Deuteronomy 17:7

Translations

Modern

The hands of the witnesses shall be the first in putting him to death, and after that, the hands of all the people. So you must purge the evil from among you.

Traditional

The hands of the witnesses shall be first upon him to put him to death, and afterward the hands of all the people. So thou shalt put the evil away from among you.

Literal

The hands of the witnesses shall be the first against him to put him to death, and the hands of all the people afterward. And you shall put away the evil from among you.

Latin

Manus testium prima interficiet eum, et manus reliqui populi extrema mittetur: ut auferas malum de medio tui.

Original

Hebrew

English

The hands of the witnesses shall be the first in putting him to death, and after that, the hands of all the people. So you must purge the evil from among you.

Notes

Deuteronomy 17:7

The rule for witnesses to throw the first stones prevented false accusations. Giving false testimony had serious consequences. Requiring a witness to lead an execution ensured his testimony was reliable. He would feel guilty if he killed an innocent person (see John 8:1–11).
The people would remove evil from among them by executing those whose sins brought guilt to the community of Israel (see “Purge the Evil” Theme Note; compare 1 Corinthians 5:12–13 and study note).

Deuteronomy 16:18–17:13

The community of Israel, like any nation, needed different kinds of leaders. These leaders helped keep the people united and guided them in the right direction.

The Lord told Moses to set up a proper system of leadership. He also gave clear standards for choosing leaders and explained the duties of each role.

Theme notes and profiles

Ancient Law Codes Remove the Evil

Related verses

Deuteronomy 13:9
Instead, you must surely kill him. Your hand must be the first against him to put him to death, and then the hands of all the people.
1 Corinthians 5:13
God will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked man from among you.”
Deuteronomy 13:5
Such a prophet or dreamer must be put to death, because he has advocated rebellion against the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt and redeemed you from the house of slavery; he has tried to turn you from the way in which the LORD your God has commanded you to walk. So you must purge the evil from among you.
Deuteronomy 17:12
But the man who acts presumptuously, refusing to listen either to the priest who stands there to serve the LORD your God, or to the judge, must be put to death. You must purge the evil from Israel.
Judges 20:13
Hand over the wicked men of Gibeah so we can put them to death and purge Israel of this evil.” But the Benjamites refused to heed the voice of their fellow Israelites.
Deuteronomy 19:19
…you must do to him as he intended to do to his brother. So you must purge the evil from among you.
Deuteronomy 24:7
If a man is caught kidnapping one of his Israelite brothers, whether he treats him as a slave or sells him, the kidnapper must die. So you must purge the evil from among you.
Acts 7:58–59
They dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile the witnesses laid their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul.

Glossary

Archaeology and the Bible Biblical Concept of Law Courts and Trials Covenant Deuteronomy, Book of Law of Moses Naboth Stoning

Topics

Church: Rules of Discipline In, Mosaic and Christian Courts of Justice: The Judgment of Witnesses First to Execute Evidence: Laws Concerning Punishment: Death Penalty: Executed by the Accusing Witnesses Punishments were Inflicted by the Witnesses Religious Intolerance of Idolatrous Religions, Taught by Moses The Stars: Punishment for Worshipping Witness: Required to Throw the First Stone in Executing the Sentence

Deuteronomy 17:7

Translations?

Original?

Notes?

Related verses?

Glossary?

Topics?

Translations

Original

Notes

Related verses

Glossary

Topics