Deuteronomy 5:20
Neither shalt thou bear false witness against thy neighbour.
Original Language Analysis
וְלֹֽא
H3808
וְלֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
1 of 5
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תַעֲנֶ֥ה
Neither shalt thou bear
H6030
תַעֲנֶ֥ה
Neither shalt thou bear
Strong's:
H6030
Word #:
2 of 5
properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,
Cross References
Exodus 20:16Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.Exodus 23:1Thou shalt not raise a false report: put not thine hand with the wicked to be an unrighteous witness.Proverbs 19:9A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall perish.Proverbs 19:5A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern legal systems required witnesses for capital cases, creating temptation for perjury. Israel's law mandated two or three witnesses (Deuteronomy 19:15), death penalty for proven false witnesses (Deuteronomy 19:18-19), and thorough investigation of accusations. False witnesses convicted Jesus (Matthew 26:59-60), Naboth (1 Kings 21:10-13), and Stephen (Acts 6:13). Proverbs repeatedly condemns false witness (Proverbs 6:19, 12:17, 14:5, 19:5), showing this sin's seriousness.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this commandment require not only avoiding false testimony but actively protecting others' reputations through truthful, gracious speech?
- In what ways do gossip, slander, and careless words violate the spirit of this command even when not in formal legal contexts?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The ninth commandment 'Neither shalt thou bear false witness against thy neighbour' protects truth and reputation. The original context addresses courtroom testimony, where false witness could result in innocent persons' execution (Deuteronomy 19:16-21). This command upholds justice, requiring honest testimony even when costly. Broader applications include prohibiting slander, gossip, lying, and reputation destruction. Truth-telling reflects God's character (Numbers 23:19, Titus 1:2) and builds trustworthy communities. The Reformed tradition emphasizes Christians as truth-bearers in all contexts, guarding both truth and neighbor's good name.