Deuteronomy 19:16

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 19:16 introduces a foundational principle of ancient Israelite jurisprudence: the grave offense of bearing false witness. This verse establishes the premise for subsequent laws detailing the judicial process and severe penalties for those who intentionally pervert justice through deceitful testimony, underscoring the community's commitment to truth and the protection of the innocent within its legal system.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a larger section of Deuteronomy (chapters 16-26) that outlines the civil, judicial, and ceremonial laws given to Israel as they prepared to enter the Promised Land. Specifically, [Deuteronomy 19](/deuteronomy/19 "Deuteronomy 19 - Laws of Justice and Cities of Refuge") focuses on legal procedures designed to ensure justice and protect life. The preceding verses ([Deuteronomy 19:1-13](/deuteronomy/19-1-13 "Deuteronomy 19:1-13 - Cities of Refuge")) establish the institution of cities of refuge, providing asylum for those who commit unintentional homicide, thereby distinguishing between accidental death and premeditated murder. Immediately prior to our verse, [Deuteronomy 19:15](/deuteronomy/19-15 "Deuteronomy 19:15 - The Two or Three Witness Rule") lays down the crucial rule that a conviction for any offense requires the testimony of at least two or three witnesses, preventing a single malicious individual from condemning another. [Deuteronomy 19:16](/deuteronomy/19-16 "Deuteronomy 19:16 - The False Witness") then addresses the specific danger posed when one of these witnesses is found to be false, setting the stage for the detailed instructions on how to handle such a grave breach of justice in [Deuteronomy 19:17-19](/deuteronomy/19-17-19 "Deuteronomy 19:17-19 - Judgment of a False Witness"). The entire chapter emphasizes the sanctity of life and the meticulous pursuit of truth in legal matters.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Israelite society, like many ancient Near Eastern cultures, placed a high value on oral testimony in legal proceedings, as written documentation was less common for everyday transactions or accusations. The judicial system operated primarily through local elders and judges at the city gates, where disputes were heard and judgments rendered. In such a system, the integrity of witnesses was paramount. Bearing false witness was not merely a minor transgression but a direct assault on the fabric of society, capable of destroying an individual's reputation, property, and even life. The Mosaic Law, distinct from many contemporary legal codes, sought to establish a higher standard of justice, emphasizing the protection of the vulnerable and the pursuit of righteousness. The concept of "wrong" or "violence" (Hebrew: *chamas*) associated with false testimony highlights the destructive impact it had on the victim and the community, often leading to a perversion of justice that could result in wrongful death, dispossession, or severe punishment.

* **Key Themes:** [Deuteronomy 19:16](/deuteronomy/19-16 "Deuteronomy 19:16 - The False Witness") contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Deuteronomy. First and foremost is the theme of **Justice and Righteousness**, which is a core demand of God for His covenant people. The law against false witness is a direct application of God's righteous character to human legal systems, ensuring that judgments reflect divine truth. This principle is deeply rooted in the [Ninth Commandment](/exodus/20-16 "Exodus 20:16 - The Ninth Commandment"), which explicitly forbids bearing false witness against one's neighbor. Secondly, the verse highlights the **Protection of the Innocent**. The elaborate legal safeguards, including the multiple witness rule in [Deuteronomy 19:15](/deuteronomy/19-15 "Deuteronomy 19:15 - The Two or Three Witness Rule") and the severe penalties for false testimony, were designed to prevent the wrongful condemnation of individuals and to safeguard their lives, livelihoods, and reputations from malicious intent. Thirdly, it underscores the **Integrity of the Community**. A society where truth is disregarded and lies are tolerated cannot stand. This law, therefore, serves to maintain the moral and social order of Israel, ensuring accountability and fostering an environment where truth is honored and justice prevails, reflecting the very nature of God, who is truth and justice. The consequences outlined in [Deuteronomy 19:18-19](/deuteronomy/19-18-19 "Deuteronomy 19:18-19 - Punishment for False Witness") demonstrate the seriousness with which God viewed such an offense, applying the principle of *lex talionis* to the false accuser.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **witness (Hebrew, _ʻêd'_):** From H5707. Concretely, a witness; abstractly, testimony. This term refers to an individual who presents evidence or gives an account in a legal setting. In ancient Israel, witnesses played a crucial role in judicial proceedings, and their integrity was paramount for the proper functioning of justice.
* **false (Hebrew, _châmâç'_):** From H2555. Violence; by implication, wrong; by metonymy, unjust gain; cruel(-ty), damage, false, injustice. This word describes the nature of the testimony. It is not merely inaccurate but inherently violent, unjust, and destructive, indicating a deliberate perversion of truth with malicious intent.
* **wrong (Hebrew, _çârâh'_):** From H5627. Apostasy, crime; figuratively, remission; rebellion, revolt(-ed), turn away, wrong. This term further defines the character of the false testimony, emphasizing its criminal and rebellious nature against divine and human order. It signifies a deviation from what is right and just, leading to severe harm.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"If a false witness rise up against any man":** This opening clause establishes the conditional premise for the legal scenario. It identifies the subject of the law: a person who presents testimony that is known to be untrue. The phrase "rise up against any man" indicates an active, adversarial role in a judicial context, signifying a deliberate accusation brought against an individual.
* **"to testify against him":** This specifies the purpose of the false witness's action. Their intent is to present evidence or give an account in a formal legal setting, with the explicit aim of implicating or condemning the accused. This highlights the public and official nature of the transgression, occurring within the solemn context of a court.
* **"[that which is] wrong;":** This final phrase defines the content and character of the false testimony. It is not just inaccurate, but fundamentally unjust, violent, or malicious. The KJV's "[that which is] wrong" translates the Hebrew *chamas* (H2555) and *çârâh* (H5627), emphasizing the destructive and injurious nature of the lie, which aims to pervert justice and inflict harm upon the innocent party.

#### Literary Devices
[Deuteronomy 19:16](/deuteronomy/19-16 "Deuteronomy 19:16 - The False Witness") employs several literary devices to convey its legal and moral weight. The verse functions as a **Conditional Clause**, setting up an "if...then" structure that is common in legal texts throughout the Pentateuch. This structure clearly defines the circumstances under which the subsequent legal action (detailed in later verses) will be applied. The language is highly **Legalistic**, using precise terms like "witness," "testify," and "against," which firmly place the verse within the framework of Israelite jurisprudence. This precise terminology underscores the formal and serious nature of the offense. Furthermore, there is an implied **Antithesis** between the ideal of truthful testimony, which is foundational to a just society, and the destructive reality of false witness. This contrast highlights the profound moral and societal danger posed by deceit in legal matters, reinforcing the absolute necessity of truth for the integrity of the community and the divine mandate for justice.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[Deuteronomy 19:16](/deuteronomy/19-16 "Deuteronomy 19:16 - The False Witness") is not an isolated legal decree but a vital component of God's broader revelation concerning justice, truth, and the sanctity of human life within the covenant community. It reflects the very character of God, who is truth and righteousness, and demands that His people embody these attributes in their social and legal interactions. The prohibition against false witness is a direct application of the [Ninth Commandment](/exodus/20-16 "Exodus 20:16 - The Ninth Commandment"), underscoring that integrity in speech, especially in matters affecting a person's life or reputation, is a fundamental moral obligation. This law served as a crucial safeguard against the abuse of power and the perversion of justice, ensuring that the vulnerable were protected from malicious accusations. The severity of the prescribed punishment for a false witness (detailed in [Deuteronomy 19:19](/deuteronomy/19-19 "Deuteronomy 19:19 - Punishment for False Witness")), where they would suffer the very penalty they intended for the accused, demonstrates God's unwavering commitment to retributive justice and His abhorrence of deceit.

* [Exodus 20:16](/exodus/20-16 "Exodus 20:16 - The Ninth Commandment")
* [Proverbs 6:16-19](/proverbs/6-16-19 "Proverbs 6:16-19 - Things God Hates")
* [Matthew 15:19](/matthew/15-19 "Matthew 15:19 - From the Heart Come Evil Thoughts")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[Deuteronomy 19:16](/deuteronomy/19-16 "Deuteronomy 19:16 - The False Witness"), while rooted in the ancient Israelite legal system, carries profound and timeless implications for believers today. It calls us to a radical commitment to truthfulness in all areas of life, extending far beyond a courtroom. In an age saturated with information and misinformation, the principle of not bearing false witness challenges us to be discerning, to verify facts, and to resist the temptation to spread rumors, gossip, or unverified claims that could unjustly harm another's reputation or well-being. This verse reminds us that our words have immense power—power to build up or to tear down, to establish justice or to pervert it. As followers of Christ, who is the Truth, we are called to embody integrity in our speech, to stand against deceit, and to advocate for justice, especially for those who are falsely accused or marginalized. It compels us to consider the impact of our words and to ensure that they are always seasoned with grace and truth, reflecting the character of God in a world often marred by falsehood.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I be tempted to bear "false witness" in my daily life, even subtly (e.g., through gossip, exaggeration, or partial truths)?**
* **How does my commitment to truthfulness in speech reflect my understanding of God's character?**
* **What steps can I take to be a more discerning listener and consumer of information, guarding against the spread of falsehoods?**
* **How can I actively promote truth and justice in my community, standing against slander or malicious accusations?**

### FAQ
**What does "false witness" mean in the biblical context?**

Answer: In the biblical context, particularly in the Old Testament law, "false witness" (Hebrew: *‘ēd shāqer*) refers to someone who gives testimony in a legal proceeding that is intentionally untrue, deceptive, or malicious. It's not merely a mistake or an inaccurate recollection, but a deliberate lie designed to harm an innocent party, pervert justice, or secure an unjust outcome. This was considered a grave offense because it directly undermined the integrity of the judicial system and could lead to severe consequences, including the wrongful condemnation or even death of the accused. The concept is deeply tied to the [Ninth Commandment](/exodus/20-16 "Exodus 20:16 - The Ninth Commandment"), which prohibits bearing false witness against one's neighbor, emphasizing the importance of truth and integrity in community life.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[Deuteronomy 19:16](/deuteronomy/19-16 "Deuteronomy 19:16 - The False Witness"), with its stern warning against false witness and its emphasis on justice, finds its ultimate and most poignant fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the preeminent "man" against whom false witnesses rose up, fulfilling the very scenario described in this verse. During His trial, numerous [false witnesses came forward](/mark/14-56 "Mark 14:56 - False Witnesses Against Jesus") to testify against Him, fabricating charges and twisting His words, as recorded in [Mark 14:56-59](/mark/14-56-59 "Mark 14:56-59 - False Accusations Against Jesus"). Yet, Jesus, the embodiment of truth and righteousness, remained silent, enduring the unjust accusations and the perversion of justice without retaliation. His suffering under these false testimonies underscores humanity's propensity for deceit and injustice, even against God Himself. Christ’s innocent suffering and death on the cross, a direct result of these false accusations, serve as the ultimate vindication of truth over falsehood. He bore the penalty for all human deceit and injustice, becoming the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), including the sin of bearing false witness. Ultimately, Jesus, who declared Himself to be [the way, the truth, and the life](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life"), stands as the perfect witness to God's character and truth, ensuring that in Him, true justice and righteousness are eternally upheld and offered to all who believe.

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

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.