Two or three witnesses

There has been a tradition of two or more witnesses to establish something to be true.

In monetary law two witnesses may require someone to pay a debt or absolve them from that obligation.

In capital cases two witnesses may testify that a person has committed a crime.

In Jewish law it has been a tradition in some instances that two witnesses are required to perform a certain action, such as kiddushin (betrothal). If there are not two valid witnesses, the kiddushin does not take effect.

We see the same practice today with marriage where two witnesses are required in order to have the union recognized. Even though the essential element is that the two exchange vows to be married it is not considered valid in many states without two witnesses. The second impartial witness is important to create the validity of the union or agreement in the eyes of the public in general and therefore the law of the people.

Old Testament

Deuteronomy 17:6 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.

Deuteronomy 19:15 One witness shall not rise up against a man for any iniquity, or for any sin, in any sin that he sinneth: at the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall the matter be established.

Thus, two witnesses provide conclusive proof of reality, but one witness does not.

Ruth 4:11 And all the people that were in the gate, and the elders, said, We are witnesses. The LORD make the woman that is come into thine house like Rachel and like Leah, which two did build the house of Israel: and do thou worthily in Ephratah, and be famous in Bethlehem:

1 Kings 21:13 And there came in two men, children of Belial, and sat before him: and the men of Belial witnessed against him, even against Naboth, in the presence of the people, saying, Naboth did blaspheme God and the king. Then they carried him forth out of the city, and stoned him with stones, that he died.

New Testament

Matthew 18:16 But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.

Matthew 26:60 But found none: yea, though many false witnesses came, yet found they none. At the last came two false witnesses,

2 Corinthians 13:1 This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.

1 Timothy 5:19 Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses.

Hebrews 10:28 He that despised Moses’ law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:

Revelation 11:3 And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth.