Whoso killeth any person, the murderer shall be put to death by the mouth of witnesses: but one witness shall not testify against any person to cause him to die.
Anyone who kills another person, the murderer must be put to death, but only based on the testimony of multiple witnesses. One witness alone is not enough to sentence someone to death.
This verse establishes that in cases of murder, multiple witnesses are required before someone can be executed, one person's word alone isn't enough for such a serious punishment.
📚 Historical Context
In the book of Numbers, God is giving laws to the Israelites through Moses as they prepare to enter the Promised Land, establishing a system for maintaining order and justice in their society. This verse is part of regulations concerning murder and the cities of refuge, which were designated safe places for those who accidentally caused death. It underscores the importance of multiple witnesses to prevent wrongful convictions in capital cases, reflecting ancient legal practices that prioritized fairness and evidence.
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