proceedings, underscoring the gravity of bearing false witness.
- **Protection of the Innocent:** It reflects a concern for protecting the innocent from unjust accusations and the consequences of false testimony.
- **Accountability:** The verse suggests a system of checks and balances where judges are responsible for verifying the validity of testimony, ensuring accountability within the legal process.
2. **Historical Context:**
- **Law and Governance:** Deuteronomy 19:18 is part of the Deuteronomic Code, which outlines laws and governance for the Israelite community as they prepare to enter the Promised Land.
- **Covenant Community:** The laws in Deuteronomy were given to establish a just society based on a covenant relationship with God, reflecting His moral character and expectations for His people.
- **Pre-Monarchic Israel:** The setting is during the time of Moses, before the establishment of the monarchy in Israel, when tribal judges would have been responsible for adjudicating disputes and administering justice.
- **Legal Precedents:** This verse sets a legal precedent for dealing with false witnesses, which would later influence the development of legal systems in ancient Israel and, by extension, Western legal traditions.
In summary, Deuteronomy 19:18 addresses the critical need for honesty in the legal system, the protection of individual rights, and the role of judges in ensuring justice, all within the context of establishing a fair and moral society under God's guidance for the ancient Israelites.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
- Strong's Number: H8199
There are 182 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: שָׁפַט
Transliteration: shâphaṭ
Pronunciation: shaw-fat'
Description: a primitive root; to judge, i.e. pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literally or figuratively); [phrase] avenge, [idiom] that condemn, contend, defend, execute (judgment), (be a) judge(-ment), [idiom] needs, plead, reason, rule. - Strong's Number: H3190
There are 102 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: יָטַב
Transliteration: yâṭab
Pronunciation: yaw-tab'
Description: a primitive root; to be (causative) make well, literally (sound, beautiful) or figuratively (happy, successful, right); be accepted, amend, use aright, benefit, be (make) better, seem best, make cheerful, be comely, [phrase] be content, diligent(-ly), dress, earnestly, find favour, give, be glad, do (be, make) good(-ness), be (make) merry, please ([phrase] well), shew more (kindness), skilfully, [idiom] very small, surely, make sweet, thoroughly, tire, trim, very, be (can, deal, entreat, go, have) well (said, seen). - Strong's Number: H1875
There are 152 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: דָּרַשׁ
Transliteration: dârash
Pronunciation: daw-rash'
Description: a primitive root; properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship; ask, [idiom] at all, care for, [idiom] diligently, inquire, make inquisition, (necro-) mancer, question, require, search, seek (for, out), [idiom] surely. - Strong's Number: H5707
There are 59 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: עֵד
Transliteration: ʻêd
Pronunciation: ayd
Description: contracted from עוּד; concretely, a witness; abstractly, testimony; specifically, a recorder, i.e. prince; witness. - Strong's Number: H8267
There are 109 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: שֶׁקֶר
Transliteration: sheqer
Pronunciation: sheh'-ker
Description: from שָׁקַר; an untruth; by implication, a sham (often adverbial); without a cause, deceit(-ful), false(-hood, -ly), feignedly, liar, [phrase] lie, lying, vain (thing), wrongfully. - Strong's Number: H6030
There are 317 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: עָנָה
Transliteration: ʻânâh
Pronunciation: aw-naw'
Description: a primitive root; properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e. pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout, testify, announce; give account, afflict (by mistake for עָנָה), (cause to, give) answer, bring low (by mistake for עָנָה), cry, hear, Leannoth, lift up, say, [idiom] scholar, (give a) shout, sing (together by course), speak, testify, utter, (bear) witness. See also בֵּית עֲנוֹת, בֵּית עֲנָת. - Strong's Number: H251
There are 636 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: אָח
Transliteration: ʼâch
Pronunciation: awkh
Description: a primitive word; a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance (like father)); another, brother(-ly); kindred, like, other. Compare also the proper names beginning with 'Ah-' or 'Ahi-'.