Deuteronomy 19:16

16 If a malicious witness takes the stand to accuse someone of a crime,

Deuteronomy 19:16 in Other Translations

King James Version (KJV)
16 If a false witness rise up against any man to testify against him that which is wrong;
English Standard Version (ESV)
16 If a malicious witness arises to accuse a person of wrongdoing,
New Living Translation (NLT)
16 “If a malicious witness comes forward and accuses someone of a crime,
The Message Bible (MSG)
16 If a hostile witness stands to accuse someone of a wrong,
American Standard Version (ASV)
16 If an unrighteous witness rise up against any man to testify against him of wrong-doing,
GOD'S WORD Translation (GW)
16 This is what you must do whenever a witness takes the stand to accuse a person falsely of a crime.
Holman Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
16 "If a malicious witness testifies against someone accusing him of a crime,
New International Reader's Version (NIRV)
16 Suppose a witness who tells lies goes to court and brings charges against someone. The witness says that person committed a crime.

Deuteronomy 19:16 Meaning and Commentary

Deuteronomy 19:16

If a false witness rise up against any man
In a court of judicature:

to testify against him:
that which is not true of him, let it be in what case it will; Aben Ezra instances in idolatry, but it holds good of any other.

Deuteronomy 19:16 In-Context

14 Do not move your neighbor’s boundary stone set up by your predecessors in the inheritance you receive in the land the LORD your God is giving you to possess.
15 One witness is not enough to convict anyone accused of any crime or offense they may have committed. A matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.
16 If a malicious witness takes the stand to accuse someone of a crime,
17 the two people involved in the dispute must stand in the presence of the LORD before the priests and the judges who are in office at the time.
18 The judges must make a thorough investigation, and if the witness proves to be a liar, giving false testimony against a fellow Israelite,

Cross References 1

  • 1. Exodus 23:1; Psalms 27:12; Proverbs 6:19
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