251 If there be a controversy between men, and they come unto judgment, that the judges may judge them; then they shall justify the righteous, and condemn the wicked.
251 When people have a dispute, they are to take it to court and the judges will decide the case, acquitting the innocent and condemning the guilty.
251 "If there is a dispute between men and they come into court and the judges decide between them, acquitting the innocent and condemning the guilty,
251 When men have a legal dispute, let them go to court; the judges will decide between them, declaring one innocent and the other guilty.
251 "If there is a dispute between men, and they come to court, that the judges may judge them, and they justify the righteous and condemn the wicked,
251 "Suppose two people take a dispute to court, and the judges declare that one is right and the other is wrong.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Deuteronomy 25:1
Commentary on Deuteronomy 25:1-3
(Read Deuteronomy 25:1-3)
Every punishment should be with solemnity, that those who see it may be filled with dread, and be warned not to offend in like manner. And though the criminals must be shamed as well as put to pain, for their warning and disgrace, yet care should be taken that they do not appear totally vile. Happy those who are chastened of the Lord to humble them, that they should not be condemned with the world to destruction.