Deuteronomy 19:16

If a false witness rise up against any man to testify against him [that which is] wrong;

If a false {H2555} witness {H5707} rise up {H6965} against any man {H376} to testify {H6030} against him that which is wrong {H5627};

"If a malicious witness comes forward and gives false testimony against someone,

If a false witness testifies against someone, accusing him of a crime,

If an unrighteous witness rise up against any man to testify against him of wrong-doing,

Commentary

Deuteronomy 19:16 introduces a critical principle within the ancient Israelite legal system: the severe consequences for bearing false witness. This verse sets the stage for the specific judicial process and penalties outlined in the subsequent verses (Deuteronomy 19:17-19).

Context

This verse is part of a larger section in Deuteronomy (chapters 16-26) that outlines the civil and judicial laws given to Israel, emphasizing justice and righteousness within the community. Specifically, Deuteronomy 19 deals with legal procedures, including the establishment of cities of refuge and the crucial requirement for two or three witnesses for a conviction. The concern here is the integrity of the judicial process and the protection of the innocent from malicious accusations. The law aims to prevent perversion of justice, ensuring that judgments are based on truth.

Key Themes

  • Upholding Truth and Justice: The primary concern is maintaining a just society where truth prevails in legal matters. False testimony directly corrupts the judicial system and leads to wrongful condemnation.
  • Protection of the Innocent: This law serves as a vital safeguard against slander and malicious intent. It protects an individual's reputation, property, and even life from fabricated charges.
  • Consequences for Deception: While this verse merely states the premise, it implicitly highlights that such a grave offense will not go unpunished. The following verses detail the principle of lex talionis (law of retaliation) applied to the false witness, ensuring they suffer the penalty they intended for the accused.
  • Integrity of the Community: A society that tolerates false witness cannot be truly righteous or stable. This law underscores the importance of honesty and accountability for the well-being of the entire nation.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "false witness" translates the Hebrew ‘ēd shāqer (עֵד שָׁקֶר), which literally means "witness of falsehood" or "witness of deception." The term shāqer (falsehood) implies a deliberate and intentional lie, not merely a mistake. The phrase "rise up against any man" (קָם־בּוֹ עֵד חָמָס - *qam-bo 'ed chamas*) can also be translated as "a witness of violence/wrong rises up against him," emphasizing the aggressive and damaging nature of the false accusation. The "wrong" or "violence" (חָמָס - *chamas*) refers to the injustice or injury intended by the false testimony.

Cross-References & Connections

The prohibition against false witness is a fundamental principle in biblical law, rooted in the Ninth Commandment, "Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour" (Exodus 20:16; Deuteronomy 5:20). This verse sets the stage for the specific judgment in Deuteronomy 19:18-19, where the false witness is to receive the punishment intended for the accused. The book of Proverbs frequently warns against the destructive nature of false testimony, stating that God hates a false witness that speaketh lies (Proverbs 6:19) and that a false witness shall not be unpunished (Proverbs 19:5). In the New Testament, Jesus himself was accused by false witnesses (Mark 14:56), underscoring the timeless danger of such deceit.

Practical Application

While the direct legal context of ancient Israel may differ from modern legal systems, the principle of Deuteronomy 19:16 remains profoundly relevant. It calls believers to a high standard of truthfulness and integrity in all their dealings. This extends beyond formal courtrooms to everyday interactions, warning against gossip, slander, spreading misinformation, and bearing false witness in any form. It encourages a commitment to honest communication and a rejection of deceit, reminding us that we should speak truth with our neighbor (Ephesians 4:25). Understanding this verse reinforces the importance of discerning truth from falsehood in an age of abundant information, and standing for justice against those who seek to harm others through lies.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Psalms 27:12

    Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty.

  • Psalms 35:11

    ¶ False witnesses did rise up; they laid to my charge [things] that I knew not.

  • Exodus 23:1

    ¶ Thou shalt not raise a false report: put not thine hand with the wicked to be an unrighteous witness.

  • Exodus 23:7

    Keep thee far from a false matter; and the innocent and righteous slay thou not: for I will not justify the wicked.

  • Acts 6:13

    And set up false witnesses, which said, This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law:

  • Mark 14:55

    And the chief priests and all the council sought for witness against Jesus to put him to death; and found none.

  • Mark 14:59

    But neither so did their witness agree together.
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