One witness shall not rise up against a man for any iniquity, or for any sin, in any sin that he sinneth: at the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall the matter be established.
One witness alone cannot accuse someone of wrongdoing or sin. A matter can only be settled and proven true when two or three witnesses testify about what happened.
God is establishing that accusations require multiple witnesses to be considered valid - one person's word alone isn't enough to condemn someone.
📚 Historical Context
In the time of Moses, as the Israelites were preparing to enter the Promised Land, God provided a set of laws in Deuteronomy to guide their new society and ensure fair governance. This verse specifically addressed the risks of false accusations in a culture reliant on oral testimony, requiring at least two or three witnesses to establish the truth in legal matters. Such rules helped maintain justice and social stability in an ancient tribal context without modern courts or evidence systems.
Explore Similar Verses
Ask the AI Assistant
Have a question about this chapter or verse? Ask below for a clear explanation.