Deuteronomy 5:20

KJV

Neither shalt thou bear false witness against thy neighbour.

KJV (with Strong's)

Neither shalt thou bear {H6030} false {H7723} witness {H5707} against thy neighbour {H7453}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"'Do not give false evidence against your neighbor.

Berean Standard Bible

You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.

American Standard Version

Neither shalt thou bear false witness against thy neighbor.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 5:20, the ninth commandment of the Decalogue, profoundly establishes the divine imperative for absolute truthfulness, particularly in matters impacting the well-being and reputation of one's fellow human beings. This foundational command extends beyond mere legal testimony, serving as a cornerstone for a just society built on integrity, trust, and the sacred value of human dignity, reflecting God's own character as the ultimate source of truth.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This commandment is a direct reiteration of the ninth word given by God at Mount Sinai, as originally recorded in [Exodus 20:16](/exodus/20-16 "Exodus 20:16 - The Ninth Commandment"). In [Deuteronomy Chapter 5](/deuteronomy/5 "Deuteronomy 5 - The Ten Commandments Rehearsed"), Moses addresses the new generation of Israelites on the plains of Moab, just before they enter the Promised Land. He recounts the covenant made at Horeb (Sinai), emphasizing the enduring relevance and binding nature of God's law for their future life in the land. The Decalogue forms the ethical core of this renewed covenant, setting the foundational principles for their relationship with God and with one another, ensuring a just and holy community.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israelite society, legal proceedings were predominantly oral, relying heavily on the testimony of witnesses. There was no complex system of forensic evidence or extensive documentation. Therefore, the veracity of a witness's statement was absolutely critical for the administration of justice. Bearing false witness could lead to devastating consequences for the accused, including unjust condemnation, financial ruin, loss of land, severe punishment, or even death, as seen in cases like Naboth's vineyard ([1 Kings 21:10](/1_kings/21-10 "1 Kings 21:10 - False Witness Against Naboth")). The law recognized the potential for such abuse and thus prescribed severe penalties for false witnesses themselves ([Deuteronomy 19:16-19](/deuteronomy/19-16 "Deuteronomy 19:16-19 - Punishment for False Witnesses")), underscoring the vital importance of truth for maintaining social order and divine justice.
* **Key Themes:** The prohibition against bearing false witness contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. It underscores the absolute necessity of **truth and integrity** in all interactions, particularly when one's words can impact another's life or reputation, promoting a culture where truth is valued above personal gain or malice. By forbidding false witness, God establishes a foundational principle for a **just and fair** legal system, protecting the innocent and ensuring that judgments are based on truth, not deception. Furthermore, this commandment reflects the broader principle of **protection of neighbor**, echoing the command to [love one's neighbor as oneself](/leviticus/19-18 "Leviticus 19:18 - Love Your Neighbor as Yourself"). Bearing false witness is an act of profound harm against another, violating their rights, reputation, and well-being, thus undermining the very fabric of the covenant community.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Bear false witness (Hebrew, _‘anah sheqer_):** The Hebrew phrase combines the verb _‘anah_ (עָנָה), meaning "to answer, testify, respond," with the noun _sheqer_ (שֶׁקֶר), which signifies "falsehood, lie, deception." This specific construction denotes the act of giving testimony that is untrue, often with malicious intent or a deceptive purpose, particularly in a legal or public setting. It implies a deliberate perversion of truth, not merely an accidental misstatement, designed to mislead or harm.
* **Neighbour (Hebrew, _rea‘_):** The term _rea‘_ (רֵעַ) is comprehensive, referring not just to someone living next door but to any fellow member of the community, a friend, associate, or even a fellow Israelite. This expansive definition broadens the scope of the commandment beyond immediate acquaintances, emphasizing a universal ethical standard that applies to all interactions within the covenant community, reflecting the communal nature of Israelite society.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Neither shalt thou bear false witness":** This initial negative command directly prohibits the act of providing untrue testimony or evidence. It underscores the active role one might play in fabricating or propagating falsehoods. The prohibition is absolute, allowing no room for situational ethics when it comes to truth in matters of justice and reputation. It demands an unwavering commitment to honesty in public and legal spheres.
* **"against thy neighbour":** This specifies the target and the inherent harm of the prohibited action. The falsehood is not abstract or inconsequential but is directed at another person, with the potential to inflict significant damage—to their reputation, their property, their freedom, or even their life. This clause highlights the communal and relational dimension of the commandment, emphasizing the protection of individual rights and the maintenance of societal trust and integrity.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs a direct **Prohibition**, characteristic of the Decalogue, which establishes clear moral boundaries. This **apodictic law** leaves no room for ambiguity, presenting an absolute standard of conduct. The conciseness of the command also lends it **memorable brevity**, making it easily recalled and understood by all members of the community. It functions as a **foundational ethical principle**, reinforcing the covenantal demand for righteousness and justice within the Israelite community, mirroring the integrity of God himself.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The command against bearing false witness is deeply rooted in the very character of God, who is truth itself and cannot lie ([Titus 1:2](/titus/1-2 "Titus 1:2 - God, Who Cannot Lie")). As His covenant people, Israel was called to reflect this divine attribute in their interactions, particularly in upholding justice. This commandment extends beyond the courtroom, serving as a foundational principle for all communication within the community. It underscores the sanctity of truth, the value of human reputation, and the necessity of integrity for a society to flourish under God's blessing. To bear false witness is not merely a social transgression but a theological offense, as it undermines justice, harms a fellow image-bearer of God, and distorts the truth that God embodies.

* [Exodus 23:1](/exodus/23-1 "Exodus 23:1 - Do Not Spread False Reports")
* [Proverbs 19:5](/proverbs/19-5 "Proverbs 19:5 - A False Witness Will Not Go Unpunished")
* [Matthew 19:18](/matthew/19-18 "Matthew 19:18 - Jesus Affirms the Commandments")
* [Ephesians 4:25](/ephesians/4-25 "Ephesians 4:25 - Speak Truth to Your Neighbor")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 5:20 challenges us to consider the profound power of our words and the immense impact they have on others. While rooted in ancient legal contexts, its principle resonates powerfully in our modern, information-saturated world. It calls us to cultivate unwavering integrity in an age of misinformation, to be discerning champions of truth, and to actively protect the reputation and well-being of those around us, whether in face-to-face conversations, online interactions, or public discourse. Upholding this commandment fosters trust, promotes justice, and ultimately reflects the character of God, who is the ultimate source and embodiment of truth. It compels us to examine our own hearts for any inclination to distort reality, spread rumors, or engage in slander, reminding us that our words have eternal weight and contribute to the moral fabric of our communities.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the command against bearing false witness challenge our use of social media and the rapid spread of information today?**
* **In what ways might we subtly or unintentionally "bear false witness" against our neighbor in our daily interactions, gossip, or even through our silence?**
* **How does upholding truthfulness in all areas of life reflect the character of God and build trust within our families, churches, and broader communities?**

### FAQ

**Is this commandment only about legal settings?**

Answer: While its primary context is judicial, the principle of "neither shalt thou bear false witness against thy neighbour" extends far beyond the courtroom. It prohibits any deliberate misrepresentation of facts or character that could harm another, encompassing gossip, slander, libel, and even deceptive advertising. The spirit of the law calls for a life of integrity and truthfulness in all dealings, reflecting God's own character. Jesus Himself affirmed the broader principle of truthfulness in the heart ([Matthew 15:19](/matthew/15-19 "Matthew 15:19 - Evil Thoughts Come from the Heart")), indicating that the command addresses the underlying disposition towards honesty.

**How does this relate to "white lies" or minor deceptions?**

Answer: The commandment primarily addresses falsehoods designed to cause significant harm, especially in a legal or reputational context. However, the broader biblical emphasis on truthfulness (e.g., [Colossians 3:9](/colossians/3-9 "Colossians 3:9 - Do Not Lie to One Another")) suggests that all forms of deception are contrary to God's character and the ideal of loving one's neighbor. While "white lies" may seem minor, they erode trust and compromise integrity, moving away from the spirit of this command, which is to live a life of absolute honesty before God and others.

**What were the consequences of bearing false witness in ancient Israel?**

Answer: In ancient Israel, the consequences for bearing false witness were severe, reflecting the gravity of the offense. The principle of *lex talionis* (retribution in kind) applied: if a witness was found to have given false testimony, they would suffer the punishment that the accused would have received had the false testimony been believed. [Deuteronomy 19:18-19](/deuteronomy/19-18 "Deuteronomy 19:18-19 - Punishment for False Witness") states that the judges "shall make diligent inquisition: and, behold, if the witness be a false witness, and hath testified falsely against his brother; Then shall ye do unto him, as he had thought to have done unto his brother." This could range from financial penalties to death, emphasizing the sanctity of truth and justice within the community.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 5:20 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. He is the very embodiment of truth, declaring, "[I am the way, the truth, and the life](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). In His life and ministry, Jesus perfectly upheld this commandment, speaking only what was true and condemning all forms of falsehood and hypocrisy. Ironically, Jesus Himself became the ultimate victim of false witness, as His enemies brought "[many false witnesses](/matthew/26-59 "Matthew 26:59 - False Witnesses Against Jesus")" against Him during His trial ([Matthew 26:59-60](/matthew/26-59 "Matthew 26:59-60 - False Witnesses Against Jesus")), leading to His unjust condemnation and crucifixion. This highlights the profound evil of bearing false witness and the extent of Christ's suffering for humanity's sin. For believers, the indwelling Holy Spirit is the "[Spirit of truth](/john/16-13 "John 16:13 - The Spirit of Truth")" ([John 16:13](/john/16-13 "John 16:13 - The Spirit of Truth")), empowering us to "[put away lying and speak truth](/ephesians/4-25 "Ephesians 4:25 - Speak Truth to Your Neighbor")" with our neighbor ([Ephesians 4:25](/ephesians/4-25 "Ephesians 4:25 - Speak Truth to Your Neighbor")), reflecting the character of Christ and living as His witnesses in a world often saturated with deceit ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - You Will Be My Witnesses")).

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

Exodus 20:16

Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.

Exodus 23:1

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

Proverbs 19:9

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

Proverbs 19:5

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

Proverbs 6:19

A false witness [that] speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.

1 Kings 21:13

And there came in two men, children of Belial, and sat before him: and the men of Belial witnessed against him, [even] against Naboth, in the presence of the people, saying, Naboth did blaspheme God and the king. Then they carried him forth out of the city, and stoned him with stones, that he died.

Malachi 3:5

And I will come near to you to judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, and against the adulterers, and against false swearers, and against those that oppress the hireling in [his] wages, the widow, and the fatherless, and that turn aside the stranger [from his right], and fear not me, saith the LORD of hosts.