Deuteronomy 19:19

KJV

Then shall ye do unto him, as he had thought to have done unto his brother: so shalt thou put the evil away from among you.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then shall ye do {H6213} unto him, as he had thought {H2161} to have done {H6213} unto his brother {H251}: so shalt thou put {H1197} the evil {H7451} away {H1197} from among {H7130} you.

Complete Jewish Bible

you are to do to him what he intended to do to his brother. In this way, you will put an end to such wickedness among you.

Berean Standard Bible

you must do to him as he intended to do to his brother. So you must purge the evil from among you.

American Standard Version

then shall ye do unto him, as he had thought to do unto his brother: so shalt thou put away the evil from the midst of thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 19:19 prescribes a severe, retributive punishment for a false witness in ancient Israel, mandating that the malicious accuser suffer the exact penalty they intended to inflict upon the innocent party. This legal principle, rooted in the concept of "eye for an eye" (lex talionis) but uniquely applied to the *intent* of the crime, served not only to deter perjury and protect the accused but also to ritually and morally cleanse the community, thereby "putting the evil away" from among God's covenant people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a broader section of Deuteronomy (chapters 12-26) that elaborates on the practical application of the Mosaic Law for Israel's life in the promised land. Specifically, [Deuteronomy 19](/deuteronomy/19 "Deuteronomy 19 - Laws of Justice and Sanctuary") deals with the administration of justice, including laws concerning cities of refuge for unintentional homicide (vv. 1-13) and the prohibition against moving boundary markers (v. 14). Immediately preceding verse 19, [Deuteronomy 19:15-18](/deuteronomy/19-15-18 "Deuteronomy 19:15-18 - Requirements for Witnesses") establishes the critical requirement for two or three witnesses to confirm a charge and outlines the judicial process for handling a "malicious witness" (Hebrew: עֵד שָׁקֶר, _‘ed shaqer_) who testifies falsely. Verse 19 then delivers the specific, stringent consequence for such a witness, ensuring the integrity of the legal system and the purity of the community.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israelite society, the judicial system was decentralized, often involving local elders at the city gate. Oral testimony was paramount, making the veracity of witnesses absolutely crucial for the administration of justice. There were no elaborate forensic methods, so the integrity of testimony was the primary means of determining guilt or innocence. False testimony was not merely a legal infraction but a profound moral and theological offense, as it perverted justice, which was seen as an attribute of God himself. The concept of "putting away evil" (as seen in [Deuteronomy 13:5](/deuteronomy/13-5 "Deuteronomy 13:5 - Putting Away Evil") or [Deuteronomy 17:7](/deuteronomy/17-7 "Deuteronomy 17:7 - Removing Evil from Israel")) was central to Israel's covenant relationship with Yahweh, emphasizing the need for the community to maintain holiness by purging internal corruption.
* **Key Themes:** Several key themes converge in this verse. Firstly, **Retributive Justice** (often associated with *lex talionis*) is evident, where the punishment is directly proportional to the crime, or in this case, the *intended* crime. This principle, famously articulated in [Exodus 21:23-25](/exodus/21-23-25 "Exodus 21:23-25 - Lex Talionis") ("eye for eye, tooth for tooth"), is here applied to the malicious intent of the false witness. Secondly, **Deterrence** is a clear objective; the severity of the penalty was designed to discourage anyone from bearing false witness, thereby safeguarding the innocent. Thirdly, the overarching theme of **Community Purity and Holiness** is strongly emphasized by the concluding phrase, "so shalt thou put the evil away from among you." This reflects God's demand for a holy nation, free from the defilement of injustice and moral corruption, which was essential for maintaining their covenant standing.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **thought (Hebrew, _zâmam'_):** This primitive root (H2161) signifies to plan or devise, usually in a negative or bad sense, encompassing ideas of plotting or imagining evil. In this context, it highlights the malicious intent of the false witness, emphasizing that the punishment is meted out not just for the act of false testimony, but for the wicked scheme or purpose harbored in the heart to harm another. God's law here penetrates beyond outward actions to judge the very thoughts and intentions.
* **do (Hebrew, _ʻâsâh'_):** As a primitive root (H6213), this word is broadly used to mean to do or make, in the widest sense and application. Here, it refers to the action that the false witness intended to bring upon their brother. The repetition of "do" (what he "thought to have done") underscores the precise mirroring of the intended harm. It signifies the execution of the planned evil, which the law then turns back upon the deviser, ensuring that their malicious design is fulfilled upon themselves.
* **put away (Hebrew, _bâʻar'_):** Derived from a primitive root (H1197), this verb means to consume, burn, or remove completely, often with a sense of destruction or eradication. It implies a decisive, thorough act of purging. The use of this strong verb underscores the absolute necessity of eliminating injustice and moral corruption ("the evil") from Israel, likening it to burning out a disease or a destructive force. This is not merely about punishment but about a radical cleansing for the sake of the community's holiness and covenant integrity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then shall ye do unto him, as he had thought to have done unto his brother:"** This clause establishes the principle of "measure for measure" justice, but uniquely applied to the *intent* of the false witness. If the false testimony aimed to secure a death penalty for the innocent party, the false witness would face death. If it aimed for a fine or bodily harm, the false witness would suffer that same fine or harm. This specific application of *lex talionis* ensures that the punishment precisely mirrors the malicious intent, serving as a powerful deterrent against perjury and upholding the sanctity of truth in legal proceedings. It highlights God's concern for the heart's intentions as well as outward actions.
* **"so shalt thou put the evil away from among you."** This concluding phrase functions as a motive clause, explaining the theological purpose behind the severe punishment. The "evil" refers to the moral corruption and injustice introduced by false testimony. By executing this strict justice, the community actively removes this defilement, maintaining its purity and covenant faithfulness before God. This act of purging is not merely punitive but redemptive, ensuring the health and integrity of Israel as a holy nation set apart for Yahweh. It emphasizes that justice is a means to holiness.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 19:19 effectively employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. The most prominent is **Lex Talionis**, a form of retributive justice where the punishment corresponds in kind to the offense ("an eye for an eye"). Here, it's applied with a unique twist: the punishment fits the *intended* crime, not just the actual harm caused. This highlights the severity of malicious intent in God's legal system. The verse also functions as a **Didactic Statement**, directly instructing the judges and the community on how to administer justice, thereby teaching a moral and theological principle. Furthermore, the phrase "put the evil away from among you" serves as a **Motive Clause**, explaining the underlying reason and theological imperative for the law, emphasizing the importance of communal purity and the eradication of moral corruption. This phrase is also a recurring **Thematic Motif** throughout Deuteronomy, reinforcing the concept of Israel's ongoing responsibility to maintain its holiness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 19:19 profoundly underscores God's unwavering commitment to truth, justice, and the sanctity of human life and reputation. It reveals a divine legal system that values integrity above all, demanding that those who would pervert justice face commensurate consequences. This principle ensures that the vulnerable are protected from malicious schemes and that the community remains morally sound, reflecting God's own character of righteousness. The severity of the punishment for false witness highlights the gravity of lying, especially when it impacts the life or livelihood of another, demonstrating that God sees such deception as a direct affront to His order and holiness.

* [Exodus 23:1](/exodus/23-1 "Prohibition of False Reports")
* [Proverbs 19:9](/proverbs/19-9 "Consequences of False Witness")
* [Zechariah 8:17](/zechariah/8-17 "Do Not Devise Evil")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 19:19 serves as a timeless reminder of the profound value God places on truth and justice within a community. While the specific legal application of *lex talionis* is unique to ancient Israelite civil law and not directly transferable to modern judicial systems, the underlying principles remain eternally relevant. We are called to be people of truth, to speak honestly, and to uphold justice in all our interactions. This verse challenges us to consider the immense power of our words, especially in contexts where our testimony can impact others' lives, reputations, or well-being. It compels us to cultivate a culture where integrity is paramount, where malicious gossip and false accusations are abhorred, and where the pursuit of righteousness is a communal endeavor. For believers today, this means actively working against injustice, speaking truth in love, and striving to be instruments of God's righteous order in a world often marred by deceit and unfairness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the principle of "doing unto him as he had thought to have done" challenge my understanding of justice and its application today?**
* **In what ways might I, perhaps unintentionally, bear "false witness" through gossip, exaggeration, or partial truths, and how can I cultivate greater integrity in my speech?**
* **What does "putting the evil away from among you" look like in my personal life, my family, my church, or my community?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse advocate for literal "eye for an eye" punishment in all cases, even today?**

Answer: While [Deuteronomy 19:19](/deuteronomy/19-19 "Deuteronomy 19:19 - Punishment for False Witness") applies a form of *lex talionis* (the law of retaliation), it's crucial to understand its context. In ancient Israelite law, this principle was primarily a judicial guideline to ensure proportional justice, preventing excessive vengeance and establishing a ceiling for punishment rather than a floor. It was administered by authorized judges, not by individuals seeking personal revenge. For instance, [Exodus 21:26-27](/exodus/21-26-27 "Exodus 21:26-27 - Compensation for Injury") shows monetary compensation could replace physical retaliation. In the New Testament, Jesus reinterprets "an eye for an eye" in [Matthew 5:38-39](/matthew/5-38-39 "Matthew 5:38-39 - Turn the Other Cheek"), shifting the focus from individual retaliation to a spirit of non-retaliation and love for enemies, particularly in personal disputes. While civil governments still administer justice, the specific application of *lex talionis* as seen in this verse is part of the unique covenant law given to Israel and is not a universal mandate for all legal systems today. The underlying principles of justice, truth, and deterrence, however, remain timeless.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 19:19, with its stern demand for justice against false witnesses and the removal of evil, finds its ultimate fulfillment and transformation in Jesus Christ. The law, in its righteous severity, exposed the depth of human sin, including the perversion of justice and the bearing of false witness—a crime that ultimately led to the crucifixion of the innocent [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Jesus himself was the victim of false witnesses (as seen in [Matthew 26:59-60](/matthew/26-59-60 "Matthew 26:59-60 - False Witnesses Against Jesus")), yet He did not retaliate, instead embodying perfect righteousness and submitting to the Father's will. In His atoning sacrifice on the cross, Christ perfectly fulfilled the law's demand for justice against all evil and sin, including the sin of false witness. He became the one who truly "put the evil away" from among His people, not merely by punishing it, but by bearing its full penalty Himself, thereby making a way for forgiveness and true spiritual cleansing. Through His death and resurrection, He established a new covenant where the righteousness of God is imputed to believers, and the Holy Spirit empowers them to live lives of truth and justice, reflecting the character of the ultimate and faithful Witness, Jesus Christ (as described in [Revelation 1:5](/revelation/1-5 "Revelation 1:5 - Jesus, the Faithful Witness")).

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

Proverbs 19:5

¶ A false witness shall not be unpunished, and [he that] speaketh lies shall not escape.

Proverbs 19:9

¶ A false witness shall not be unpunished, and [he that] speaketh lies shall perish.

Daniel 6:24

And the king commanded, and they brought those men which had accused Daniel, and they cast [them] into the den of lions, them, their children, and their wives; and the lions had the mastery of them, and brake all their bones in pieces or ever they came at the bottom of the den.

Deuteronomy 17:7

The hands of the witnesses shall be first upon him to put him to death, and afterward the hands of all the people. So thou shalt put the evil away from among you.

Deuteronomy 22:24

Then ye shall bring them both out unto the gate of that city, and ye shall stone them with stones that they die; the damsel, because she cried not, [being] in the city; and the man, because he hath humbled his neighbour's wife: so thou shalt put away evil from among you.

Deuteronomy 19:20

And those which remain shall hear, and fear, and shall henceforth commit no more any such evil among you.

Deuteronomy 13:5

And that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams, shall be put to death; because he hath spoken to turn [you] away from the LORD your God, which brought you out of the land of Egypt, and redeemed you out of the house of bondage, to thrust thee out of the way which the LORD thy God commanded thee to walk in. So shalt thou put the evil away from the midst of thee.