At the mouth of two witnesses, or three witnesses, shall he that is worthy of death be put to death; but at the mouth of one witness he shall not be put to death.
A person can only be sentenced to death if two or three witnesses testify against them. No one should be put to death based on the testimony of just one witness.
This verse establishes that at least two witnesses are required before someone can receive the death penalty, protecting people from false accusations.
📚 Historical Context
In ancient Israel, as the Israelites were preparing to enter the Promised Land under Moses' guidance, God established a legal system through the Law to ensure justice in their society. This verse specifically addressed capital punishment cases, requiring at least two or three witnesses to prevent wrongful convictions and uphold the community's moral integrity. It reflected the cultural emphasis on corroborated testimony to protect against false accusations in a time when disputes could easily escalate.
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