Deuteronomy 19:15 - One witness shall not rise up against a man for any iniquity, or for any sin, in any sin that he sins. At the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall a matter be established.
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What does "Deuteronomy 19:15" mean?
Deuteronomy 19:15 outlines a fundamental principle of justice: a person cannot be convicted of a crime based solely on the testimony of a single witness. The verse emphasizes that multiple independent witnesses (at least two or three) are required to establish guilt.
Here's a breakdown of the key components:
"One witness shall not rise up against a man...": This establishes the core rule: a single person's testimony is insufficient for conviction. The phrase "rise up against" implies formally accusing and testifying against someone in a court of law.
"...for any iniquity, or for any sin, in any sin that he sins.": This makes it clear that the rule applies to all crimes and wrongdoings, regardless of severity. It covers both intentional sins and unintentional wrongdoings.
"At the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall a matter be established.": This states the requirement for conviction: at least two or three independent witnesses must corroborate the accusation. The "mouth" refers to their spoken testimony. "Shall a matter be established" means the case can only proceed to conviction if this condition is met.
In essence, the verse is designed to protect individuals from false accusations and ensure a higher standard of proof before someone is convicted of a crime. It's a safeguard against malicious accusations, biased testimonies, and the potential for a single person to unjustly condemn another.
Importance and Implications:
Due Process: This verse is a cornerstone of fair legal proceedings. It establishes the importance of verifiable evidence and multiple perspectives.
Reliability of Evidence: The rule acknowledges the fallibility of human memory and the potential for bias or ulterior motives. Requiring multiple witnesses increases the likelihood that the accusation is truthful and accurate.
Protection Against False Accusations: This principle safeguards individuals from being wrongly accused and convicted based on fabricated or exaggerated claims.
Historical Significance: This verse has had a profound impact on legal systems throughout history, influencing concepts like due process, burden of proof, and the importance of corroborating evidence. Similar principles are found in other ancient legal codes and continue to be relevant in modern jurisprudence.
In modern legal systems, this principle is reflected in the emphasis on corroborating evidence, the right to confront witnesses, and the presumption of innocence until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. While modern legal systems often rely on a broader range of evidence than just eyewitness testimony, the core principle of requiring sufficient and reliable proof for conviction remains essential.
Deuteronomy 19:15 - One witness shall not rise up against a man for any iniquity, or for any sin, in any sin that he sins. At the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall a matter be established.
What does "Deuteronomy 19:15" mean?
Deuteronomy 19:15 outlines a fundamental principle of justice: a person cannot be convicted of a crime based solely on the testimony of a single witness. The verse emphasizes that multiple independent witnesses (at least two or three) are required to establish guilt.
Here's a breakdown of the key components:
"One witness shall not rise up against a man...": This establishes the core rule: a single person's testimony is insufficient for conviction. The phrase "rise up against" implies formally accusing and testifying against someone in a court of law.
"...for any iniquity, or for any sin, in any sin that he sins.": This makes it clear that the rule applies to all crimes and wrongdoings, regardless of severity. It covers both intentional sins and unintentional wrongdoings.
"At the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall a matter be established.": This states the requirement for conviction: at least two or three independent witnesses must corroborate the accusation. The "mouth" refers to their spoken testimony. "Shall a matter be established" means the case can only proceed to conviction if this condition is met.
In essence, the verse is designed to protect individuals from false accusations and ensure a higher standard of proof before someone is convicted of a crime. It's a safeguard against malicious accusations, biased testimonies, and the potential for a single person to unjustly condemn another.
Importance and Implications:
Due Process: This verse is a cornerstone of fair legal proceedings. It establishes the importance of verifiable evidence and multiple perspectives.
Reliability of Evidence: The rule acknowledges the fallibility of human memory and the potential for bias or ulterior motives. Requiring multiple witnesses increases the likelihood that the accusation is truthful and accurate.
Protection Against False Accusations: This principle safeguards individuals from being wrongly accused and convicted based on fabricated or exaggerated claims.
Historical Significance: This verse has had a profound impact on legal systems throughout history, influencing concepts like due process, burden of proof, and the importance of corroborating evidence. Similar principles are found in other ancient legal codes and continue to be relevant in modern jurisprudence.
In modern legal systems, this principle is reflected in the emphasis on corroborating evidence, the right to confront witnesses, and the presumption of innocence until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. While modern legal systems often rely on a broader range of evidence than just eyewitness testimony, the core principle of requiring sufficient and reliable proof for conviction remains essential.