Matthew 18:18

KJV

Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

KJV (with Strong's)

Verily {G281} I say {G3004} unto you {G5213}, Whatsoever {G3745}{G1437} ye shall bind {G1210} on {G1909} earth {G1093} shall be {G2071} bound {G1210} in {G1722} heaven {G3772}: and {G2532} whatsoever {G3745}{G1437} ye shall loose {G3089} on {G1909} earth {G1093} shall be {G2071} loosed {G3089} in {G1722} heaven {G3772}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yes! I tell you people that whatever you prohibit on earth will be prohibited in heaven, and whatever you permit on earth will be permitted in heaven.

Berean Standard Bible

Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.

American Standard Version

Verily I say unto you, What things soever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and what things soever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 18:18 presents a profound declaration by Jesus to His disciples, affirming the spiritual authority vested in the community of believers, often understood as the church. This verse, situated within a discourse on church discipline and communal life, asserts that decisions made by the faithful on earth, when aligned with God's will and truth, are divinely ratified in heaven. It underscores the immense responsibility and privilege of the church to discern and administer God's kingdom principles in matters of doctrine, morality, and reconciliation, reflecting a heavenly reality on earth.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Matthew 18:18 is a pivotal statement within Jesus' "Discourse on the Church" (Matthew 18), which addresses the internal life and conduct of the community of believers. Immediately preceding this verse, Jesus outlines a three-step process for church discipline, beginning with private confrontation, escalating to involving a few witnesses, and finally, if repentance is not achieved, bringing the matter before the entire church ([Matthew 18:15-17](/matthew/18-15-17 "Matthew 18:15-17 - Steps for Church Discipline")). The authority to "bind and loose" in verse 18 directly follows the instruction to treat an unrepentant individual as a "Gentile and a tax collector," implying that the church's decision to exclude or include is divinely affirmed. Following this, Jesus emphasizes the power of corporate prayer ([Matthew 18:19](/matthew/18-19 "Matthew 18:19 - Power of Agreement in Prayer")) and His presence among believers ([Matthew 18:20](/matthew/18-20 "Matthew 18:20 - Christ's Presence Among Believers")), reinforcing that this extraordinary authority is exercised within a Spirit-led, communal, and Christ-centered context.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The concepts of "binding" and "loosing" were common rabbinic terms in first-century Judaism. In rabbinic discourse, "binding" (Hebrew: *asar*) referred to forbidding something, declaring it unlawful, or imposing a legal obligation, often related to interpreting the Mosaic Law. Conversely, "loosing" (Hebrew: *hittir*) meant permitting something, declaring it lawful, or releasing from an obligation or vow. This language was used by Jewish teachers (rabbis) who had the authority to interpret the Torah and apply its principles to daily life, thereby "binding" or "loosing" certain practices or behaviors. By employing these terms, Jesus was granting His disciples (and by extension, the church) an authoritative role in discerning and applying God's will, not merely on a legalistic level but on a spiritual and ethical plane, within the new covenant community.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within Matthew's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. It highlights the theme of **Ecclesiastical Authority**, demonstrating that Christ bestows significant spiritual authority upon His church to make decisions concerning doctrine, moral conduct, and discipline. This authority is not arbitrary but is meant to reflect God's will, ensuring **Divine Ratification**—that what is rightly decided on earth is affirmed in heaven. The passage also underscores the theme of **Community and Accountability**, as the authority is given to the collective "ye" (plural), emphasizing corporate responsibility in maintaining the purity and health of the body of Christ. Furthermore, it builds upon the earlier declaration to Peter in [Matthew 16:19](/matthew/16-19 "Matthew 16:19 - Peter's Keys of the Kingdom"), extending the "keys of the kingdom" concept to the entire community of disciples, thus establishing the **Continuity of Authority** from the apostles to the church as a whole.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Verily (Hebrew, _amḗn'_):** From the Hebrew origin, meaning "firm" or "trustworthy." As an adverb, it signifies "surely" or "truly," often used as an interjection meaning "so be it." Here, Jesus uses it to emphasize the absolute truth and certainty of His following statement, lending divine weight and solemnity to the declaration of authority.
* **bind (Greek, _déō'_):** A primary verb meaning "to bind" in various applications, literally or figuratively. In the context of rabbinic teaching, it referred to forbidding something, declaring it unlawful, or imposing an obligation. Figuratively, it speaks to the power to declare something prohibited or to establish a rule.
* **earth (Greek, _gē'_):** Contracted from a primary word, meaning "soil," and by extension, "a region," or "the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe." In this context, it refers to the physical realm where humanity lives and operates, contrasting directly with "heaven."
* **loose (Greek, _lýō'_):** A primary verb meaning "to loosen" (literally or figuratively). In rabbinic terms, it meant permitting something, declaring it lawful, or releasing from an obligation. Figuratively, it conveys the power to declare something permissible or to release from a restriction.
* **heaven (Greek, _ouranós'_):** Perhaps from the idea of elevation, referring to "the sky" and by extension, "heaven" as the abode of God. It represents the divine realm, the sphere of God's sovereign authority and will, indicating that earthly decisions made in accordance with God's will are ratified by Him.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Verily I say unto you":** This solemn introductory phrase, "Amen, I say to you," is a characteristic marker of Jesus' authoritative teaching. It signals that what follows is a truth of utmost importance and divine certainty, demanding careful attention and obedience from His listeners.
* **"Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth":** The plural "ye" (Greek: *hymîn*) indicates that this authority is given not just to Peter (as in [Matthew 16:19](/matthew/16-19 "Matthew 16:19 - Peter's Confession and the Keys")), but to the collective body of disciples, representing the church. "To bind" refers to the authority to forbid, prohibit, or declare something unlawful or obligatory, particularly in matters of doctrine, moral conduct, and church discipline. This is an exercise of spiritual discernment and judgment within the community.
* **"shall be bound in heaven":** The passive voice ("shall be bound") is crucial here. It implies a divine passive, meaning "shall have been bound by God." This indicates that the church's legitimate decisions on earth are not initiating a new divine decree, but rather are recognizing, declaring, and applying what God has already determined or willed in heaven. The church's authority is derivative, reflecting God's pre-existing will, not creating it.
* **"and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth":** This mirrors the first clause, extending the authority to "loose." "To loose" signifies the authority to permit, declare lawful, or release from an obligation or prohibition. This includes the power to forgive sins (in the sense of declaring God's forgiveness to the repentant) and to release from the consequences of sin within the community.
* **"shall be loosed in heaven":** Again, the divine passive ("shall have been loosed by God") emphasizes that the church's act of "loosing" on earth is a declaration of God's prior heavenly decree. When the church, guided by the Holy Spirit and Scripture, acts in accordance with God's will to permit or release, that action is confirmed and ratified by God Himself.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 18:18 employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is **Parallelism**, specifically synonymous parallelism, where the second clause ("whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven") reiterates and reinforces the meaning of the first ("whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven") through antonyms. This structure emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the authority granted. The use of the **Divine Passive** ("shall be bound," "shall be loosed") is a subtle yet profound device. By omitting the divine agent (God), it implicitly attributes the action to God, underscoring that the church's earthly decisions, when righteous, are not merely human pronouncements but are divinely authorized and confirmed. This also highlights the **Symbolism** of "binding and loosing" as representing the authority to make authoritative pronouncements on spiritual and moral matters, reflecting heavenly decrees. The verse also functions as a **Chiasm** (ABBA structure) with "bind on earth" (A), "bound in heaven" (B), "loose on earth" (B'), "loosed in heaven" (A'), further emphasizing the divine ratification of earthly actions.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 18:18 is a cornerstone verse for understanding the nature of ecclesiastical authority and the church's role in God's kingdom. It asserts that the collective body of believers, when acting in accordance with divine truth and under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, possesses a delegated authority to make decisions that have eternal consequences. This authority is not for arbitrary rule but for the maintenance of purity, the administration of discipline, the declaration of forgiveness, and the discernment of God's will within the community. It underscores the profound partnership between God and His people, where the church on earth serves as an agent for manifesting God's heavenly decrees. This divine ratification elevates the seriousness of the church's responsibility and the importance of its fidelity to Christ's teachings.

* [Matthew 16:19](/matthew/16-19 "Matthew 16:19 - Peter Receives the Keys")
* [John 20:23](/john/20-23 "John 20:23 - Disciples Receive Authority to Forgive Sins")
* [1 Corinthians 5:1-5](/1_corinthians/5-1-5 "1 Corinthians 5:1-5 - Dealing with Immorality in the Church")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 18:18 challenges believers to take seriously the role and responsibility of the local church. It is a powerful reminder that the decisions made within the church, whether concerning doctrine, moral standards, or the process of reconciliation and discipline, are not merely human opinions but carry divine weight when aligned with God's Word and Spirit. For individuals, this means respecting the spiritual authority God has vested in the church's leadership and community, participating prayerfully in its discernment processes, and submitting to its righteous judgments. For church leaders, it calls for immense humility, wisdom, and reliance on the Holy Spirit, recognizing that their decisions are meant to reflect God's will and are ratified in heaven. This verse encourages a robust understanding of church membership, where mutual accountability and the pursuit of holiness are paramount, fostering a community that truly reflects the kingdom of God on earth.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of "binding and loosing" influence your understanding of the local church's authority today?**
* **In what ways can a church ensure that its decisions on earth are truly "bound in heaven" and reflect God's will?**
* **What is your personal responsibility in upholding the spiritual authority and purity of the church community?**
* **How does the knowledge that God ratifies the church's righteous decisions impact your trust in and submission to church leadership?**

### FAQ

**Does this verse give the church absolute, unquestionable authority over individuals?**

Answer: No, this verse does not grant the church absolute or arbitrary authority. The authority to "bind and loose" is derivative, meaning it is given by God and is contingent upon the church's alignment with God's will, as revealed in Scripture and guided by the Holy Spirit. The passive voice ("shall be bound," "shall be loosed") implies that the church's decisions are a recognition of what God has already determined in heaven, not a creation of new divine decrees. Therefore, the church's authority is limited to discerning and applying God's truth, particularly in matters of doctrine, moral conduct, and discipline, as outlined in the preceding verses concerning church discipline ([Matthew 18:15-17](/matthew/18-15-17 "Matthew 18:15-17 - The Process of Church Discipline")). It's an authority to declare God's will, not to invent it.

**Is this authority only for church leaders, or for all believers?**

Answer: While the authority to "bind and loose" is often exercised through church leadership (elders, pastors) in practical application, the "ye" in [Matthew 18:18](/matthew/18-18 "Matthew 18:18 - Binding and Loosing") is plural, referring to the community of disciples as a whole. This suggests a corporate authority vested in the entire church, not just a select few. The preceding verses on church discipline ([Matthew 18:15-17](/matthew/18-15-17 "Matthew 18:15-17 - Steps of Church Discipline")) culminate in the matter being brought before "the church," implying a communal decision-making process. Therefore, while leaders guide and facilitate, the ultimate spiritual authority rests with the collective body of believers, who are called to discern and uphold God's truth together.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 18:18 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is the Head of the Church and the source of all authority. The authority to "bind and loose" is not an independent power granted to humanity, but a delegated authority flowing directly from Christ's own supreme authority in heaven and on earth, as declared in [Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus"). Jesus, as the perfect interpreter of God's will and the embodiment of truth, perfectly "bound" sin and death through His atoning sacrifice on the cross and "loosed" those enslaved to sin through His resurrection ([Colossians 2:14-15](/colossians/2-14-15 "Colossians 2:14-15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). The church's authority to bind and loose is therefore an extension of Christ's ongoing ministry, empowered by His Spirit, to declare the truth of the Gospel, administer His kingdom, and call people to repentance and faith. When the church rightly declares forgiveness to the repentant or upholds righteous standards, it is merely echoing the binding and loosing work already accomplished by Christ and affirmed by the Father, serving as His hands and voice in the world until His return ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Power to Be Witnesses")).

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

Matthew 16:19

And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

2 Corinthians 2:10

To whom ye forgive any thing, I [forgive] also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave [it], for your sakes [forgave I it] in the person of Christ;

John 20:23

Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; [and] whose soever [sins] ye retain, they are retained.

1 Corinthians 5:4

In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ,

1 Corinthians 5:5

To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.

Revelation 3:7

¶ And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;

Revelation 3:8

I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.