16 If a malicious witness takes the stand to accuse someone of a crime,
16 If a false witness rise up against any man to testify against him that which is wrong;
16 If a malicious witness arises to accuse a person of wrongdoing,
16 If a hostile witness stands to accuse someone of a wrong,
16 If a false witness rises against any man to testify against him of wrongdoing,
16 "If a malicious witness comes forward and accuses someone of a crime,
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Deuteronomy 19:16
Commentary on Deuteronomy 19:15-21
(Read Deuteronomy 19:15-21)
Sentence should never be passed upon the testimony of one witness alone. A false witness should suffer the same punishment which he sought to have inflicted upon the person he accused. Nor could any law be more just. Let all Christians not only be cautious in bearing witness in public, but be careful not to join in private slanders; and let all whose consciences accuse them of crime, without delay flee for refuge to the hope set before them in Jesus Christ.