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width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad16.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/matthew/18-15.htm" title="Matthew 18:15">◄</a> Matthew 18:16 <a href="/matthew/18-17.htm" title="Matthew 18:17">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/matthew/18.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/matthew/18.htm">New International Version</a> But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that &#8216every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.&#8217 <a href="/nlt/matthew/18.htm">New Living Translation</a> But if you are unsuccessful, take one or two others with you and go back again, so that everything you say may be confirmed by two or three witnesses. <a href="/esv/matthew/18.htm">English Standard Version</a> But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. <a href="/bsb/matthew/18.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> 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.’ <a href="/blb/matthew/18.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that 'every word may be strengthened upon the testimony of two or three witnesses.' <a href="/kjv/matthew/18.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/matthew/18.htm">New King James Version</a> But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that ‘by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.’ <a href="/nasb_/matthew/18.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> But if he does not listen to you, take one or two more with you, so that ON THE TESTIMONY OF TWO OR THREE WITNESSES EVERY MATTER MAY BE CONFIRMED. <a href="/nasb/matthew/18.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220But if he does not listen to you, take one or two more with you, so that BY THE MOUTH OF TWO OR THREE WITNESSES EVERY FACT MAY BE CONFIRMED. <a href="/nasb77/matthew/18.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “But if he does not listen to you, take one or two more with you, so that BY THE MOUTH OF TWO OR THREE WITNESSES EVERY FACT MAY BE CONFIRMED. <a href="/lsb/matthew/18.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> But if he does not listen to you, take one or two more with you, so that BY THE MOUTH OF TWO OR THREE WITNESSES EVERY FACT MAY BE CONFIRMED. <a href="/amp/matthew/18.htm">Amplified Bible</a> But if he does not listen, take along with you one or two others, so that EVERY WORD MAY BE CONFIRMED BY THE TESTIMONY OF TWO OR THREE WITNESSES. <a href="/csb/matthew/18.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> But if he won’t listen, take one or two others with you, so that by the testimony of two or three witnesses every fact may be established. <a href="/hcsb/matthew/18.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> But if he won&#8217t listen, take one or two more with you, so that by the testimony of two or three witnesses every fact may be established. <a href="/asv/matthew/18.htm">American Standard Version</a> 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. <a href="/cev/matthew/18.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> But if that one refuses to listen, take along one or two others. The Scriptures teach that every complaint must be proven true by two or more witnesses. <a href="/erv/matthew/18.htm">English Revised Version</a> 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. <a href="/gwt/matthew/18.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> But if he does not listen, take one or two others with you so that every accusation may be verified by two or three witnesses. <a href="/gnt/matthew/18.htm">Good News Translation</a> But if he will not listen to you, take one or two other persons with you, so that 'every accusation may be upheld by the testimony of two or more witnesses,' as the scripture says. <a href="/isv/matthew/18.htm">International Standard Version</a> But if he doesn't listen, take one or two others with you so that 'every word may be confirmed by the testimony of two or three witnesses.' <a href="/msb/matthew/18.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> 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.? <a href="/net/matthew/18.htm">NET Bible</a> But if he does not listen, take one or two others with you, so that at the testimony of two or three witnesses every matter may be established. <a href="/nheb/matthew/18.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> But if he does not listen, take one or two more with you, that at the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. <a href="/wbt/matthew/18.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> 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. <a href="/wey/matthew/18.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> But if he will not listen to you, go again, and ask one or two to go with you, that every word spoken may be attested by two or three witnesses. <a href="/web/matthew/18.htm">World English Bible</a> But if he doesn’t listen, take one or two more with you, that at the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/matthew/18.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and if he may not hear, take with you yet one or two, that by the mouth of two witnesses or three every word may stand. <a href="/blb/matthew/18.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that 'every word may be strengthened upon the testimony of two or three witnesses.' <a href="/ylt/matthew/18.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and if he may not hear, take with thee yet one or two, that by the mouth of two witnesses or three every word may stand. <a href="/slt/matthew/18.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> But if he hear thee not, take with thee yet one or two, that at the mouth of two or three witnesses every word might stand.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/matthew/18.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And if he will not hear thee, take with thee one or two more: that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may stand. <a href="/cpdv/matthew/18.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> But if he will not listen you, invite with you one or two more, so that every word may stand by the mouth of two or three witnesses. <a href="/nabre/matthew/18.htm">New American Bible</a> If he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, so that ‘every fact may be established on the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ <a href="/nrsvce/matthew/18.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> But if you are not listened to, take one or two others along with you, so that every word may be confirmed by the evidence of two or three witnesses.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/matthew/18.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> But if he will not listen to you, take one or two with you, because at the mouth of two or three witnesses every word is sustained. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/matthew/18.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> And if he does not hear you, take one or two with you, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word will be established.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/matthew/18.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> But if he will not hear you, take with you one or two more, that, by the mouth of two or three witnesses, every word may be established. <a href="/godbey/matthew/18.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> <FR>if he may not hear thee, take with thyself one or two, in order that in the mouth of two or three witnesses the word may stand.<Fr> <a href="/haweis/matthew/18.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> But if he will not hear thee, take with thee one or two more, that by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be confirmed. <a href="/mace/matthew/18.htm">Mace New Testament</a> but if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that the remonstrances of two or three persons may have its effect. <a href="/wey/matthew/18.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> But if he will not listen to you, go again, and ask one or two to go with you, that every word spoken may be attested by two or three witnesses. <a href="/worrell/matthew/18.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> <FR>but, if he hear you not, take with you yet one or two, that at the mouth of two witnesses or three, every word may be established.<Fr> <a href="/worsley/matthew/18.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> <FR>but if he regard <Fr>thee<FR> not, take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.<Fr> <a href="/parallel/matthew/18-16.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hriiyJYqzvc?start=5183" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/matthew/18.htm">A Brother who Sins</a> 15If your brother sins against you, go and confront him privately. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. 16<a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">But</a> <a href="/greek/1437.htm" title="1437: ean (Conj) -- If. From ei and an; a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.">if</a> <a href="/greek/3361.htm" title="3361: mē (Adv) -- Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether."></a> <a href="/greek/191.htm" title="191: akousē (V-ASA-3S) -- To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear.">he will not listen,</a> <a href="/greek/3880.htm" title="3880: paralabe (V-AMA-2S) -- From para and lambano; to receive near, i.e. Associate with oneself; by analogy, to assume an office; figuratively, to learn.">take</a> <a href="/greek/1520.htm" title="1520: hena (Adj-AMS) -- One. (including the neuter Hen); a primary numeral; one.">one</a> <a href="/greek/2228.htm" title="2228: ē (Conj) -- Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than.">or</a> <a href="/greek/1417.htm" title="1417: dyo (Adj-AMP) -- Two. A primary numeral; two.">two</a> <a href="/greek/2089.htm" title="2089: eti (Adv) -- (a) of time: still, yet, even now, (b) of degree: even, further, more, in addition. Perhaps akin to etos; yet, still.">others</a> <a href="/greek/3326.htm" title="3326: meta (Prep) -- (a) gen: with, in company with, (b) acc: (1) behind, beyond, after, of place, (2) after, of time, with nouns, neut. of adjectives. ">along,</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: sou (PPro-G2S) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou."></a> <a href="/greek/2443.htm" title="2443: hina (Conj) -- In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.">so that</a> <a href="/greek/3956.htm" title="3956: pan (Adj-NNS) -- All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.">‘every</a> <a href="/greek/4487.htm" title="4487: rhēma (N-NNS) -- From rheo; an utterance,; by implication, a matter or topic; with a negative naught whatever.">matter</a> <a href="/greek/2476.htm" title="2476: stathē (V-ASP-3S) -- A prolonged form of a primary stao stah'-o; to stand, used in various applications.">may be established</a> <a href="/greek/1909.htm" title="1909: Epi (Prep) -- On, to, against, on the basis of, at. ">by</a> <a href="/greek/4750.htm" title="4750: stomatos (N-GNS) -- The mouth, speech, eloquence in speech, the point of a sword. ">the testimony</a> <a href="/greek/1417.htm" title="1417: dyo (Adj-GMP) -- Two. A primary numeral; two.">of two</a> <a href="/greek/2228.htm" title="2228: ē (Conj) -- Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than.">or</a> <a href="/greek/5140.htm" title="5140: triōn (Adj-GMP) -- Three. Or neuter tria a primary number; three.">three</a> <a href="/greek/3144.htm" title="3144: martyrōn (N-GMP) -- A witness (judicially) or figuratively (genitive case); by analogy, a martyr.">witnesses.’</a> 17If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, regard him as you would a pagan or a tax collector.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/deuteronomy/19-15.htm">Deuteronomy 19:15</a> A lone witness is not sufficient to establish any wrongdoing or sin against a man, regardless of what offense he may have committed. A matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses. <a href="/2_corinthians/13-1.htm">2 Corinthians 13:1</a> This is the third time I am coming to you. “Every matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.” <a href="/john/8-17.htm">John 8:17</a> Even in your own Law it is written that the testimony of two men is valid. <a href="/1_timothy/5-19.htm">1 Timothy 5:19</a> Do not entertain an accusation against an elder, except on the testimony of two or three witnesses. <a href="/numbers/35-30.htm">Numbers 35:30</a> If anyone kills a person, the murderer is to be put to death on the testimony of the witnesses. But no one is to be put to death based on the testimony of a lone witness. <a href="/hebrews/10-28.htm">Hebrews 10:28</a> Anyone who rejected the law of Moses died without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. <a href="/john/5-31.htm">John 5:31-32</a> If I testify about Myself, My testimony is not valid. / There is another who testifies about Me, and I know that His testimony about Me is valid. <a href="/1_john/5-7.htm">1 John 5:7-8</a> For there are three that testify: / the Spirit, the water, and the blood—and these three are in agreement. <a href="/acts/10-41.htm">Acts 10:41</a> not by all the people, but by the witnesses God had chosen beforehand, by us who ate and drank with Him after He rose from the dead. <a href="/1_corinthians/14-29.htm">1 Corinthians 14:29</a> Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said. <a href="/revelation/11-3.htm">Revelation 11:3</a> And I will empower my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth.” <a href="/luke/10-1.htm">Luke 10:1</a> After this, the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of Him to every town and place He was about to visit. <a href="/mark/6-7.htm">Mark 6:7</a> Then Jesus called the Twelve to Him and began to send them out two by two, giving them authority over unclean spirits. <a href="/acts/1-8.htm">Acts 1:8</a> But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” <a href="/2_kings/9-32.htm">2 Kings 9:32-33</a> He looked up at the window and called out, “Who is on my side? Who?” And two or three eunuchs looked down at him. / “Throw her down!” yelled Jehu. So they threw her down, and her blood splattered on the wall and on the horses as they trampled her underfoot.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>But if he will not hear you, then take with you one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.that in.<a href="/numbers/35-30.htm">Numbers 35:30</a> 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.<a href="/deuteronomy/17-6.htm">Deuteronomy 17:6</a> 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.<a href="/deuteronomy/19-15.htm">Deuteronomy 19:15</a> 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.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_samuel/3-20.htm">Attested</a> <a href="/matthew/15-38.htm">Besides</a> <a href="/daniel/9-12.htm">Confirmed</a> <a href="/matthew/18-15.htm">Ear</a> <a href="/zechariah/5-11.htm">Established</a> <a href="/matthew/8-4.htm">Evidence</a> <a href="/matthew/16-8.htm">Fact</a> <a href="/matthew/18-15.htm">Hear</a> <a href="/matthew/15-8.htm">Lips</a> <a href="/habakkuk/1-10.htm">Matter</a> <a href="/matthew/17-27.htm">Mouth</a> <a href="/matthew/18-4.htm">Others</a> <a href="/matthew/18-2.htm">Stand</a> <a href="/matthew/15-19.htm">Testimony</a> <a href="/matthew/17-4.htm">Three</a> <a href="/matthew/10-18.htm">Witnesses</a> <a href="/matthew/17-25.htm">Word</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/acts/2-22.htm">Attested</a> <a href="/matthew/25-4.htm">Besides</a> <a href="/mark/16-20.htm">Confirmed</a> <a href="/matthew/18-17.htm">Ear</a> <a href="/luke/12-14.htm">Established</a> <a href="/matthew/19-18.htm">Evidence</a> <a href="/mark/3-27.htm">Fact</a> <a href="/matthew/18-17.htm">Hear</a> <a href="/matthew/21-16.htm">Lips</a> <a href="/matthew/18-19.htm">Matter</a> <a href="/matthew/21-16.htm">Mouth</a> <a href="/matthew/19-12.htm">Others</a> <a href="/matthew/20-6.htm">Stand</a> <a href="/matthew/19-18.htm">Testimony</a> <a href="/matthew/18-20.htm">Three</a> <a href="/matthew/23-31.htm">Witnesses</a> <a href="/matthew/18-31.htm">Word</a><div class="vheading2">Matthew 18</div>1. <a href="/matthew/18-1.htm">Jesus warns his disciples to be humble and harmless,</a> 7. <a href="/matthew/18-7.htm">to avoid offenses,</a> 10. <a href="/matthew/18-10.htm">and not to despise the little ones;</a> 15. <a href="/matthew/18-15.htm">teaches how we are to deal with our brothers when they offend us,</a> 21. <a href="/matthew/18-21.htm">and how often to forgive them;</a> 23. <a href="/matthew/18-23.htm">which he sets forth by a parable of the king who took account of his servants,</a> 32. <a href="/matthew/18-32.htm">and punished him who showed no mercy to his fellow servant.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/matthew/18.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/matthew/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/matthew/18.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>But if he will not listen This phrase addresses the situation where a fellow believer refuses to heed a private correction. It reflects the importance of accountability within the Christian community. The context is Jesus' teaching on resolving conflicts among believers, emphasizing the need for persistence in seeking reconciliation. This approach aligns with the broader biblical principle of seeking peace and restoration (<a href="/romans/12-18.htm">Romans 12:18</a>).take one or two others along This instruction is rooted in the Jewish legal practice of involving witnesses to establish the truth of a matter (<a href="/deuteronomy/19-15.htm">Deuteronomy 19:15</a>). It underscores the seriousness of the situation and the need for impartiality and fairness. The presence of additional people serves to confirm the facts and provide support for both parties involved. This step is part of a graduated process of church discipline aimed at restoration rather than punishment.so that ‘every matter may be established The phrase highlights the importance of establishing facts before taking further action. It reflects a commitment to justice and truth, ensuring that decisions are based on verified information. This principle is consistent with the biblical emphasis on truthfulness and integrity (<a href="/proverbs/12-17.htm">Proverbs 12:17</a>).by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ This requirement is a direct reference to <a href="/deuteronomy/19-15.htm">Deuteronomy 19:15</a>, which mandates multiple witnesses to confirm a charge. It serves as a safeguard against false accusations and ensures that any disciplinary action is grounded in credible evidence. The use of witnesses is a common legal practice in both Old and New Testament times, reflecting God's concern for justice and fairness. This principle is echoed in other New Testament passages, such as <a href="/2_corinthians/13.htm">2 Corinthians 13:1</a> and <a href="/1_timothy/5-19.htm">1 Timothy 5:19</a>, reinforcing its continued relevance in the early church.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/jesus_christ.htm">Jesus Christ</a> The speaker of this verse, providing guidance on resolving conflicts within the Christian community. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_offending_brother.htm">The Offending Brother</a> The individual who has committed a wrong or sin against another. 3. <a href="/topical/w/witnesses.htm">Witnesses</a> One or two additional people who are brought along to establish the truth of the matter. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_church_community.htm">The Church Community</a> The broader context in which this teaching is applied, emphasizing communal harmony and accountability.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_community_in_conflict_resolution.htm">The Importance of Community in Conflict Resolution</a> Jesus emphasizes the role of the community in resolving disputes, highlighting the need for accountability and support within the church. <a href="/topical/t/the_principle_of_witnesses.htm">The Principle of Witnesses</a> The requirement for witnesses underscores the importance of fairness and objectivity in addressing grievances, preventing false accusations and ensuring justice. <a href="/topical/r/restoration_over_retribution.htm">Restoration Over Retribution</a> The goal of this process is not punishment but restoration and reconciliation, reflecting the heart of Christ's teaching on forgiveness and unity. <a href="/topical/b/biblical_conflict_resolution.htm">Biblical Conflict Resolution</a> This passage provides a clear, step-by-step approach to handling conflicts, encouraging believers to address issues directly and with integrity. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_humility_and_openness.htm">The Role of Humility and Openness</a> Both parties in a conflict are called to humility and openness, willing to listen and be corrected, which is essential for true reconciliation.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_matthew_18.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Matthew 18</a> <a href="/q/what_are_hereditary_spirits_in_the_bible.htm">How many witnesses are needed, two or three?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_'hapax_legomenon'_mean.htm">What does "hapax legomenon" mean?</a> <a href="/q/two_or_three_witnesses_needed.htm">How many witnesses are needed, two or three?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_correction.htm">What does the Bible say about Christians correcting others?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/matthew/18.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(16) Take with thee one or two more.--The principle of action is the same as before. The first point aimed at is the reformation of the offender without the scandal (here we may take the word both in its earlier and later senses) of publicity. If personal expostulation failed, then the "one or two" were to be called in. (Comp. <a href="/1_corinthians/6-5.htm" title="I speak to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you? no, not one that shall be able to judge between his brothers?">1Corinthians 6:5</a>.) It is, of course, implied that they are not partisans, but disinterested representatives of what is likely to be the common estimate of the fault committed. If the end is attained through them, well; if not, then they are in reserve for the final stage as witnesses that every effort has been made in the spirit of a righteous friendship. As the previous verse implied a reference to <a href="/leviticus/19-17.htm" title="You shall not hate your brother in your heart: you shall in any wise rebuke your neighbor, and not suffer sin on him.">Leviticus 19:17</a>, so does this to <a href="/deuteronomy/19-15.htm" title="One witness shall not rise up against a man for any iniquity, or for any sin, in any sin that he sins: at the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall the matter be established.">Deuteronomy 19:15</a>. This selection of all that was highest and most spiritual in the ethical teaching of the Law is one of the features of our Lord's method, for the most part insufficiently recognised. (See <a href="/john/8-17.htm" title="It is also written in your law, that the testimony of two men is true.">John 8:17</a>.)<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/matthew/18.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 16. - This gives the second step or stage in discipline. Take with thee one or two more. If the offender is obdurate to secret remonstrance, do not yet resort to public measures, but make a fresh effort accompanied by a friend or two, who will support your view and confirm your expostulation, which might otherwise be considered partial or self-interested. In the mouth of two or three witnesses. The idea is derived from the requirement of the Jewish Law in a case of litigation (see <a href="/deuteronomy/19-15.htm">Deuteronomy 19:15</a>; <a href="/john/8-17.htm">John 8:17</a>; <a href="/2_corinthians/13-1.htm">2 Corinthians 13:1</a>). By the testimony of these witnesses, every word that has passed between you may be fully certified. There will be forthcoming, if necessary, the regular legal evidence, should the matter come to other ears. <a href="/commentaries/matthew/18-16.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>But δὲ (de) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> A primary particle; but, and, etc. if ἐὰν (ean) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1437.htm">Strong's 1437: </a> If. From ei and an; a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc. he will not listen, ἀκούσῃ (akousē) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_191.htm">Strong's 191: </a> To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear. take παράλαβε (paralabe) Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3880.htm">Strong's 3880: </a> From para and lambano; to receive near, i.e. Associate with oneself; by analogy, to assume an office; figuratively, to learn. one ἕνα (hena) Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1520.htm">Strong's 1520: </a> One. (including the neuter Hen); a primary numeral; one. or ἢ (ē) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2228.htm">Strong's 2228: </a> Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than. two δύο (dyo) Adjective - Accusative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1417.htm">Strong's 1417: </a> Two. A primary numeral; 'two'. others ἔτι (eti) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_2089.htm">Strong's 2089: </a> (a) of time: still, yet, even now, (b) of degree: even, further, more, in addition. Perhaps akin to etos; 'yet, ' still. along, μετὰ (meta) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_3326.htm">Strong's 3326: </a> (a) gen: with, in company with, (b) acc: (1) behind, beyond, after, of place, (2) after, of time, with nouns, neut. of adjectives. so that ἵνα (hina) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2443.htm">Strong's 2443: </a> In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that. ‘every πᾶν (pan) Adjective - Nominative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3956.htm">Strong's 3956: </a> All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole. matter ῥῆμα (rhēma) Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4487.htm">Strong's 4487: </a> From rheo; an utterance, ; by implication, a matter or topic; with a negative naught whatever. may be established σταθῇ (stathē) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Passive - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2476.htm">Strong's 2476: </a> A prolonged form of a primary stao stah'-o; to stand, used in various applications. by Ἐπὶ (Epi) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1909.htm">Strong's 1909: </a> On, to, against, on the basis of, at. [the] testimony στόματος (stomatos) Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4750.htm">Strong's 4750: </a> The mouth, speech, eloquence in speech, the point of a sword. of two δύο (dyo) Adjective - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1417.htm">Strong's 1417: </a> Two. A primary numeral; 'two'. or ἢ (ē) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2228.htm">Strong's 2228: </a> Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than. three τριῶν (triōn) Adjective - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_5140.htm">Strong's 5140: </a> Three. Or neuter tria a primary number; 'three'. witnesses.’ μαρτύρων (martyrōn) Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3144.htm">Strong's 3144: </a> A witness (judicially) or figuratively (genitive case); by analogy, a 'martyr'. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/matthew/18-16.htm">Matthew 18:16 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/matthew/18-16.htm">Matthew 18:16 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/matthew/18-16.htm">Matthew 18:16 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/matthew/18-16.htm">Matthew 18:16 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/matthew/18-16.htm">Matthew 18:16 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/matthew/18-16.htm">Matthew 18:16 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/matthew/18-16.htm">Matthew 18:16 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/matthew/18-16.htm">Matthew 18:16 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/matthew/18-16.htm">Matthew 18:16 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/matthew/18-16.htm">Matthew 18:16 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/matthew/18-16.htm">NT Gospels: Matthew 18:16 But if he doesn't listen take one (Matt. Mat Mt) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/matthew/18-15.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Matthew 18:15"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Matthew 18:15" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/matthew/18-17.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Matthew 18:17"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Matthew 18:17" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>