Adam Clarke's Bible Commentary Verse 1. Thou shalt not raise a false report] Acting contrary to this precept is a sin against the ninth commandment. And the inventor and receiver of false and slanderous reports, are almost equally criminal. The word seems to refer to either, and our translators have very properly retained both senses, putting raise in the text, and receive in the margin.
The original al at lo tissa has been translated, thou shalt not publish.
Were there no publishers of slander and calumny, there would be no receivers; and were there none to receive them, there would be none to raise them; and were there no raisers, receivers, nor propagators of calumny, lies, &c., society would be in peace.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-9 - In the law of Moses are very plain marks of sound moral feeling, and of true political wisdom. Every thing in it is suited to the desired an avowed object, the worship of one only God, and the separation of Israel from the pagan world. Neither parties, friends, witnesses, no common opinions, must move us to lessen great faults, to aggravat small ones, excuse offenders, accuse the innocent, or misrepresent an thing.
Original Hebrew לא3808 תשׂא5375 שׁמע8088 שׁוא7723 אל408 תשׁת7896 ידך3027 עם5973 רשׁע7563 להית1961 עד5707 חמס׃2555
