Translations
Modern
A lone witness is not sufficient to establish any wrongdoing or sin against a man, regardless of what offense he may have committed. A matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.
Traditional
One witness shall not rise up against a man for any iniquity, or for any sin, in any sin that he sinneth: at the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall the matter be established.
Literal
One witness shall not rise against a man concerning any iniquity, or any sin, in any sin that he commits. Upon the mouth of two witnesses or upon the mouth of three witnesses, a matter shall be established.
Latin
Non stabit testis unus contra aliquem, quidquid illud peccati, et facinoris fuerit: sed in ore duorum aut trium testium stabit omne verbum.
Original
Hebrew
English
A lone witness is not sufficient to establish any wrongdoing or sin against a man, regardless of what offense he may have committed. A matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.
Notes
The testimony of one witness had no more authority than the word of the accused. But two or three witnesses could confirm or challenge each other's statements. For New Testament references to this law, see Matthew 18:15–20; John 8:17–18; 2 Corinthians 13:1–2 and study note.
Theme notes and profiles
Parallels
Glossary
Archaeology and the Bible Biblical Concept of Law Courts and Trials Covenant Criminal Law and Punishment Deuteronomy, Book of Neighbor Offend, Offense Saul Witness
Topics
Courts of Justice: The Accused: The Evidence of Two or More Witnesses Required In Evidence: Laws Concerning Murder: To be Proved by Two Witnesses at Least Punishment: Death Penalty: Not Inflicted by the Testimony of Less than Two Witnesses Tattletales Witness: Two Necessary to Establish a Fact