Deuteronomy 19:18 Meaning and Explanation
“And the judges shall make diligent inquisition: and, behold, if the witness be a false witness, and hath testified falsely against his brother;”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The judges conduct a careful investigation; if they determine the witness lied, punishment follows.
The Context of Deuteronomy 19:18
Judges investigate thoroughly to identify false witnesses.
What Does Deuteronomy 19:18 Mean?
The judges' duty is 'diligent inquisition'—careful, thorough examination of the evidence. They must not accept the witness's word at face value but scrutinize it, checking for consistency and corroboration. The term 'brother' (meaning fellow Israelite) reinforces the communal nature of justice: all are equal under law.
The discovery of false testimony triggers justice. The perjurer has been caught not by accident but by the judges' careful work. Now, as the next verse will show, the consequence is strict.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deuteronomy 19:18
What does Deuteronomy 19:18 mean?
The judges conduct a careful investigation; if they determine the witness lied, punishment follows.
What is the context of Deuteronomy 19:18?
Judges investigate thoroughly to identify false witnesses.