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Based on the testimony[a] of two or three witnesses, they must surely die, but they are not to die based on the testimony of one person. Let the witnesses[b] be the first to begin executing them, then the rest of[c] the people are to follow. By doing this you will purge evil from among you.”

Deciding Difficult Cases

“If a case is too difficult for you to decide with respect to bloodshed,[d] civil claims,[e] assault and battery,[f] or other matters of dispute within your courts,[g] bring[h] it to the place that the Lord your God will choose.

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Footnotes

  1. Deuteronomy 17:6 Lit. mouth
  2. Deuteronomy 17:7 Lit. the hands of the witnesses
  3. Deuteronomy 17:7 Lit. the hand of all
  4. Deuteronomy 17:8 Lit. blood versus blood
  5. Deuteronomy 17:8 Lit. justice versus justice
  6. Deuteronomy 17:8 Lit. wound versus wound
  7. Deuteronomy 17:8 Lit. gates
  8. Deuteronomy 17:8 Lit. stand and go up

On the testimony of two or three witnesses a person is to be put to death, but no one is to be put to death on the testimony of only one witness.(A) The hands of the witnesses must be the first in putting that person to death,(B) and then the hands of all the people.(C) You must purge the evil(D) from among you.

Law Courts

If cases come before your courts that are too difficult for you to judge(E)—whether bloodshed, lawsuits or assaults(F)—take them to the place the Lord your God will choose.(G)

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