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Deuteronomy 19:18

Truth and honesty

16 If a false witness testifies against someone, accusing him of a crime,

17 both parties to the dispute must stand in the presence of the LORD, before the priests and judges who are in office at that time.

The judges shall investigate thoroughly, and if the witness is proven to be a liar who has falsely accused his brother,

19 you must do to him as he intended to do to his brother. So you must purge the evil from among you.

20 Then the rest of the people will hear and be afraid, and they will never again do anything so evil among you.

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This was said to Israel at a particular time, so it is wise to read it together with the surrounding text. Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.

Compare

BSB
The judges shall investigate thoroughly, and if the witness is proven to be a liar who has falsely accused his brother,
KJV
And the judges shall make diligent inquisition: and, behold, if the witness be a false witness, and hath testified falsely against his brother;
WEB
and the judges shall make diligent inquisition; and behold, if the witness is a false witness, and has testified falsely against his brother,
ASV
and the judges shall make diligent inquisition: and, behold, if the witness be a false witness, and have testified falsely against his brother;
DARBY
and the judges shall make thorough inquiry; and if the witness be a false witness, and he have testified falsely against his brother,
BLB
And the judges shall make inquiry thoroughly, and behold, if the witness [is] a false witness—he has testified a falsehood against his brother—
ÅB
og dommerne skal nøye granske saken; er da vitnet et falskt vitne, har han vitnet falsk mot sin bror,
OTB
Dommerne må gjennomføre en grundig undersøkelse, og hvis vitnet viser seg å være falskt, og gir falskt vitnesbyrd mot en medisraelitt,
B1930
og dommerne skal nøie granske saken; er da vidnet et falskt vidne, har han vidnet falsk mot sin bror,

Study notes (Tyndale)

Original text and word study

Cross references

  • Deuteronomy 17:4

    and if it is reported and you hear about it, you must investigate it thoroughly. If the report is true and such an abomination has happened in Israel,

    Read in context

  • Deuteronomy 13:14

    then you must inquire, investigate, and interrogate thoroughly. And if it is established with certainty that this abomination has been committed among you,

    Read in context

  • Job 19:16

    I call for my servant, but he does not answer, though I implore him with my own mouth.

    Read in context

  • 2 Chronicles 19:6–7

    Then he said to the judges, “Consider carefully what you do, for you are not judging for man, but for the LORD, who is with you when you render judgment.

    Read in context