Deuteronomy 19 20

Deuteronomy 19:20 kjv

And those which remain shall hear, and fear, and shall henceforth commit no more any such evil among you.

Deuteronomy 19:20 nkjv

And those who remain shall hear and fear, and hereafter they shall not again commit such evil among you.

Deuteronomy 19:20 niv

The rest of the people will hear of this and be afraid, and never again will such an evil thing be done among you.

Deuteronomy 19:20 esv

And the rest shall hear and fear, and shall never again commit any such evil among you.

Deuteronomy 19:20 nlt

Then the rest of the people will hear about it and be afraid to do such an evil thing.

Deuteronomy 19 verses

Deuteronomy 19 20 Meaning

Deuteronomy 19:20 states that the just and rigorous application of the law, specifically concerning the punishment of a false witness, will serve as a powerful deterrent. When others witness the consequences of deceitful testimony, they will be filled with fear and will consequently refrain from committing such wicked acts in the future. The ultimate purpose is to remove evil from the community and uphold justice and truth.

Deuteronomy 19 20 Context

Deuteronomy chapter 19 deals with legal procedures and principles within Israel. The first part (vv. 1-13) establishes the cities of refuge for unintentional homicide, ensuring justice and preventing blood vengeance. The latter part (vv. 15-21) focuses on the administration of justice regarding witnesses and false testimony. Verse 15 stipulates that a charge must be established by two or three witnesses. Verses 16-19 detail the process for discerning a malicious witness and prescribe that such a witness should receive the very penalty he intended for the accused, an application of lex talionis (the law of retaliation). Verse 20, therefore, describes the crucial societal benefit of this just punishment: its deterrent effect, designed to prevent similar transgressions and uphold the sanctity of truth and justice within the community of Israel. Historically, maintaining judicial integrity was paramount for ancient Near Eastern societies, and God's law for Israel provided specific, rigorous mechanisms for it.

Deuteronomy 19 20 Word analysis

• And the rest (וְהַנִּשְׁאָרִים - v'ha-nish'arim): Lit. "and the ones who are left/remaining." This refers to all other members of the community who observe the legal proceedings and their outcome, distinct from the accuser, accused, and immediate witnesses involved in the specific case. It emphasizes the communal nature of justice.
• shall hear (יִשְׁמְעוּ - yishme'u): From the root shama', meaning to hear, listen, or obey. In this context, it implies not merely auditory perception but comprehension and attentive consideration of the judicial outcome. They grasp the significance of what has transpired.
• and fear (וְיִרְאוּ - v'yire'u): From the root yare', meaning to be afraid, revere, stand in awe. This is not simply terror, but a wholesome awe and dread of committing similar acts and facing the same consequences. It reflects a respect for God's law and the righteous judgments derived from it. This fear serves as a profound deterrent.
• and shall from now on never again (וְלֹא־יֹסִפוּ עוֹד - v'lo'-yosifu' od): Lit. "and they will not add/do again anymore." This is a strong negative construction, emphasizing the permanence and effectiveness of the deterrent. It means they will cease entirely and permanently from such behavior.
• commit any such evil (לַעֲשׂוֹת כַּדָּבָר הָרָע הַזֶּה - la'asot ka'davar hara' ha'zeh): "To do like this evil thing/matter." This phrase specifically refers to the act of bearing false witness, or malicious accusation, which is the subject of the immediate preceding verses (Deut 19:16-19). It highlights the specific sin that will be deterred.
• among you (בְּקִרְבֶּךָ - b'kir'bekha): Meaning "in your midst" or "among you." This stresses the internal health and purity of the Israelite community. The law's purpose is not just individual retribution but the cleansing and safeguarding of the collective society from corruption and falsehood.

Deuteronomy 19 20 Bonus section

The phrase "shall hear and fear" or variations thereof ("all Israel shall hear and fear") is a recurrent motif in Deuteronomy (e.g., Deut 13:11, 17:13, 21:21), appearing frequently in conjunction with the execution of justice for severe transgressions. This repetition underscores a foundational principle of the Mosaic law: the visibility and communal impact of punitive justice. It was not merely about individual penalty, but about publicly reinforcing the seriousness of covenant infractions to prevent widespread corruption. The "fear" evoked is thus essential for maintaining a just and holy society that reflects God's own character. It contributes to the desired atmosphere of righteous order where people hesitate to commit grave sins, knowing the consequences are severe and consistently applied.

Deuteronomy 19 20 Commentary

Deuteronomy 19:20 functions as a declarative statement on the crucial socio-theological purpose of divinely prescribed punishment. It moves beyond individual justice to collective well-being. By enacting stringent and just consequences, particularly for high-stakes crimes like false testimony, the entire community is meant to learn and internalize the gravity of the offense. The "fear" it speaks of is a God-ordained one—a reverent apprehension of His holy standards and the assured consequences of transgressing them. This deters future wrongdoing, ensuring truthfulness, judicial integrity, and the purity of God's covenant people. The verse underpins the consistent Deuteronomic theme of removing evil from Israel's midst, solidifying the community's ethical and spiritual health.