Deuteronomy 19:15

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

One {H259} witness {H5707} shall not rise up {H6965} against a man {H376} for any iniquity {H5771}, or for any sin {H2403}, in any sin {H2399} that he sinneth {H2398}: at the mouth {H6310} of two {H8147} witnesses {H5707}, or at the mouth {H6310} of three {H7969} witnesses {H5707}, shall the matter {H1697} be established {H6965}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"One witness alone will not be sufficient to convict a person of any offense or sin of any kind; the matter will be established only if there are two or three witnesses testifying against him.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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 a matter be established.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 19:15 establishes a foundational principle of justice within ancient Israelite law, mandating that no accusation of iniquity or sin can be sustained against an individual based solely on the testimony of a single witness. Instead, for any legal matter to be definitively "established" or proven, it requires the corroborating testimony of at least two, or ideally three, independent witnesses. This divine command served as a crucial safeguard against false accusations, promoting fairness, truthfulness, and integrity in the judicial system of God's covenant people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a larger section of Deuteronomy (chapters 12-26), often referred to as the Deuteronomic Code, which outlines the statutes and ordinances for Israel's life in the Promised Land. Specifically, [Deuteronomy 19](/deuteronomy/19 "Deuteronomy 19 - Laws of Justice and Cities of Refuge") focuses on judicial fairness and the administration of justice. Preceding this verse, the chapter details the establishment of [cities of refuge](/deuteronomy/19-2 "Deuteronomy 19:2 - Cities of Refuge") for unintentional homicide (vv. 1-13) and prohibits the moving of boundary markers (v. 14), both of which underscore the importance of protecting life and property. Following [Deuteronomy 19:15](/deuteronomy/19-15 "Deuteronomy 19:15 - Requirement of Multiple Witnesses"), the text immediately addresses the severe punishment for a [false witness](/deuteronomy/19-16 "Deuteronomy 19:16 - Punishment for False Witnesses") (vv. 16-21), reinforcing the gravity of testimony and the divine demand for truth. Thus, [Deuteronomy 19:15](/deuteronomy/19-15 "Deuteronomy 19:15 - Requirement of Multiple Witnesses") serves as a central pillar, setting the standard of evidence for all legal proceedings within this framework of justice.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, legal systems varied, but the concept of witnesses was common. However, the Mosaic Law, as presented in Deuteronomy, stands out due to its divine origin and its profound emphasis on protecting the individual from injustice, reflecting the character of a righteous God. Israelite society was largely communal, with legal matters often settled by elders at the city gate. Reputation and honor were paramount, making false accusations particularly devastating. The requirement for multiple witnesses was a radical safeguard against the abuse of power or personal vendettas, especially in a context where formal investigative procedures were limited. This law ensured that life, liberty, and property were not jeopardized by unsubstantiated claims, setting a high bar for legal proof that distinguished Israel's justice system from many of its contemporaries.

* **Key Themes:** [Deuteronomy 19:15](/deuteronomy/19-15 "Deuteronomy 19:15 - Requirement of Multiple Witnesses") contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. **Justice and Righteousness** are central, as God commands His people to administer laws fairly, mirroring His own just character. The law's emphasis on corroboration directly addresses the theme of **Protection of the Innocent**, safeguarding individuals from malicious or erroneous accusations. It promotes **Truthfulness and Veracity** in all legal proceedings, making it difficult for lies to prevail. This requirement for multiple witnesses also establishes a fundamental principle of **Due Process**, ensuring that legal matters are "established" on solid, verifiable evidence, rather than mere suspicion or singular testimony. Ultimately, it underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Law**, where God's commands provide the framework for a just and orderly society, reflecting His desire for His covenant people to live in integrity and equity.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **rise up (Hebrew, _qum'_):** This verb, found twice in the verse ("rise up against," "shall the matter be established"), carries the primary meaning "to stand," "to arise." In the context of "rise up against," it denotes actively presenting oneself as an accuser or witness in a legal setting, to stand forward with a charge. When applied to "the matter be established," it signifies that the accusation or case must "stand firm," "be confirmed," or "be proven" on solid ground, not merely asserted. The repetition of this root emphasizes the active process of accusation and the necessary firmness of its substantiation.
* **iniquity (Hebrew, _'avon'_):** This term broadly refers to moral evil, guilt, or punishment for sin. It often carries the connotation of perversity or distortion of what is right. Its inclusion alongside "sin" (Hebrew, _chatta'ah_, meaning missing the mark or transgression) indicates the comprehensive scope of the law: it applies to any form of moral or legal wrongdoing, whether intentional or unintentional, ensuring that all serious accusations require corroboration.
* **established (Hebrew, _qum'_):** As noted above, this is the same root as "rise up." Here, it signifies the outcome of the legal process: the charge or accusation is confirmed, validated, and made firm. It implies that the truth of the matter has been sufficiently demonstrated and can stand as a basis for judgment. The requirement for multiple witnesses is precisely the mechanism by which this "establishment" occurs, moving a claim from mere allegation to proven fact.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"One witness shall not rise up against a man for any iniquity, or for any sin, in any sin that he sinneth:"** This opening clause sets the negative prohibition. It emphatically states that a solitary testimony, regardless of the nature or severity of the alleged offense ("any iniquity, or for any sin, in any sin that he sinneth"), is insufficient to bring a formal charge or secure a conviction against an individual. This protects the accused from arbitrary or malicious accusations and highlights the inherent vulnerability of a person facing a single, uncorroborated claim.
* **"at the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses,"** This clause provides the positive requirement and the necessary standard for legal proof. The phrase "at the mouth of" literally refers to the verbal testimony, emphasizing that the witnesses must personally speak and attest to the facts. The specification of "two or three" sets a minimum threshold (two) while allowing for an even stronger degree of certainty (three), reflecting a desire for robust and undeniable corroboration. This plural requirement significantly reduces the likelihood of error, fabrication, or collusion.
* **"shall the matter be established."** This concluding clause states the purpose and outcome of the multi-witness requirement. "The matter" refers to the accusation, the charge, or the legal case at hand. For this "matter" to be "established" means it must be confirmed, proven, validated, and made legally binding. It signifies that the truth of the accusation has been sufficiently demonstrated through the corroborating testimonies, providing a firm foundation upon which a righteous judgment can be rendered.

#### Literary Devices
The language of [Deuteronomy 19:15](/deuteronomy/19-15 "Deuteronomy 19:15 - Requirement of Multiple Witnesses") employs several literary devices to convey its legal and theological weight. **Repetition** is evident in the phrase "for any iniquity, or for any sin, in any sin that he sinneth," which serves to emphasize the comprehensive scope of the law, applying to all possible transgressions and leaving no room for exceptions based on the nature of the offense. This **Legal Formulary** uses precise, prescriptive language typical of ancient Near Eastern law codes, clearly stating the prohibition and the requirement. The verse also employs a form of **Contrast**, juxtaposing the insufficiency of a single witness with the necessity of multiple witnesses, thereby highlighting the fundamental shift in legal standing that corroboration provides. Finally, the use of the same Hebrew root (_qum_) for "rise up" (accuse) and "established" (proven) creates a subtle **Wordplay** or **Thematic Linkage**, suggesting that for an accusation to truly "stand" or be "established," it must be supported by multiple testimonies, thereby reflecting the divine standard of truth and justice.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The divine command in [Deuteronomy 19:15](/deuteronomy/19-15 "Deuteronomy 19:15 - Requirement of Multiple Witnesses") is not merely a practical legal guideline but a profound theological statement about God's character and His desire for His people. It reflects the Lord's absolute righteousness and His commitment to justice, particularly in protecting the vulnerable and ensuring truth prevails. This principle underscores that human life, reputation, and freedom are sacred and must not be jeopardized by unsubstantiated claims. It teaches that truth is weighty and requires solid grounding, mirroring God's own unshakeable truthfulness. The requirement for multiple witnesses serves as a bulwark against the inherent human tendencies towards deception, bias, and hasty judgment, calling Israel to embody a divine standard of integrity in all its dealings. This law is a practical outworking of the covenant relationship, where justice and righteousness are paramount expressions of faithfulness to God.

* [Deuteronomy 17:6](/deuteronomy/17-6 "Requirement for Capital Cases")
* [Numbers 35:30](/numbers/35-30 "Witness Requirement for Murder")
* [Matthew 18:16](/matthew/18-16 "Jesus' Teaching on Church Discipline")
* [2 Corinthians 13:1](/2_corinthians/13-1 "Paul's Application of the Witness Principle")
* [1 Timothy 5:19](/1_timothy/5-19 "Accusations Against Elders")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 19:15 offers timeless wisdom that transcends ancient legal courts, providing a profound ethical framework for all human interactions. In a world saturated with information and prone to the rapid spread of unverified claims, this verse serves as a vital call to discernment and caution. It teaches us to be slow to believe accusations, especially those originating from a single, uncorroborated source, and to resist the urge to participate in gossip or the dissemination of unconfirmed information. This principle encourages us to cultivate a culture of integrity, seeking truth and verification before forming judgments or taking action that could harm another's reputation or well-being. It reminds us that justice is not merely about punishment but about the meticulous pursuit of truth and the protection of the innocent, reflecting God's own character. In our personal relationships, our workplaces, and our churches, embracing this principle fosters trust, fairness, and accountability, ensuring that decisions are made on solid ground rather than fleeting claims.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this verse challenge our tendency to form opinions based on single sources or hearsay?**
* **In what ways can we apply the principle of seeking corroboration in our daily interactions and decision-making, both personally and professionally?**
* **What does this command reveal about God's character and His desire for justice and truthfulness among His people?**
* **How can the church community uphold the spirit of this law in addressing accusations or conflicts among its members?**

### FAQ

**Why does the law specify "two or three" witnesses, not just "two"?**

Answer: The specification of "two or three" witnesses provides both a minimum standard and a stronger degree of certainty. Two witnesses are the absolute minimum required to "establish" a matter, providing sufficient corroboration to overcome the inherent doubt associated with a single testimony. The inclusion of "or three" offers an even more robust level of confirmation, making it significantly harder for collusion or error to occur. It provides an added layer of assurance, particularly in cases of grave consequence, and also prevents a deadlock if two witnesses offer contradictory accounts, allowing a third to provide clarity. This demonstrates the law's commitment to thoroughness and undeniable proof in the pursuit of justice.

**How does this ancient law relate to modern legal systems?**

Answer: The principle articulated in [Deuteronomy 19:15](/deuteronomy/19-15 "Deuteronomy 19:15 - Requirement of Multiple Witnesses") is a cornerstone of many modern legal systems, particularly those influenced by common law traditions. The concept of "corroborating evidence" — requiring additional proof beyond a single testimony to convict in certain cases (e.g., perjury, treason, or sexual assault in some jurisdictions) — directly echoes this biblical standard. It underpins the fundamental legal principle of [due process](/deuteronomy/19 "Deuteronomy 19 - Justice and Due Process") and the presumption of innocence until guilt is proven beyond a reasonable doubt by sufficient, verifiable evidence. While modern systems have evolved with complex rules of evidence, the core idea that a person's fate should not rest on a solitary, unverified claim remains a vital safeguard against injustice.

**Does this apply to all accusations, or only serious ones?**

Answer: The phrase "for any iniquity, or for any sin, in any sin that he sinneth" suggests a comprehensive application to all legal or serious accusations that could lead to punishment or significant social consequence. While practical application might vary for minor infractions or everyday disagreements, the underlying principle of verifying claims before judgment applies broadly. Historically, this law was most rigorously applied in cases involving capital punishment or severe penalties, as seen in [Deuteronomy 17:6](/deuteronomy/17-6 "Deuteronomy 17:6 - Requirement for Capital Cases") and [Numbers 35:30](/numbers/35-30 "Numbers 35:30 - Witness Requirement for Murder"). However, the spirit of the law encourages a general caution against accepting any unverified accusation, promoting truthfulness and fairness in all aspects of communal life.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 19:15, with its demand for multiple witnesses to establish truth, finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound significance in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament law established a legal precedent for human courts, God Himself, in His ultimate act of justice and redemption, provided an abundance of witnesses to the truth of His Son. Jesus Himself affirmed this principle, stating, "It is also written in your law, that the testimony of two men is true. I am one that bear witness of myself, and the Father that sent me beareth witness of me" ([John 8:17-18](/john/8-17 "John 8:17-18 - Jesus' Testimony")). The entire narrative of Christ's life, death, and resurrection is established not by a single, isolated claim, but by a multitude of divinely appointed witnesses. The apostles were commissioned to be His "witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth" ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Witnesses to the Ends of the Earth")). The resurrection, the cornerstone of Christian faith, is attested by over five hundred people ([1 Corinthians 15:3-8](/1_corinthians/15-3 "1 Corinthians 15:3-8 - The Resurrection Witnesses")). Furthermore, the Holy Spirit bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God ([Romans 8:16](/romans/8-16 "Romans 8:16 - The Spirit's Witness")), providing an internal, divine corroboration of our faith. Thus, the truth of the Gospel, the reality of God's saving work in Christ, is established not by two or three human witnesses alone, but by a symphony of divine and human testimonies, culminating in God's own irrefutable witness through His Son ([Hebrews 1:1-3](/hebrews/1-1 "Hebrews 1:1-3 - God's Final Word in Christ")), making the "matter" of our salvation eternally and perfectly established.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Numbers 35:30

Whoso killeth any person, the murderer shall be put to death by the mouth of witnesses: but one witness shall not testify against any person [to cause him] to die.

Deuteronomy 17:6

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.

2 Corinthians 13:1

¶ This [is] the third [time] I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.

Matthew 18:16

But if he will not hear [thee, then] take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.

Hebrews 10:28

He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:

1 Timothy 5:19

Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses.

John 8:17

It is also written in your law, that the testimony of two men is true.