Matthew 18:16

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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.’

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 18:16 is a crucial instruction within Jesus' discourse on church discipline, outlining the second essential step in addressing sin and seeking reconciliation within the community of believers. Following an initial private confrontation, this verse mandates the involvement of "one or two more" witnesses, not for condemnation, but to establish the facts of the situation and the attempts at reconciliation, thereby ensuring fairness, transparency, and a solid foundation for any further communal action. It underscores the biblical principle of verification and the restorative aim of the entire process.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of Jesus' teaching on communal life and conflict resolution, found in the broader "Discourse on the Church" in [Matthew 18](/matthew/18 "Matthew 18 - Discourse on the Church"). It immediately follows the first step of private confrontation outlined in [Matthew 18:15](/matthew/18-15 "Matthew 18:15 - Private Confrontation"), where the offended party is instructed to approach the sinning brother alone. If that initial, personal appeal fails to bring repentance and reconciliation, verse 16 provides the next necessary escalation, emphasizing the need for corroboration. The chapter also precedes the parable of the unforgiving servant, highlighting the importance of forgiveness, and is set against the backdrop of discussions about humility, the value of each believer (as seen in the [parable of the lost sheep](/matthew/18-12-14 "Matthew 18:12-14 - The Parable of the Lost Sheep")), and the authority given to the church.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The instruction in [Matthew 18:16](/matthew/18-16 "Matthew 18:16 - The Role of Witnesses") is deeply rooted in Old Testament legal and judicial principles. The requirement for "two or three witnesses" to establish a matter was a foundational tenet of Israelite law, crucial for validating accusations, ensuring justice, and preventing false testimony. This principle is explicitly stated in passages such as [Deuteronomy 19:15](/deuteronomy/19-15 "Deuteronomy 19:15 - Requirement of Multiple Witnesses") and [Numbers 35:30](/numbers/35-30 "Numbers 35:30 - Witnesses in Capital Cases"), and reiterated in [Deuteronomy 17:6](/deuteronomy/17-6 "Deuteronomy 17:6 - Witness Requirement for Death Penalty"). By invoking this standard, Jesus affirms its enduring relevance for the integrity and just operation of the new covenant community, demonstrating that His teachings build upon and fulfill the righteous requirements of the Law, adapting them for the spiritual and relational dynamics of the church.

* **Key Themes:** [Matthew 18:16](/matthew/18-16 "Matthew 18:16 - The Principle of Witnesses") contributes significantly to several key themes within the chapter and the broader New Testament. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **verification and due process**, ensuring that serious matters are not handled based on mere accusation but on confirmed facts. Secondly, it underscores **communal accountability**, as the involvement of others brings a wider perspective and shared responsibility to the process of addressing sin. Thirdly, and most importantly, the underlying theme is **restoration**, not punishment. The witnesses are not present to condemn but to help persuade, clarify, and encourage the erring individual towards repentance and reconciliation, aligning with the overarching goal of bringing the lost sheep back into the fold, as emphasized in [Matthew 18:12-14](/matthew/18-12-14 "Matthew 18:12-14 - The Parable of the Lost Sheep"). This process aims to preserve the unity and purity of the body of Christ while seeking the spiritual well-being of the individual.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **hear (Greek, _akoúō'_):** G191. This primary verb means "to hear" in various senses, including to give audience, to come to the ears, to hearken, or to understand. In the context of [Matthew 18:16](/matthew/18-16 "Matthew 18:16 - The Role of Witnesses"), it implies not merely the physical act of hearing, but a receptive and obedient hearing—a willingness to listen, acknowledge, and respond to the truth of the confrontation and the call to repentance. The failure to "hear" signifies an unwillingness to accept correction or be reconciled.
* **witnesses (Greek, _mártys'_):** G3144. Of uncertain affinity, this noun refers to a "witness" in a literal, judicial sense, or figuratively. By analogy, it is the root for "martyr." Here, it specifically denotes individuals who can corroborate the facts of the dispute or the attempts at reconciliation. Their role is to provide objective testimony, ensuring that "every word may be established," thus lending credibility and impartiality to the process.
* **established (Greek, _hístēmi'_):** G2476. This prolonged form of a primary verb means "to stand" (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications such as to abide, appoint, bring, continue, covenant, hold up, lay, present, set up, stanch, or stand. In this context, it conveys the idea of something being made firm, valid, confirmed, or proven true. When "every word" is "established" by witnesses, it means that the facts of the matter, including the sin and the failed private attempts at resolution, are verified and confirmed as undeniable, providing a solid and just basis for subsequent communal steps.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But if he will not hear [thee":** This clause signifies the failure of the initial, private confrontation described in [Matthew 18:15](/matthew/18-15 "Matthew 18:15 - Private Confrontation"). The individual who has sinned has refused to acknowledge their wrongdoing, repent, or be reconciled, despite the loving and direct approach. This refusal to "hear" (i.e., to listen and respond obediently) necessitates the escalation of the process.
* **"then take with thee one or two more":** This is the direct instruction for the second step. The offended party is not to give up or immediately involve the whole church, but to bring along a small, impartial group of trusted individuals. These "one or two more" serve as objective observers and potential mediators, providing support to the offended party and a more formal context for the continued appeal to the sinning brother.
* **"that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established":** This final clause states the explicit purpose of involving additional individuals. The presence of these witnesses ensures that the facts of the situation—both the nature of the sin and the efforts made to resolve it privately—are verified and confirmed. This principle, drawn directly from Old Testament legal precedent, ensures fairness, prevents false accusations or denials, and provides a firm, undeniable foundation for any further steps the community might need to take, always with the ultimate goal of restoration.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 18:16 employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is **Allusion**, as Jesus directly alludes to and reiterates the Old Testament legal principle found in [Deuteronomy 19:15](/deuteronomy/19-15 "Deuteronomy 19:15 - Requirement of Multiple Witnesses") and [Numbers 35:30](/numbers/35-30 "Numbers 35:30 - Witnesses in Capital Cases"), which requires the testimony of two or three witnesses to establish a charge. This demonstrates the continuity of divine wisdom across covenants and grounds the church's practice in established patterns of justice. Furthermore, the verse utilizes **Legal Language/Metaphor**, framing the process of church discipline with terms like "witnesses" and "established," which evoke a judicial setting. This legal framework underscores the seriousness and integrity with which the community is to handle matters of sin, emphasizing truth, fairness, and due process. Finally, the passage is inherently **Didactic**, serving as a direct instruction or teaching from Jesus on how His followers are to manage conflict and sin within their communal life, providing a clear, step-by-step methodology for maintaining purity and promoting reconciliation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 18:16 articulates a profound theological principle: the pursuit of truth and justice within the community of faith is not merely a practical matter but a spiritual imperative, reflecting God's own character. By requiring multiple witnesses, Jesus emphasizes that the church's discipline must be grounded in verified facts, protecting both the accused from false accusations and the community from unaddressed sin. This process is designed to be deliberative, patient, and restorative, mirroring God's desire for repentance and reconciliation rather than immediate condemnation. It highlights the communal responsibility for the spiritual well-being of its members and the maintenance of its corporate witness, ensuring that all actions are taken with integrity and a clear conscience before God and man.

* [Deuteronomy 19:15](/deuteronomy/19-15 "Deuteronomy 19:15 - Requirement of Multiple Witnesses")
* [2 Corinthians 13:1](/2_corinthians/13-1 "2 Corinthians 13:1 - Paul's Adherence to Witness Principle")
* [1 Timothy 5:19](/1_timothy/5-19 "1 Timothy 5:19 - Witness Requirement for Accusations Against Elders")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 18:16 offers timeless wisdom for navigating conflict and addressing sin within any Christian community, from local churches to families and small groups. It calls believers to a posture of humility, patience, and unwavering commitment to truth and reconciliation. When private attempts at reconciliation fail, the instruction to involve "one or two more" reminds us that we are not meant to bear the burden of conflict resolution alone. This step invites impartial, mature believers into the situation, not as a means of shaming or condemning, but to provide objective perspective, confirm the facts, and offer additional voices of persuasion towards repentance and restoration. It underscores the importance of due process, ensuring that accusations are not taken lightly and that every effort is made to bring about a just and redemptive outcome. This process, though challenging, is an act of love, demonstrating a commitment to the spiritual health of the individual and the purity of the community, ultimately aiming to restore fellowship rather than sever it.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I be tempted to skip the steps outlined in Matthew 18:15-16 when confronting a brother or sister in sin?**
* **Who are the "one or two more" trusted, impartial individuals in my life or community whom I could involve if private reconciliation fails?**
* **How does the principle of "two or three witnesses" ensure fairness and protect all parties involved in a conflict?**
* **What is my primary motivation when I confront sin in another believer: condemnation or restoration? How does this verse guide my motivation?**

### FAQ

**What kind of "witnesses" are required in Matthew 18:16? Are they just passive observers?**

Answer: The "one or two more" witnesses are not merely passive observers. They are individuals brought in to confirm the facts of the situation, including the original offense and the attempts at private reconciliation. Their role is to provide objective corroboration, ensuring that "every word may be established." This means they are present to hear the details, observe the interaction, and potentially offer counsel or mediation. They lend credibility to the process, prevent misunderstandings, and ensure that any subsequent steps taken by the church are based on verified truth, reflecting the Old Testament legal standard for establishing facts (e.g., [Deuteronomy 19:15](/deuteronomy/19-15 "Deuteronomy 19:15 - Requirement of Multiple Witnesses")). Their presence is a safeguard for justice and a means to encourage the sinning party to acknowledge the truth.

**Is this process of involving witnesses meant to be a public shaming?**

Answer: Absolutely not. The entire process outlined in [Matthew 18:15-17](/matthew/18-15-17 "Matthew 18:15-17 - Steps of Church Discipline") is designed to be as private as possible for as long as possible, with the ultimate goal of repentance and restoration. The involvement of "one or two more" is a private, not public, step. It's an escalation of the personal appeal, not a public announcement of the sin. Public involvement of the church (the next step in [Matthew 18:17](/matthew/18-17 "Matthew 18:17 - Bringing it to the Church")) only occurs if the individual remains unrepentant after these private, witnessed appeals. The purpose is always redemptive, aiming to bring the individual back into right relationship with God and the community, not to shame or condemn them.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 18:16, with its emphasis on truth, witnesses, and establishing every word, finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Jesus Himself is the ultimate "faithful and true witness" ([Revelation 3:14](/revelation/3-14 "Revelation 3:14 - Jesus, the Faithful Witness")), whose very life and ministry perfectly established the truth of God's character and plan of salvation. He is the one in whom all God's promises are "Yes and Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises in Christ")), confirming the divine word. Furthermore, Jesus' approach to the lost and the sinner, exemplified in His parables like the [lost sheep](/luke/15-3-7 "Luke 15:3-7 - Parable of the Lost Sheep") and the [prodigal son](/luke/15-11-32 "Luke 15:11-32 - Parable of the Prodigal Son"), perfectly models the restorative heart behind the discipline process. He persistently sought out those who had strayed, not to condemn them, but to bring them back into fellowship with the Father. The church, as the body of Christ, is called to embody this same redemptive mission, using the principles of truth, witness, and patient appeal to establish reconciliation, just as Christ established our peace with God through His own witness and sacrifice on the cross ([Colossians 1:20](/colossians/1-20 "Colossians 1:20 - Reconciliation Through Christ")).

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

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.