Matthew 18:15

KJV

¶ Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.

KJV (with Strong's)

Moreover {G1161} if {G1437} thy {G4675} brother {G80} shall trespass {G264} against {G1519} thee {G4571}, go {G5217} and {G2532} tell {G1651} him {G846} his fault {G1651} between {G3342} thee {G4675} and {G2532} him {G846} alone {G3441}: if {G1437} he shall hear {G191} thee {G4675}, thou hast gained {G2770} thy {G4675} brother {G80}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Moreover, if your brother commits a sin against you, go and show him his fault -- but privately, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won back your brother.

Berean Standard Bible

If your brother sins against you, go and confront him privately. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over.

American Standard Version

And if thy brother sin against thee, go, show him his fault between thee and him alone: if he hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 18:15 lays down the foundational principle for resolving interpersonal conflict within the Christian community, advocating for a direct, private confrontation as the initial and most crucial step. This instruction is part of Jesus' broader teaching on life in the Kingdom of Heaven, emphasizing humility, the value of each individual, and the redemptive pursuit of restoration for an erring brother or sister, aiming to prevent public scandal and facilitate genuine reconciliation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within [Matthew 18](/matthew/18 "Matthew 18 - Discourse on Humility, Forgiveness, and Discipline"), often referred to as the "Discourse on Humility and Forgiveness" or "Discourse on Life in the Kingdom." Jesus has just taught about the importance of humility, likening true greatness to the innocence and dependence of a child ([Matthew 18:1-4](/matthew/18-1-4 "Matthew 18:1-4 - Humility Like a Child")). He then issues a severe warning against causing "little ones" to stumble ([Matthew 18:5-9](/matthew/18-5-9 "Matthew 18:5-9 - Warnings Against Causing to Stumble")) and shares the [Parable of the Lost Sheep](/matthew/18-10-14 "Matthew 18:10-14 - Parable of the Lost Sheep"), which powerfully underscores God's profound care for each individual and His desire for their restoration. [Matthew 18:15](/matthew/18-15 "Matthew 18:15 - The First Step in Reconciliation") is the first step in a multi-stage process for addressing sin within the community, followed by bringing one or two witnesses ([Matthew 18:16](/matthew/18-16 "Matthew 18:16 - The Second Step with Witnesses")) and then telling it to the church ([Matthew 18:17](/matthew/18-17 "Matthew 18:17 - The Third Step with the Church")). The discourse concludes with the power of corporate prayer ([Matthew 18:18-20](/matthew/18-18-20 "Matthew 18:18-20 - Binding and Loosing, Jesus' Presence")) and the [Parable of the Unmerciful Servant](/matthew/18-21-35 "Matthew 18:21-35 - Parable of the Unmerciful Servant"), emphasizing limitless forgiveness.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Jewish society, the concept of community and honor was paramount. Public shaming or ostracization was a severe consequence for wrongdoing. While the Old Testament contained laws for addressing offenses, Jesus' teaching here introduces a new emphasis on private reconciliation and restoration, reflecting the values of the nascent Christian community. Unlike the rigid legalism often practiced by the Pharisees, Jesus prioritizes the individual's spiritual well-being and the preservation of relationships within the "family" of God. The instruction to go "alone" directly challenges any cultural inclination to immediately involve others or to gossip about a perceived wrong, instead promoting a path of humility, discretion, and grace.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Matthew and the broader New Testament. It highlights the theme of **Reconciliation and Forgiveness**, positioning private confrontation as the initial and preferred method for restoring broken relationships, aligning with the spirit of forgiveness that Jesus frequently taught, as seen in the [Lord's Prayer](/matthew/6-12 "Matthew 6:12 - Forgive Us Our Debts"). It also emphasizes **Community Purity and Health**, providing a practical mechanism for addressing sin that threatens the integrity and unity of the believing community, while prioritizing the individual's spiritual welfare. Furthermore, the instruction underscores **Brotherly Love and Responsibility**, demonstrating that genuine love for a fellow believer involves the courage to confront sin in a redemptive manner, rather than ignoring it or resorting to gossip, reflecting the command to love one's neighbor as oneself ([Matthew 22:39](/matthew/22-39 "Matthew 22:39 - Love Your Neighbor")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **trespass (Greek, _hamartánō'_):** This word (G264) literally means "to miss the mark," and figuratively, "to err," or "to sin." In this context, it refers to a moral failing or wrongdoing committed by one brother against another. It encompasses any act that violates God's law or causes harm to a fellow believer, disrupting the harmony of the community.
* **tell him his fault (Greek, _elénchō'_):** Derived from G1651, this term means "to confute," "to admonish," "to convict," or "to reprove." It implies more than just informing; it suggests a reasoned presentation of the fault with the aim of convincing the person of their error and bringing them to repentance. It's a loving, yet firm, exposure of truth, not an accusation driven by anger or vengeance.
* **alone (Greek, _mónos'_):** From G3441, meaning "sole" or "single." The emphasis on "between thee and him alone" is crucial. It underscores the private nature of this initial step, designed to protect the reputation of the offender, minimize embarrassment, and create a safe space for honest dialogue and repentance, free from the pressure of public scrutiny.
* **gained (Greek, _kerdaínō'_):** This verb (G2770) means "to gain," "to profit," or "to win." In this spiritual context, "gaining your brother" is not about material profit but about the invaluable spiritual and relational benefit of restoring a lost or alienated member to fellowship. It signifies the success of the reconciliation process, where the relationship is healed and the erring brother is brought back into right standing with God and the community.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee":** This opening clause establishes the premise: a specific offense has occurred between two believers. The term "brother" highlights the familial bond within the Christian community, implying a shared spiritual heritage and mutual responsibility. The phrase "trespass against thee" indicates a personal offense, not merely a general sin, making the direct, private approach appropriate.
* **"go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone":** This is the core command and the first step in Jesus' process. "Go" implies initiative and direct action on the part of the offended party. "Tell him his fault" involves a clear, loving, and truthful confrontation about the specific wrongdoing. The crucial phrase "between thee and him alone" mandates privacy, aiming to preserve the dignity of the offender and maximize the chances of a humble response and genuine repentance, free from external pressures or gossip.
* **"if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.":** This conditional clause presents the desired and redemptive outcome of the private confrontation. "If he shall hear thee" signifies that the brother listens, acknowledges the fault, and is open to repentance. The result, " thou hast gained thy brother," emphasizes the immense value of restoring the relationship and bringing the erring brother back into fellowship, highlighting the redemptive and restorative heart of God's kingdom.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 18:15 employs several significant **literary devices** to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Didacticism**, as Jesus directly instructs his disciples on how to handle conflict, presenting a clear, step-by-step ethical guideline for community life. The verse is structured as a **Conditional Statement** ("if... then..."), which clearly outlines the cause-and-effect relationship between the action (going privately to confront) and the desired outcome (gaining the brother). This structure emphasizes the importance of following the prescribed method to achieve the redemptive goal. Furthermore, the phrase "gained thy brother" functions as an **Idiom** or a **Metaphor**. It's not about acquiring property but about the invaluable spiritual and relational "profit" of restoring a person to fellowship and right standing, underscoring the high value Jesus places on each individual and the unity of the community. The implicit **Parallelism** within the broader passage, where this verse is the first step in a sequence of escalating actions, reinforces the methodical and intentional nature of church discipline as a process of restoration.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 18:15 stands as a cornerstone of Christian ethics regarding interpersonal conflict and church discipline, deeply rooted in the themes of reconciliation, forgiveness, and the value of each individual within the community of faith. It reflects God's own character, which is always inclined towards restoring the lost and healing brokenness. The instruction to prioritize private reconciliation demonstrates a profound respect for the dignity of the individual and a desire to prevent unnecessary public shame, fostering an environment where grace can abound. This principle is not merely a practical guideline but a theological imperative, flowing from the understanding that believers are members of one body, called to bear one another's burdens and to pursue peace. It underscores that the ultimate goal is not punishment, but the spiritual health and restoration of the erring brother, mirroring God's patient pursuit of His lost sheep.

* [Galatians 6:1](/galatians/6-1 "Galatians 6:1 - Restoring a Brother Gently")
* [Luke 17:3](/luke/17-3 "Luke 17:3 - Rebuke and Forgive")
* [Proverbs 25:9-10](/proverbs/25-9-10 "Proverbs 25:9-10 - Discretion in Disputes")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 18:15 provides a timeless and profoundly counter-cultural blueprint for handling offenses within the Christian community. In a world often quick to gossip, retaliate, or seek public validation for grievances, Jesus calls His followers to a higher standard of humility, courage, and love. This verse challenges us to resist the urge to immediately share our hurts with others, to vent our frustrations, or to allow bitterness to fester. Instead, it directs us to take the initiative, in a spirit of grace and restoration, to confront the issue directly and privately with the one who has offended us. This requires genuine humility to approach, courage to speak truth in love, and a profound desire for the other person's spiritual well-being and the healing of the relationship, rather than merely seeking an apology or proving a point. When we "gain our brother," we participate in the redemptive work of God, preserving the unity and health of the body of Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What prevents me from going directly and privately to someone who has trespassed against me?**
* **How can I cultivate a heart that prioritizes reconciliation and restoration over personal offense or the desire to be "right"?**
* **In what ways does gossip or talking about someone's fault to others (before speaking to them privately) violate the spirit of this command?**
* **What does "gaining your brother" truly mean in the context of my relationships, and how does it reflect God's heart?**

### FAQ
**Why is it so important to go "alone" first, rather than involving others immediately?**

Answer: Going "alone" first, as instructed in [Matthew 18:15](/matthew/18-15 "Matthew 18:15 - The First Step in Reconciliation"), is critical for several reasons. Primarily, it protects the reputation and dignity of the person who has trespassed, allowing them the opportunity to acknowledge their fault and repent without public shame or embarrassment. This private setting fosters an environment conducive to genuine humility and repentance, as the individual is not under the pressure of public scrutiny. It also prevents the spread of gossip, rumors, and division within the community, safeguarding the unity and purity of the body of Christ. Jesus' method prioritizes restoration over public condemnation, reflecting God's desire for reconciliation and the healing of relationships. This initial private step demonstrates love, discretion, and a desire to "gain" the brother, rather than merely expose their sin.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 18:15, while a practical guideline for believers, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the supreme example of one who "went" to us, confronting our sin not with condemnation, but with a redemptive purpose, seeking to "gain" us back to God. His entire ministry was a testament to seeking and saving the lost, as declared in [Luke 19:10](/luke/19-10 "Luke 19:10 - The Son of Man Came to Seek and Save the Lost"). Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, Jesus bore the "trespass" of humanity, making reconciliation with God possible ([2 Corinthians 5:19](/2_corinthians/5-19 "2 Corinthians 5:19 - God Reconciling the World to Himself")). He "told us our fault" not to shame us, but to convict us of sin and draw us into repentance, just as the Holy Spirit continues to "convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment" ([John 16:8](/john/16-8 "John 16:8 - The Holy Spirit Convicts")). The "gaining of a brother" in this verse foreshadows the grand spiritual "gain" of humanity's redemption, where those who were alienated from God are brought near through the blood of Christ ([Ephesians 2:13](/ephesians/2-13 "Ephesians 2:13 - Brought Near by the Blood of Christ")). Thus, when believers apply [Matthew 18:15](/matthew/18-15 "Matthew 18:15 - The First Step in Reconciliation"), they are not merely following a rule, but participating in the very heart of God's redemptive mission, mirroring the love and restorative grace of their Savior.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Leviticus 19:17

Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart: thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour, and not suffer sin upon him.

Luke 17:3

Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.

Luke 17:4

And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.

Galatians 6:1

¶ Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

Colossians 3:13

Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also [do] ye.

2 Thessalonians 3:15

Yet count [him] not as an enemy, but admonish [him] as a brother.

James 5:19

Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him;