What does the Bible say about witness?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible teaches that witnesses must speak truthfully, uphold justice, and recognize that false testimony is a serious sin before God. Leviticus 5:1 calls those who know relevant facts to testify rather than conceal them, while Proverbs 18:17 warns that an initial claim must be carefully examined. The law required corroboration in grave cases, as Numbers 35:30 and Deuteronomy 17:6 show, guarding against condemning anyone on one witness alone. Exodus 22:11 and 1 Kings 8:31-32 place disputed matters and oaths before the Lord, who knows every heart and judges the guilty and the righteous. These commands teach Christians to bear honest witness in courts, church, and daily speech, trusting God to vindicate truth and administer perfect justice.
Study outline
Curated topical outlines from classic public-domain study works.
Nave's Topical Bible
- General scriptures concerning Leviticus 5:1; Proverbs 18:17
- Qualified by oath Exodus 22:11; Numbers 5:19; Numbers 5:21; 1 Kings 8:31; 1 Kings 8:32
- By laying hands on the accused Leviticus 24:14
- Two necessary to establish a fact Numbers 35:30; Deuteronomy 17:6; Deuteronomy 19:15; Matthew 18:16; John 8:17; 2 Corinthians 13:1; 1 Timothy 5:19; Hebrews 10:28
- Required to throw the first stone in executing the sentence Deuteronomy 13:9; Deuteronomy 17:5-7; Acts 7:58
- To the transfer of land Genesis 21:25-30; Genesis 23:11; Genesis 23:16-18; Ruth 4:1-9; Jeremiah 32:9-12; Jeremiah 32:25; Jeremiah 32:44
- To marriage Ruth 4:10; Ruth 4:11; Isaiah 8:2; Isaiah 8:3
- Incorruptible Psalms 15:4
- Corrupted by money Matthew 28:11-15; Acts 6:11; Acts 6:13
- FIGURATIVE
- Of instruction in righteousness Revelation 11:3
- See COURTS
- See EVIDENCE
- See FALSEHOOD
- See FALSE WITNESS
- See HOLY SPIRIT
- See TESTIMONY
- See TESTIMONY, RELIGIOUS
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