Deuteronomy 17:6

6 On the testimony of two or three witnesses a person is to be put to death, but no one is to be put to death on the testimony of only one witness.

Deuteronomy 17:6 in Other Translations

King James Version (KJV)
6 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.
English Standard Version (ESV)
6 On the evidence of two witnesses or of three witnesses the one who is to die shall be put to death; a person shall not be put to death on the evidence of one witness.
New Living Translation (NLT)
6 But never put a person to death on the testimony of only one witness. There must always be two or three witnesses.
The Message Bible (MSG)
6 But only on the testimony of two or three witnesses may a person be put to death. No one may be put to death on the testimony of one witness.
American Standard Version (ASV)
6 At the mouth of two witnesses, or three witnesses, shall he that is to die be put to death; at the mouth of one witness he shall not be put to death.
GOD'S WORD Translation (GW)
6 The person can only be sentenced to death on the testimony of two or three witnesses, but no one should ever be sentenced to death on the testimony of only one witness.
Holman Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
6 The one condemned to die is to be executed on the testimony of two or three witnesses. No one is to be executed on the testimony of a single witness.
New International Reader's Version (NIRV)
6 The witness of two or three people is required to put someone to death. No one can be put to death because of what only one witness says. It needs the witness of two or three people.

Deuteronomy 17:6 Meaning and Commentary

Deuteronomy 17:6

At the mouth of two witnesses, or three witnesses, shall he
that is worthy of death be put to death
The idolater found guilty was to be stoned; two witnesses were sufficient to prove a fact, if three the better, but, on the testimony of one, sentence might not be pronounced. Aben Ezra observes, that some say, if two witnesses contradict two other, a third turns the scale and determines the matter; and others say, that two who are wise men will do, and three of others; and because it is said "at the mouth" of these witnesses, it is concluded, that a testimony should be verbal and not written; should not be recorded, neither in pecuniary cases nor in capital ones, but from the mouth of the witnesses, as it is said "at the mouth" at their mouth, and not from their handwriting F5:

[but] at the mouth of one witness he shall not be put to death;
so careful is the Lord of the lives of men, that none should be taken away but upon full and sufficient evidence, even in cases in which his own glory and honour is so much concerned.


FOOTNOTES:

F5 Maimon. Hilchot Eduth, c. 3. sect. 4.

Deuteronomy 17:6 In-Context

4 and this has been brought to your attention, then you must investigate it thoroughly. If it is true and it has been proved that this detestable thing has been done in Israel,
5 take the man or woman who has done this evil deed to your city gate and stone that person to death.
6 On the testimony of two or three witnesses a person is to be put to death, but no one is to be put to death on the testimony of only one witness.
7 The hands of the witnesses must be the first in putting that person to death, and then the hands of all the people. You must purge the evil from among you.
8 If cases come before your courts that are too difficult for you to judge—whether bloodshed, lawsuits or assaults—take them to the place the LORD your God will choose.

Cross References 1

  • 1. Numbers 35:30; Deuteronomy 19:15; Joshua 7:25; S Matthew 18:16; John 8:17; 2 Corinthians 13:1; 1 Timothy 5:19; Hebrews 10:28
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