Definition: At the mouth of two witnesses, or three witnesses, shall he that is worthy of death be put to death; [but] at the mouth of one witness he shall not be put to death.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Deuteronomy 17:6. It's a really important and complex section about how God decides who gets to die. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: God is giving instructions on how to decide who gets executed – specifically, who dies by death. This verse sets up a system where God uses two witnesses (and then three) to determine the fate of someone who has been found guilty of a serious crime. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “At the mouth of two witnesses…” – This means that if the person is condemned, God will call for two people to witness the judgment. “…or three witnesses…” - God will also call for three people to witness the judgment. “Shall he that is worthy of death be put to death; [but] at the mouth of one witness he shall not be put to death.” – This is the core of the verse. It’s saying: "He that is worthy of death" – This refers to someone who has committed a terrible, serious crime (like murder or treason). “Be put to death” - God will execute this person by death. “[But] at the mouth of one witness he shall not be put to death.” – This is the crucial part. If someone is worthy of death, God will not let them be executed. However, if someone is not worthy of death, God will let them die. What does this all mean in a broader sense? This verse speaks to the idea that God’s justice and mercy are intertwined. He wants to protect people from evil but also recognizes that some people are truly deserving of punishment. It's a way for God to demonstrate his power and control over life and death, while still being fair. Important Context (Briefly): This verse is part of a larger set of laws in the Old Testament. It’s rooted in the idea that God has absolute authority over all life and death. It's a reminder to be careful and thoughtful about how we judge others and to understand that God will ultimately decide who lives or dies. In short, this verse is a complex rule about determining the final fate of someone who has committed a significant crime, with God’s permission allowing for execution only when they are truly worthy. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part in more detail? Provide an analogy to help understand it better?