Deuteronomy 5:20

Deuteronomy 5:20, "Neither shalt thou bear false witness against thy neighbour," is the ninth commandment given by God to the Israelites. This verse prohibits lying in any context that would harm another person, particularly in a judicial setting, emphasizing the vital importance of truthfulness and justice within the community.

Context

This commandment is part of the Decalogue, or Ten Commandments, which Moses reiterates to the new generation of Israelites in Deuteronomy Chapter 5 before they enter the Promised Land. It is a direct restatement of the command found in Exodus 20:16. In ancient Israelite society, where legal proceedings often relied heavily on oral testimony, false witness could have devastating consequences, leading to the unjust condemnation, financial ruin, or even death of an innocent person. Thus, upholding truth in testimony was fundamental to maintaining a just and orderly society.

Key Themes

• Truth and Integrity: The verse underscores the absolute necessity of honesty and integrity in all interactions, particularly when one's words can impact another's life or reputation. It promotes a culture where truth is valued above personal gain or malice.
• Justice and Fairness: By forbidding false witness, God establishes a foundational principle for a just legal system. It protects the innocent and ensures that judgments are based on truth, not deception.
• Protection of Neighbor: This commandment reflects the broader principle of loving one's neighbor as oneself. Bearing false witness is an act of profound harm against another, violating their rights, reputation, and well-being.

Linguistic Insight

The Hebrew phrase for "false witness" is ‘ed sheqer (עֵד שֶׁקֶר). ‘Ed means "witness," and sheqer signifies "falsehood, lie, or deception." This highlights the specific nature of the prohibition: it's not just any lie, but a lie given as testimony or evidence designed to deceive or harm another person. The word for "neighbour," rea‘ (רֵעַ), is broad, encompassing anyone in the community, emphasizing that this ethical standard applies universally within society.

Significance and Application

While originally set in the context of legal proceedings, the principle of not bearing false witness extends far beyond the courtroom. It applies to all forms of communication in daily life:

• Avoiding Gossip and Slander: Spreading rumors or untrue statements about others, even casually, falls under the spirit of this commandment.
• Honesty in All Dealings: It calls believers to integrity in business, personal relationships, and public discourse, emphasizing transparent and truthful communication.
• Combating Misinformation: In the modern age, with the rapid spread of information, this command reminds us of our responsibility to verify facts and avoid sharing falsehoods that could harm individuals or society.

Jesus Himself affirmed the importance of this commandment (Matthew 19:18), and the New Testament consistently calls believers to truthfulness, as seen in Ephesians 4:25: "Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour."

Reflection

Deuteronomy 5:20 challenges us to consider the power of our words and the impact they have on others. It is a call to live with unwavering integrity, to be champions of truth, and to protect the reputation and well-being of those around us. Upholding this commandment fosters trust, promotes justice, and reflects the character of God, who is truth itself.