Proverbs 19:5
A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape.
Original Language Analysis
עֵ֣ד
witness
H5707
עֵ֣ד
witness
Strong's:
H5707
Word #:
1 of 8
concretely, a witness; abstractly, testimony; specifically, a recorder, i.e., prince
שְׁ֭קָרִים
A false
H8267
שְׁ֭קָרִים
A false
Strong's:
H8267
Word #:
2 of 8
an untruth; by implication, a sham (often adverbial)
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
3 of 8
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יִנָּקֶ֑ה
shall not be unpunished
H5352
יִנָּקֶ֑ה
shall not be unpunished
Strong's:
H5352
Word #:
4 of 8
to be (or make) clean (literally or figuratively); by implication (in an adverse sense) to be bare, i.e., extirpated
וְיָפִ֥יחַ
and he that speaketh
H6315
וְיָפִ֥יחַ
and he that speaketh
Strong's:
H6315
Word #:
5 of 8
to puff, i.e., blow with the breath or air; hence, to fan (as a breeze), to utter, to kindle (a fire), to scoff
כְּ֝זָבִ֗ים
lies
H3577
כְּ֝זָבִ֗ים
lies
Strong's:
H3577
Word #:
6 of 8
falsehood; literally (untruth) or figuratively (idol)
Cross References
Proverbs 21:28A false witness shall perish: but the man that heareth speaketh constantly.Proverbs 6:19A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.Proverbs 19:9A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall perish.Exodus 23:1Thou shalt not raise a false report: put not thine hand with the wicked to be an unrighteous witness.Deuteronomy 5:11Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain: for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.Daniel 6:24And the king commanded, and they brought those men which had accused Daniel, and they cast them into the den of lions, them, their children, and their wives; and the lions had the mastery of them, and brake all their bones in pieces or ever they came at the bottom of the den.
Historical Context
Reflects ancient legal system where perjury could result in execution of innocent persons. Torah prescribed lex talionis for false witnesses (Deut 19:18-19) - punishment fitting the crime attempted through false testimony.
Questions for Reflection
- What lies have you told that you assume escaped consequences?
- How does certainty of divine judgment affect your commitment to truthfulness?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaks lies shall not escape. This promise guarantees consequences for perjury and falsehood. The emphatic double negative ('not unpunished,' 'not escape') ensures certainty - liars will face judgment. While human justice may fail, divine justice never does. The ninth commandment's violation brings inescapable consequences. This grounds truthfulness in both moral obligation and pragmatic self-interest - lying brings punishment.