Definition: And the judges shall make diligent inquisition: and, behold, [if] the witness [be] a false witness, [and] hath testified falsely against his brother;

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Deuteronomy 19:18. It’s a really important part of understanding how God wants to protect justice in His people. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse is about ensuring fair and truthful testimony within the legal system. It’s saying that judges must carefully examine every witness's words to make sure they are accurate and not lying. If a witness lies, it’s a serious problem for the whole process. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And the judges shall make diligent inquisition:” This means the judge needs to be very careful and thorough when questioning witnesses. It’s not enough just to ask simple questions; the judge has to look closely at what they say and how they say it. It's a serious task, requiring attention to detail. “And, behold, [if] the witness [be] a false witness:” This is the key part. "Be" means is . So this translates to: “And, behold, if the witness is lying.” It’s saying that a witness is intentionally or unintentionally providing false information. “and hath testified falsely against his brother;” This tells us what it means if the witness is lying. It means they have falsely accused someone else – they've spoken wrongly about them. What does this all mean practically? This verse underscores that: Trust is crucial: Judges must trust the witnesses and demand they be truthful. Accountability: If a witness lies, it’s a big deal because it undermines the entire legal process. It can damage relationships, create distrust, and even lead to serious consequences for everyone involved. Justice demands truth: The verse highlights that justice isn't just about punishing wrongdoers; it also requires truthful testimony. A false witness can be a major obstacle to achieving fair outcomes. In short, this verse is a call for judges to be vigilant and ensure witnesses are honest. --- To help me explain further or answer any specific questions you might have, tell me: What specifically about this verse are you curious about? (e.g., its historical context, how it relates to other laws, what it means in a particular situation?)