Matthew 18:15

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.

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}.

"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.

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

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

Matthew 18:15 (KJV) provides a foundational principle for resolving personal conflict within the Christian community, emphasizing a direct, private approach. This verse is the first step in a larger, multi-stage process for addressing sin among believers, aimed at restoration rather than public shaming.

Context

This verse is part of Jesus' discourse on life in the kingdom of heaven, specifically addressing relationships among disciples. In Matthew Chapter 18, Jesus teaches about the importance of humility like a child, the severe consequences of causing others to stumble, and the parable of the lost sheep, which underscores God's desire for the restoration of each individual. Immediately following this verse, Jesus outlines further steps if private reconciliation fails (Matthew 18:16-17), culminating in the promise of His presence where two or three are gathered (Matthew 18:20) and the parable of the unmerciful servant (Matthew 18:21-35).

Key Themes

  • Private Reconciliation First: The primary instruction is to address the issue directly and privately ("between thee and him alone"). This minimizes embarrassment, gossip, and public scandal, fostering an environment where genuine repentance and resolution are possible.
  • Restoration, Not Condemnation: The ultimate goal is to "gain thy brother." This highlights a redemptive purpose, seeking to restore the relationship and the erring brother to fellowship, rather than merely punishing or isolating them. It reflects God's heart for reconciliation and repentance.
  • Brotherly Love and Responsibility: This command stems from a place of love and concern for a fellow believer. It's a responsibility to confront sin in a loving way, not ignoring it, but doing so with the aim of spiritual and relational health.

Linguistic Insights

  • The word "trespass" comes from the Greek hamartanō (ἁμαρτάνω), meaning "to miss the mark," "to err," or "to sin." It denotes an offense, a moral failing, or a wrongdoing against another person.
  • The phrase "gained thy brother" uses the Greek kerdainō (κερδαίνω), which means "to profit," "to win," or "to acquire." In this context, it signifies the invaluable profit of restoring a relationship and bringing a brother back from a path of error, emphasizing the immense value Jesus places on each individual within the community.

Practical Application

Matthew 18:15 calls believers to a high standard of relational integrity and proactive love:

  • Direct Communication: When offended, the Christian's first response should be to go directly to the person who has caused the offense, not to others to complain or gossip. This prevents the spread of bitterness and misunderstanding.
  • Humility and Love: Approaching a brother or sister about their fault requires humility, a desire for their good, and a spirit of love, not accusation or superiority (Galatians 6:1).
  • Focus on Reconciliation: The aim is not to prove a point or to exact an apology, but to facilitate understanding, repentance, and ultimately, the restoration of the relationship. This principle aligns with broader biblical calls for forgiveness and mutual forbearance.
  • Avoiding Gossip: This verse implicitly condemns gossip and talking about a person's faults to others before attempting private reconciliation. It safeguards the reputation of the individual and the unity of the community.

This teaching remains profoundly relevant, providing a timeless model for healthy conflict resolution within families, friendships, and the church, prioritizing love, humility, and restoration.

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Cross-References

  • Leviticus 19:17 (31 votes)

    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 (22 votes)

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

  • Luke 17:4 (22 votes)

    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 (20 votes)

    ¶ 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 (20 votes)

    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 (19 votes)

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

  • James 5:19 (13 votes)

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