Deuteronomy 19:15-21

15 One witness is never enough to convict someone of a crime, offense, or sin he may have committed. Cases must be settled based on the testimony of two or three witnesses.

16 This is what you must do whenever a witness takes the stand to accuse a person falsely of a crime.

17 The two people involved must stand in the LORD's presence, in front of the priests and judges who are serving at that time.

18 The judges must make a thorough investigation. If it is found that the witness lied when he testified against the other Israelite,

19 then do to him what he planned to do to the other person. You must get rid of this evil.

20 When the rest of the people hear about this, they will be afraid. Never again will such an evil thing be done among you.

21 Have no pity on him: [Take] a life for a life, an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, a hand for a hand, and a foot for a foot.

Deuteronomy 19:15-21 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO DEUTERONOMY 19

This chapter contains an order to separate three cities of refuge in the land of Canaan, for such that killed a man unawares to flee to, of which those who were guilty of murder purposely were to have no benefit, De 19:1-13, a law is given against removing landmarks, De 19:14, and others concerning witnesses, that they should be more than one; be two, or three, De 19:15, and that a false witness, on conviction, should be punished, De 19:16-21.