Deuteronomy 19:18

18 The judges will investigate the case thoroughly; and if you have made a false accusation,

Deuteronomy 19:18 Meaning and Commentary

Deuteronomy 19:18

And the judges shall make diligent inquisition
Into the case before them, into the nature of the evidence and proof that each witness brings for or against; so the Targum of Jonathan,

``the judges shall interrogate the witness, by whom these things are said, well;''

shall thoroughly examine the testimony given, and look carefully into it:

and, behold, if the witness be a false witness, and hath testified
falsely against his brother;
it appears plainly by full evidence that he has testified a falsehood of him.

Deuteronomy 19:18 In-Context

16 If any of you try to harm another by false accusations,

17 both of you are to go to the one place of worship and be judged by the priests and judges who are then in office.

18 The judges will investigate the case thoroughly; and if you have made a false accusation,

19 you are to receive the punishment the accused would have received. In this way your nation will get rid of this evil.

20 Then everyone else will hear what happened; they will be afraid, and no one will ever again do such an evil thing.