Shoftim 19:18 · unit 1
TT #254 · Parashas Shoftim · Sixth Aliyah · Passuk 19:18
The Complete Passuk
וְדָרְשׁ֥וּ הַשֹּׁפְטִ֖ים הֵיטֵ֑ב וְהִנֵּ֤ה עֵֽד־שֶׁ֙קֶר֙ הָעֵ֔ד שֶׁ֖קֶר עָנָ֥ה בְאָחִֽיו׃
And the judges shall inquire well, and behold, the witness is a false witness; he has testified falsely against his brother.
Chabad / Judaica Press
Source Citation
Torah Temimah points to Makkot 5a–b.
TT lemma: וְדָרְשׁוּ הַשֹּׁפְטִים הֵיטֵב.
Sefaria — Makkot 5a–b
Core Text of Chazal
Core Text
וְדָרְשׁוּ הַשֹּׁפְטִים הֵיטֵב – בִּדְרִישָׁה וַחֲקִירָה.
English: ‘And the judges shall inquire well’ – with examination and investigation.
On the daf / in context: Thorough interrogation is required before declaring witnesses zomemim.
Type of Learning
Derash on the duty of investigation (Bavli) — the court must probe carefully.
What Is Learned
Before treating witnesses as conspiring, the judges must conduct a thorough examination and investigation.