Deuteronomy 25:1-3

1 When people have a dispute, they are to take it to court and the judges will decide the case, acquitting the innocent and condemning the guilty.

2 If the guilty person deserves to be beaten, the judge shall make them lie down and have them flogged in his presence with the number of lashes the crime deserves,

3 but the judge must not impose more than forty lashes. If the guilty party is flogged more than that, your fellow Israelite will be degraded in your eyes.

Deuteronomy 25:1-3 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO DEUTERONOMY 25

Several laws are contained in this chapter, as concerning beating such whose crimes required it, De 25:1-3; of not muzzling the ox in treading out the corn, De 25:4; of marrying a deceased brother's wife, when there was no issue, and of the disgrace of such that refused it, De 25:5-10; of the punishment of an immodest woman, De 25:11,12; and against bad weights and measures, De 25:13-16; and for the utter destruction of Amalek, De 25:17-19.

Cross References

• 1. S Exodus 21:6
• 2. Deuteronomy 17:8-13; Deuteronomy 19:17; Acts 23:3
• 3. 1 Kings 8:32
• 4. S Exodus 23:7; Deuteronomy 1:16-17
• 5. Proverbs 10:13; Proverbs 19:29; Luke 12:47-48
• 6. Matthew 27:26; John 19:1; 2 Corinthians 11:24
• 7. Jeremiah 20:2; Job 18:3