TRV
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Commentary on Deuteronomy 5 verses 6–22
Here is the repetition of the ten commandments, in which observe, 1. Though they had been spoken before, and written, yet they are again rehearsed; for precept must be upon precept, and line upon line, and all little enough to keep the word of God in our minds and to preserve and renew the impressions of it. We have need to have the same things often inculcated upon us. See Phi 3:1. 2. There is some variation here from that record (Ex. 20), as there is between the Lord's prayer as it is in Mt. 6 and as it is Lu. 11. In both it is more necessary that we tie ourselves to the things than to the words unalterably. 3. The most considerable variation is in the fourth commandment. In Ex. 20 the reason annexed is taken from the creation of the world; here it is taken from their deliverance out of Egypt, because that was typical of our redemption by Jesus Christ, in remembrance of which the Christian sabbath was to be observed: Remember that thou wast a servant, and God brought thee out, Deu 5:15. And Therefore, (1.) "It is fit that thy servants should be favoured by the sabbath-rest; for thou knowest the heart of a servant, and how welcome one day's ease will be after six days' labour." (2.) "It is fit that thy God should be honoured by the sabbath-work, and the religious services of the day, in consideration of the great things he has done for thee." In the resurrection of Christ we were brought into the glorious liberty of the children of God, with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm; therefore, by the gospel-edition of the law, we are directed to observe the first day of the week, in remembrance of that glorious work of power and grace. 4. It is added in the fifth commandment, That it may go well with thee, which addition the apostle quotes, and puts first (Eph 6:3), that it may be well with thee, and that thou mayest live long. If there be instances of some that have been very dutiful to their parents, and yet have not lived long upon earth, we may reconcile it to the promise by this explication of it, Whether they live long or no, it shall go well with them, either in this world or in a better. See Ecc 8:12. 5. The last five commandments are connected or coupled together, which they are not in Exodus: Neither shalt thou commit adultery, neither shalt thou steal, etc., which intimate that God's commands are all of a piece: the same authority that obliges us to one obliges us to another; and we must not be partial in the law, but have respect to all God's commandments, for he that offends in one point is guilty of all, Jam 2:10, Jam 2:11. 6. That these commandments were given with a great deal of awful solemnity, Deu 5:22. (1.) They were spoken with a great voice out of the fire, and thick darkness. That was a dispensation of terror, designed to make the gospel of grace the more welcome, and to be a specimen of the terrors of the judgment-day, Psa 50:3, Psa 50:4. (2.) He added no more. What other laws he gave them were sent by Moses, but no more were spoken in the same manner that the ten commandments were. He added no more, therefore we must not add: the law of the Lord is perfect. (3.) He wrote them in two tables of stone, that they might be preserved from corruption, and might be transmitted pure and entire to posterity, for whose use they were intended, as well as for the present generation. These being the heads of the covenant, the chest in which the written tables were deposited was called the ark of the covenant. See Rev 11:19.
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SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 5:20, presented as the ninth commandment within the Decalogue, unequivocally establishes the divine imperative for absolute veracity, particularly concerning statements that bear upon the reputation, standing, or legal fate of one's fellow human being. This foundational command transcends mere courtroom testimony, serving as a bedrock principle for a just and trustworthy society, where integrity, communal trust, and the inherent dignity of every individual are upheld as reflections of God's own character as the fount of all truth.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: This commandment is a direct and solemn reiteration of the ninth "word" originally delivered by God Himself at Mount Sinai, as recorded in Exodus 20:16. In Deuteronomy Chapter 5, Moses addresses the new generation of Israelites on the plains of Moab, poised on the brink of entering the Promised Land. His discourse is not a mere historical recount but a profound covenant renewal ceremony. By restating the Decalogue, Moses emphasizes its enduring relevance and binding authority for their future life in the land, framing it as the ethical core of their renewed covenant with Yahweh, designed to foster a just, holy, and thriving community. The placement of this command among those governing human relationships underscores its vital role in maintaining social harmony and divine justice.
Historical & Cultural Context: In ancient Israelite society, legal proceedings and public discourse relied almost entirely on oral testimony. Unlike modern systems with extensive forensic evidence or documentation, the integrity of a witness was paramount for the administration of justice. Bearing false witness was not a minor infraction but a grave offense with potentially devastating consequences for the accused, including unjust condemnation, severe financial penalties, loss of property, public shaming, or even death, as tragically illustrated by the case of Naboth's vineyard in 1 Kings 21:10. Recognizing this profound vulnerability, the Mosaic Law prescribed severe, reciprocal penalties for those found to have given false testimony, as detailed in Deuteronomy 19:16-19. This legal framework underscores the critical importance of truthfulness in maintaining social order, protecting individual rights, and ensuring that divine justice was upheld within the covenant community.
Key Themes: The prohibition against bearing false witness is integral to several overarching themes pervasive throughout Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. Primarily, it underscores the absolute necessity of truth and integrity in all human interactions, particularly when one's words possess the power to impact another's life or reputation. This command actively promotes a societal culture where truth is esteemed above personal gain, malice, or convenience. Furthermore, by strictly forbidding false witness, God lays down a foundational principle for a just and fair legal system, safeguarding the innocent and ensuring that all judgments are rooted in verifiable truth, not deception or manipulation. Finally, this commandment powerfully articulates the broader principle of protection of neighbor, echoing the profound command to love one's neighbor as oneself. Bearing false witness is an act of profound harm, violating a neighbor's rights, reputation, and well-being, thereby directly undermining the very fabric of the covenant community and the mutual trust upon which it is built.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 5:20 employs a direct Prohibition, characteristic of the Decalogue's structure, which establishes clear and absolute moral boundaries. This apodictic law presents an unconditional standard of conduct, leaving no ambiguity regarding the expected behavior. The conciseness of the command also lends it memorable brevity, ensuring it is easily recalled and understood by all members of the community. Functionally, it serves as a foundational ethical principle, reinforcing the covenantal demand for righteousness and justice within the Israelite community, thereby mirroring the integrity and truthfulness of God Himself. The command also utilizes synecdoche, where "witness" (a specific act) stands for the broader principle of truthfulness in speech and reputation.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The command against bearing false witness is profoundly rooted in the very character of God, who is inherently truth itself and utterly incapable of deceit (Titus 1:2). As His covenant people, Israel was called to embody this divine attribute in all their interactions, especially in upholding justice and maintaining the sanctity of truth. This commandment extends beyond the confines of the courtroom, serving as a foundational principle for all communication within the community. It underscores the sanctity of truth, the profound value of human reputation, and the absolute necessity of integrity for a society to flourish under God's blessing. To bear false witness is not merely a social transgression; it is a theological offense, as it fundamentally undermines justice, inflicts harm upon a fellow image-bearer of God, and distorts the very truth that God embodies and demands.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 5:20 challenges us to deeply consider the profound power of our words and the immense, often unseen, impact they have on the lives and reputations of others. While originating in ancient legal contexts, its enduring principle resonates with urgent relevance in our hyper-connected, information-saturated modern world. This commandment calls us to cultivate an unwavering commitment to integrity in an age rife with 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 essential trust, promotes genuine 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, engage in gossip, spread rumors, or participate in slander, reminding us that our words carry eternal weight and contribute significantly to the moral and spiritual fabric of our communities.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Is this commandment only about legal settings?
Answer: While its primary and most severe context is judicial, the principle of "neither shalt thou bear false witness against thy neighbour" extends far beyond the courtroom. It comprehensively prohibits any deliberate misrepresentation of facts or character that could harm another person, encompassing a wide range of actions such as gossip, slander, libel, malicious rumors, and even deceptive advertising. The profound spirit of the law calls for a life of unwavering integrity and truthfulness in all dealings, reflecting God's own perfect character. Jesus Himself affirmed the broader principle of truthfulness originating in the heart, stating that evil thoughts, including "false witness," come from within (Matthew 15:19), indicating that the command addresses the underlying disposition towards honesty.
How does this relate to "white lies" or minor deceptions?
Answer: The ninth commandment primarily addresses falsehoods designed to cause significant harm, especially in a legal or reputational context. However, the broader biblical emphasis on truthfulness throughout Scripture (e.g., Colossians 3:9) 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 or inconsequential, they subtly erode trust, compromise personal integrity, and move away from the holistic spirit of this command, which is to live a life of absolute honesty and transparency before God and others. They represent a deviation from the divine standard of truth.
What were the consequences of bearing false witness in ancient Israel?
Answer: In ancient Israel, the consequences for bearing false witness were exceptionally severe, reflecting the extreme gravity of the offense within a justice system reliant on oral testimony. The principle of lex talionis (retribution in kind) was applied: if a witness was found to have given false testimony, they would suffer precisely the punishment that the accused would have received had the false testimony been believed. Deuteronomy 19:18-19 explicitly 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 significant financial penalties to severe bodily harm, or even death, profoundly emphasizing the sanctity of truth and the paramount importance of justice within the covenant community.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 5:20 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the very embodiment of truth, declaring, "I am the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6). In His earthly life and ministry, Jesus perfectly upheld this commandment, speaking only what was true, exposing hypocrisy, and condemning all forms of falsehood and deceit. Ironically, Jesus Himself became the ultimate innocent victim of false witness, as His enemies brought "many false witnesses" against Him during His unjust trial (Matthew 26:59-60), leading to His condemnation and crucifixion. This profound event not only highlights the heinous evil of bearing false witness but also underscores the immense depth of Christ's suffering for humanity's sin. For believers, the indwelling Holy Spirit, who is explicitly called the "Spirit of truth" (John 16:13), empowers us to "put away lying and speak truth" with our neighbor (Ephesians 4:25), thereby reflecting the character of Christ and living authentically as His witnesses in a world often saturated with deceit (Acts 1:8).