Matthew 18:16

But if he will not hear [thee, then] take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.

But {G1161} if {G3362} he will {G191} not {G3362} hear {G191} thee, then take {G3880} with {G3326} thee {G4675} one {G1520} or {G2228} two {G1417} more {G2089}, that {G2443} in {G1909} the mouth {G4750} of two {G1417} or {G2228} three {G5140} witnesses {G3144} every {G3956} word {G4487} may be established {G2476}.

If he doesn't listen, take one or two others with you so that every accusation can be supported by the testimony of two or three witnesses.l

But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’

But if he hear thee not, take with thee one or two more, that at the mouth of two witnesses or three every word may be established.

Matthew 18:16 is a pivotal verse in Jesus' teaching on how to resolve conflicts and address sin within the community of believers, often referred to as "church discipline." It outlines the second step in a four-stage process aimed at restoration rather than immediate condemnation.

Context

This verse is part of a larger discourse by Jesus found in Matthew 18:15-20, which begins with the principle of confronting a sinning brother privately. If that initial, personal appeal fails to bring repentance and reconciliation (as described in Matthew 18:15), Jesus instructs the offended party to escalate the matter. The broader chapter also emphasizes humility, the value of each believer (like the parable of the lost sheep), and the importance of forgiveness.

Key Themes

  • Verification and Due Process: The instruction to "take with thee one or two more" underscores the importance of establishing facts and ensuring fairness. This isn't about ganging up on someone, but about bringing impartial witnesses to confirm the situation and the attempts at reconciliation.
  • Old Testament Precedent: The phrase "that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established" directly echoes Old Testament legal principles. This standard was crucial for validating accusations and ensuring justice in both civil and religious matters (e.g., Deuteronomy 19:15, Numbers 35:30). Jesus affirms that this principle of multiple witnesses remains vital for the integrity of the community.
  • Restoration as the Goal: While addressing sin, the ultimate aim of this process is not punishment but the restoration of the erring individual and the preservation of unity within the body of Christ. The witnesses serve to persuade, clarify, and encourage repentance.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "every word may be established" comes from the Greek word histēmi (or histemi), which means to stand, set, confirm, or establish. It conveys the idea of something being made firm, valid, or proven true. In this context, it means that the facts of the matter and the attempts at reconciliation are verified and confirmed by reliable witnesses, providing a solid basis for any further action.

Practical Application

Matthew 18:16 provides a timeless model for resolving serious relational and spiritual conflicts within Christian communities:

  • Don't Isolate Conflict: If private reconciliation fails, it's wise to involve trusted, impartial individuals who can help mediate and verify the situation.
  • Seek Truth and Clarity: The presence of witnesses helps ensure that the facts are clear, reducing misunderstandings and preventing false accusations or denials.
  • Maintain Accountability: This step introduces a level of accountability, not just for the one who sinned, but also for the offended party to ensure the process is handled with integrity and love.
  • Focus on Reconciliation: The primary purpose remains reconciliation and the spiritual well-being of the individual, not just the enforcement of rules. This principle is echoed in Paul's instructions to the Corinthian church concerning discipline (see 2 Corinthians 13:1) and to Timothy regarding accusations against elders (1 Timothy 5:19).

This verse reminds believers that addressing sin is a communal responsibility, guided by principles of truth, justice, and restorative love, leading to the potential for a deeper, more unified fellowship if the subsequent steps are followed (Matthew 18:17).

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Deuteronomy 19:15

    One witness shall not rise up against a man for any iniquity, or for any sin, in any sin that he sinneth: at the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall the matter be established.

  • 2 Corinthians 13:1

    ¶ This [is] the third [time] I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.

  • John 8:17

    It is also written in your law, that the testimony of two men is true.

  • 1 Timothy 5:19

    Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses.

  • Hebrews 10:28

    He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:

  • Numbers 35:30

    Whoso killeth any person, the murderer shall be put to death by the mouth of witnesses: but one witness shall not testify against any person [to cause him] to die.

  • Deuteronomy 17:6

    At the mouth of two witnesses, or three witnesses, shall he that is worthy of death be put to death; [but] at the mouth of one witness he shall not be put to death.

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