Deuteronomy 19:20

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And those which remain {H7604} shall hear {H8085}, and fear {H3372}, and shall henceforth {H3254} commit {H6213} no more any {H1697} such evil {H7451} among {H7130} you.

Complete Jewish Bible

Those who remain will hear about it, be afraid and no longer commit such wickedness among you.

Berean Standard Bible

Then the rest of the people will hear and be afraid, and they will never again do anything so evil among you.

American Standard Version

And those that remain shall hear, and fear, and shall henceforth commit no more any such evil in the midst of thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 19:20 concludes a section on the severe consequences for bearing false witness, articulating the intended societal outcome of uncompromising justice. It reveals that when the community observes the swift and decisive punishment meted out to those who maliciously endanger others through perjury, a healthy apprehension will be instilled, thereby deterring future acts of similar wickedness and fostering a more righteous and truthful society.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 19:20 stands as the climactic statement following a detailed legal provision concerning false witnesses, found in [Deuteronomy 19:16-19](/deuteronomy/19-16 "Deuteronomy 19:16-19 - Law Concerning False Witness"). The preceding verses outline a meticulous judicial process: if a witness is suspected of giving false testimony, the judges are to conduct a thorough investigation. Should the witness be found to be a "malicious witness" (Deuteronomy 19:18), intending to falsely accuse their fellow Israelite, then the very penalty the false witness sought to inflict upon the accused would be inflicted upon them. This principle, often referred to as *lex talionis* (the law of retaliation or "eye for an eye"), is explicitly stated in [Deuteronomy 19:21](/deuteronomy/19-21 "Deuteronomy 19:21 - The Principle of Lex Talionis") and is foundational to the Mosaic Law's understanding of justice, as also seen in [Exodus 21:24](/exodus/21-24 "Exodus 21:24 - Eye for an Eye") and [Leviticus 24:20](/leviticus/24-20 "Leviticus 24:20 - Law of Retaliation"). Thus, [Deuteronomy 19:20](/deuteronomy/19-20 "Deuteronomy 19:20 - The Deterrent Effect of Justice") serves as the *raison d'être* for such strict application of justice, explaining its purpose in maintaining societal order and moral integrity.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, a society without modern forensic science, the testimony of witnesses was paramount in legal proceedings. Accusations, especially those involving capital offenses, relied heavily on oral testimony, often requiring two or three witnesses ([Deuteronomy 17:6](/deuteronomy/17-6 "Deuteronomy 17:6 - Requirement of Multiple Witnesses")). Given the gravity of false witness – which could lead to an innocent person's unjust conviction, loss of property, or even execution – the Mosaic Law instituted severe penalties for perjury. Legal proceedings typically took place at the city gate, a public space where elders and judges would adjudicate disputes, ensuring that justice was administered transparently and publicly. The public nature of these trials and the visible consequences for wrongdoing were crucial for maintaining social cohesion and upholding the covenantal standards of righteousness within the Israelite community, which was called to be distinct and holy among the nations.
* **Key Themes:** The verse significantly contributes to several overarching themes within Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. Primarily, it underscores the theme of **Deterrence of Evil**, demonstrating that visible and uncompromising justice serves as a powerful disincentive to wrongdoing. The community, witnessing the consequences of malicious intent, is meant to internalize a "fear" that prevents similar transgressions. Secondly, it highlights God's demand for **Justice and Righteousness** within His covenant people; He desires a society where truth prevails in legal matters, and the innocent are protected. This aligns with the repeated call for Israel to "do what is right in the eyes of the Lord" ([Deuteronomy 6:18](/deuteronomy/6-18 "Deuteronomy 6:18 - Do What Is Right")). Thirdly, the verse speaks to the theme of **Community Purity**. By removing evil and discouraging future transgressions, the community is purified, echoing the broader Deuteronomic command to "purge the evil from among you" ([Deuteronomy 13:5](/deuteronomy/13-5 "Deuteronomy 13:5 - Purge Evil from Among You")), which applies to various forms of wickedness that threaten the integrity of the covenant community. Finally, it reinforces the principle of **Consequences for Sin**, illustrating that sinful actions, particularly those that undermine truth and justice, carry severe and inescapable penalties designed to teach and prevent further transgression.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hear (שמע, _shema'_):** This Hebrew verb is rich in meaning, extending beyond mere auditory perception to encompass attentive listening, understanding, heeding, and obeying. In this context, "shall hear" implies that the community will not only be informed of the judgment but will grasp its significance and internalize the lesson, leading to a change in behavior. It reflects the deep connection between hearing God's law and living righteously, a central concept in Deuteronomy, as seen in the [Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4)](/deuteronomy/6-4 "Deuteronomy 6:4 - The Shema").
* **Fear (ירא, _yare'_):** While _yare'_ can denote reverence or awe (as in "the fear of the Lord"), here it primarily signifies a healthy dread or apprehension of consequences. It's a pragmatic fear of punishment that serves as a powerful deterrent, leading people to refrain from committing similar "evil." This is not a paralyzing terror but a cautionary respect for the law and its enforcement, ensuring social order.
* **Evil (רע, _ra'_):** This broad term refers to wickedness, harm, calamity, or moral wrong. In the immediate context of [Deuteronomy 19](/deuteronomy/19 "Deuteronomy 19 - Cities of Refuge and False Witness"), "such evil" specifically denotes the malicious act of bearing false witness, which could lead to the unjust suffering or death of an innocent person. It encompasses both the wicked intent and the harmful outcome of such an act.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And those which remain shall hear":** This refers to the rest of the community, the general populace who are not directly involved in the specific false witness case but are observers of the judicial outcome. Their "hearing" is not passive; it implies active attention to the verdict and its execution, leading to a deep understanding of the gravity of the offense and the certainty of its consequences. This public demonstration of justice ensures the lesson is widely disseminated.
* **"and fear":** The direct result of "hearing" and observing the justice meted out. This "fear" is a profound, deterrent apprehension. It means that the sight of the false witness suffering the intended punishment will instill a powerful caution in others, making them think twice before contemplating similar malicious acts. It is a fear that compels adherence to truth and righteousness.
* **"and shall henceforth commit no more any such evil among you":** This clause articulates the ultimate purpose and desired outcome of the strict application of justice. The "fear" is intended to lead to a cessation of "such evil"—specifically, false witness, but by extension, any act that undermines truth, justice, and the well-being of the community. The phrase "among you" emphasizes the communal aspect, highlighting God's desire for a morally pure and just society within Israel.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs several literary devices to convey its message. **Deterrence** is the overarching rhetorical strategy, as the entire verse is structured to explain how public justice prevents future wrongdoing. The explicit statement of cause and effect ("shall hear, and fear, and shall henceforth commit no more") functions as a **Didacticism**, teaching the community through example and consequence. The principle of **Retributive Justice** (though not directly stated in this verse, it is the underlying principle of [Deuteronomy 19:19](/deuteronomy/19-19 "Deuteronomy 19:19 - Punishment for False Witness") that leads to this verse's effect) is implicitly reinforced, showing that proportional punishment is not merely vindictive but serves a societal good. Furthermore, the phrase "among you" utilizes **Covenantal Language**, reminding the Israelites that these laws are for *their* distinct community, bound by a covenant with God, and are essential for maintaining their holiness and unique identity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 19:20 profoundly illustrates God's character as a righteous and just sovereign who demands truth and integrity within His covenant community. It underscores that divine justice is not merely punitive but also redemptive and preventative, aiming to purify society and foster an environment where truth and safety can flourish. The severity of the law against false witness reveals the high value God places on human life, reputation, and the sanctity of legal proceedings, recognizing that perjury can be as destructive as direct violence. This passage serves as a theological foundation for understanding that a just society, marked by truthfulness and accountability, reflects the very nature of God and is essential for human flourishing under His covenant.

* [Proverbs 19:5](/proverbs/19-5 "Proverbs 19:5 - A False Witness Will Not Go Unpunished")
* [Matthew 5:33-37](/matthew/5-33 "Matthew 5:33-37 - Do Not Swear Oaths")
* [Romans 13:3-4](/romans/13-3 "Romans 13:3-4 - Authority and Justice")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the judicial systems of modern nations differ significantly from ancient Israel's, the foundational principles embedded in Deuteronomy 19:20 remain profoundly relevant for individuals, communities, and governing bodies today. This verse calls us to recognize the immense value of truth and integrity, particularly in matters that affect the lives and reputations of others. It reminds us that clear, consistent, and equitable consequences for wrongdoing are indispensable for maintaining order, deterring crime, and fostering trust within any society, whether it be a nation, a local community, or even a family. For believers, this passage challenges us to uphold the highest standards of honesty in all our dealings, knowing that our God is a God of truth and justice. It encourages us to pray for and support just legal systems, to speak truth even when it is difficult, and to live lives that reflect God's desire for righteousness and purity, understanding that our actions have ripple effects on those around us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the principle of deterrence in this verse apply to modern legal systems, and what are the challenges in implementing it justly?**
* **In what ways can we, as individuals, contribute to a culture of truthfulness and integrity in our communities and workplaces?**
* **What does this verse teach us about the seriousness of bearing false witness, not just in court, but in everyday gossip or slander?**
* **How does the "fear" described here relate to the "fear of the Lord" often mentioned in Scripture, and what is the difference in their outcomes?**

### FAQ

**What exactly is "false witness" and why was it treated so severely in ancient Israel?**

Answer: "False witness" refers to giving dishonest testimony under oath, especially in a legal setting, with the intent to harm or deceive. In ancient Israel, it was a grave offense because it directly undermined justice, which was foundational to God's covenant with His people. Without reliable testimony, innocent people could be condemned to death or suffer severe penalties, and the guilty could go free. It was seen as an assault on truth, community integrity, and ultimately, God's own character as a God of justice. The severity of the punishment (the false witness receiving the penalty intended for the accused, as per [Deuteronomy 19:19](/deuteronomy/19-19 "Deuteronomy 19:19 - Punishment for False Witness")) was designed to reflect the gravity of the crime and to act as a powerful deterrent.

**How does Deuteronomy 19:20's emphasis on fear as a deterrent apply to contemporary society, which often emphasizes rehabilitation over retribution?**

Answer: While modern legal systems often prioritize rehabilitation, the principle of deterrence remains a cornerstone of justice. Deuteronomy 19:20 highlights that visible and consistent consequences are crucial for maintaining social order. The "fear" it speaks of is not necessarily terror, but a healthy respect for the law and an understanding that certain actions will incur severe penalties. In contemporary society, this translates to the need for legal systems to be perceived as fair, consistent, and effective in holding offenders accountable. When consequences are uncertain or inconsistent, the deterrent effect diminishes. While rehabilitation is vital for individual transformation, the societal function of deterring crime through just punishment, as articulated in this verse, remains a necessary component of a healthy legal framework.

**Is it morally acceptable for "fear" to be a primary motivator for good behavior, as suggested by this verse?**

Answer: The "fear" in Deuteronomy 19:20 is primarily a pragmatic, deterrent fear of consequences, not necessarily a spiritual reverence. While the Bible certainly promotes a "fear of the Lord" that leads to wisdom and righteousness ([Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Fear of the Lord Is the Beginning of Knowledge")), this verse speaks to the practical reality that human societies often require external motivators to maintain order. A healthy fear of legal consequences can prevent individuals from causing harm to others, even if their internal moral compass is not fully aligned with God's will. It serves as a necessary safeguard for the community's well-being. Ideally, this external deterrence would lead to an internal transformation, but as a societal mechanism, fear of consequences is a legitimate and often effective tool for curbing evil.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 19:20, with its emphasis on justice, truth, and the purging of evil through deterrent punishment, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Old Testament law, including the severe penalties for false witness, revealed the depth of humanity's sin and the absolute standard of God's righteousness. Humanity, in its fallen state, is prone to falsehood and injustice, culminating in the ultimate act of false witness against Christ Himself, leading to His unjust crucifixion ([Matthew 26:59-60](/matthew/26-59 "Matthew 26:59-60 - False Witnesses Against Jesus")). Yet, Christ, the perfectly innocent one, willingly bore the full weight of the law's demands and the consequences of all human evil and false witness on the cross ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). He is the true and faithful witness ([Revelation 1:5](/revelation/1-5 "Revelation 1:5 - Jesus, The Faithful Witness")) who perfectly upheld God's truth and justice. Through His atoning sacrifice, He not only satisfies the righteous demands of the law but also provides the means for humanity to be truly transformed from within, so that the "evil among us" is not merely deterred by external fear, but eradicated by the Spirit's work in our hearts ([Hebrews 10:14-16](/hebrews/10-14 "Hebrews 10:14-16 - New Covenant Fulfilled")). In Christ, the ultimate fear of God leads not to dread of punishment for the justified, but to reverent worship and a genuine desire to live in truth and righteousness, empowered by grace, ushering in a new covenant where justice and mercy perfectly meet ([Romans 3:25-26](/romans/3-25 "Romans 3:25-26 - God's Righteousness Through Christ")).

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

Deuteronomy 17:13

And all the people shall hear, and fear, and do no more presumptuously.

Deuteronomy 21:21

And all the men of his city shall stone him with stones, that he die: so shalt thou put evil away from among you; and all Israel shall hear, and fear.

Deuteronomy 13:11

And all Israel shall hear, and fear, and shall do no more any such wickedness as this is among you.

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.

1 Timothy 5:20

Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.

Romans 13:3

For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:

Romans 13:4

For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to [execute] wrath upon him that doeth evil.