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Then if he or she won’t accept the church’s decision, treat that person as a pagan or a corrupt tax collector. <a href="/esv/matthew/18.htm">English Standard Version</a> If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. <a href="/bsb/matthew/18.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> If 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. <a href="/blb/matthew/18.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And if he fails to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he fails to listen to even to the church, let him be to you as the pagan and the tax collector. <a href="/kjv/matthew/18.htm">King James Bible</a> And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican. <a href="/nkjv/matthew/18.htm">New King James Version</a> And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector. <a href="/nasb_/matthew/18.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> And if he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, he is to be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. <a href="/nasb/matthew/18.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. <a href="/nasb77/matthew/18.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “And if he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax-gatherer. <a href="/lsb/matthew/18.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> And if he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as the Gentile and the tax collector. <a href="/amp/matthew/18.htm">Amplified Bible</a> If he pays no attention to them [refusing to listen and obey], tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile (unbeliever) and a tax collector. <a href="/csb/matthew/18.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> If he doesn’t pay attention to them, tell the church. If he doesn’t pay attention even to the church, let him be like a Gentile and a tax collector to you. <a href="/hcsb/matthew/18.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> If he pays no attention to them, tell the church. But if he doesn&#8217t pay attention even to the church, let him be like an unbeliever and a tax collector to you. <a href="/asv/matthew/18.htm">American Standard Version</a> And if he refuse to hear them, tell it unto the church: and if he refuse to hear the church also, let him be unto thee as the Gentile and the publican. <a href="/cev/matthew/18.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> If the follower refuses to listen to them, report the matter to the church. Anyone who refuses to listen to the church must be treated like an unbeliever or a tax collector. <a href="/erv/matthew/18.htm">English Revised Version</a> And if he refuse to hear them, tell it unto the church: and if he refuse to hear the church also, let him be unto thee as the Gentile and the publican. <a href="/gwt/matthew/18.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> If he ignores these witnesses, tell it to the community of believers. If he also ignores the community, deal with him as you would a heathen or a tax collector. <a href="/gnt/matthew/18.htm">Good News Translation</a> And if he will not listen to them, then tell the whole thing to the church. Finally, if he will not listen to the church, treat him as though he were a pagan or a tax collector. <a href="/isv/matthew/18.htm">International Standard Version</a> If, however, he ignores them, tell it to the congregation. If he also ignores the congregation, regard him as an unbeliever and a tax collector. <a href="/msb/matthew/18.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> If 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. <a href="/net/matthew/18.htm">NET Bible</a> If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. If he refuses to listen to the church, treat him like a Gentile or a tax collector. <a href="/nheb/matthew/18.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. If he refuses to hear the church also, let him be to you as an unbeliever or a tax collector. <a href="/wbt/matthew/18.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it to the church: but if he shall neglect to hear the church, let him be to thee as a heathen and a publican. <a href="/wey/matthew/18.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> If he refuses to hear them, appeal to the Church; and if he refuses to hear even the Church, regard him just as you regard a Gentile or a tax-gatherer. <a href="/web/matthew/18.htm">World English Bible</a> If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the assembly. If he refuses to hear the assembly also, let him be to you as a Gentile or a tax collector. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/matthew/18.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And if he may not hear them, say [it] to the assembly, and if also the assembly he may not hear, let him be to you as the heathen man and the tax collector. <a href="/blb/matthew/18.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And if he fails to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he fails to listen to even to the church, let him be to you as the pagan and the tax collector. <a href="/ylt/matthew/18.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And if he may not hear them, say it to the assembly, and if also the assembly he may not hear, let him be to thee as the heathen man and the tax-gatherer. <a href="/slt/matthew/18.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And if he refuse hearing them, speak to the church: and if he refuse hearing the church, let him be to thee as of the nations and a publican.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/matthew/18.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And if he will not hear them: tell the church. And if he will not hear the church, let him be to thee as the heathen and publican. <a href="/cpdv/matthew/18.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And if he will not listen to them, tell the Church. But if he will not listen to the Church, let him be to you like the pagan and the tax collector. <a href="/nabre/matthew/18.htm">New American Bible</a> If he refuses to listen to them, tell the church. If he refuses to listen even to the church, then treat him as you would a Gentile or a tax collector. <a href="/nrsvce/matthew/18.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> If the member refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if the offender refuses to listen even to the church, let such a one be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/matthew/18.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And if he will not listen to them, tell the congregation; and if he will not listen to the congregation, then regard him as a publican and a heathen. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/matthew/18.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> But if he will not hear them, tell the assembly, and if he does not hear the assembly, let him be to you as a tax gatherer and as a heathen.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/matthew/18.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> But if he refuse to hear them, tell it to the church; and if he also refuse to hear the church, let him be to you as a heathen man and a publican.<CM> <a href="/godbey/matthew/18.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> <FR>But if he may not hear them, tell the church: and if indeed he may not hear the church, let him be to thee as a heathen and publican.<Fr> <a href="/haweis/matthew/18.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> But if he disregard them, inform the church: and if he disregard the church, let him be to thee as a heathen, or a publican. <a href="/mace/matthew/18.htm">Mace New Testament</a> if he does not relent, tell it to the church: but if he is not moved by the church, show him no more regard than you would to a pagan or a publican. <a href="/wey/matthew/18.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> If he refuses to hear them, appeal to the Church; and if he refuses to hear even the Church, regard him just as you regard a Gentile or a tax-gatherer. <a href="/worrell/matthew/18.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> <FR>And, if he disregard them, tell it to the assembly; and, if he disregard the assembly also, let him be to you as the gentile and the tax-collector.<Fr> <a href="/worsley/matthew/18.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> <FR>And if he disregard them, tell <Fr>it to<FR> the church: but if he disregard the church too, let him be unto thee as an heathen and a publican.<Fr> <a href="/parallel/matthew/18-17.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=5194" 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> …16But 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.’ 17<a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc."></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/3878.htm" title="3878: parakousē (V-ASA-3S) -- From para and akouo; to mishear, i.e. to disobey.">he refuses to listen</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autōn (PPro-GM3P) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">to them,</a> <a href="/greek/2036.htm" title="2036: eipon (V-AMA-2S) -- Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.">tell it</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tē (Art-DFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">to the</a> <a href="/greek/1577.htm" title="1577: ekklēsia (N-DFS) -- From a compound of ek and a derivative of kaleo; a calling out, i.e. a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation.">church.</a> <a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">And</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/3878.htm" title="3878: parakousē (V-ASA-3S) -- From para and akouo; to mishear, i.e. to disobey.">he refuses to listen</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">even</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēs (Art-GFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">to the</a> <a href="/greek/1577.htm" title="1577: ekklēsias (N-GFS) -- From a compound of ek and a derivative of kaleo; a calling out, i.e. a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation.">church,</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: estō (V-PMA-3S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">regard him</a> <a href="/greek/5618.htm" title="5618: hōsper (Adv) -- Just as, as, even as. From hos and per; just as, i.e. Exactly like.">as</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: soi (PPro-D2S) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">you would</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">a</a> <a href="/greek/1482.htm" title="1482: ethnikos (Adj-NMS) -- Pagan, heathen, gentile; subst: a Gentile, non-Jew. From ethnos; national, i.e. a Gentile.">pagan</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">or</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/5057.htm" title="5057: telōnēs (N-NMS) -- A publican, collector of taxes. From telos and oneomai; a tax-farmer, i.e. Collector of public revenue.">a tax collector.</a> 18Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.…<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="/1_corinthians/5-12.htm">1 Corinthians 5:12-13</a> What business of mine is it to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? / God will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked man from among you.” <a href="/1_corinthians/6-1.htm">1 Corinthians 6:1-6</a> If any of you has a grievance against another, how dare he go to law before the unrighteous instead of before the saints! / Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if you are to judge the world, are you not competent to judge trivial cases? / Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more the things of this life! ... <a href="/2_thessalonians/3-14.htm">2 Thessalonians 3:14-15</a> Take note of anyone who does not obey the instructions we have given in this letter. Do not associate with him, so that he may be ashamed. / Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother. <a href="/titus/3-10.htm">Titus 3:10-11</a> Reject a divisive man after a first and second admonition, / knowing that such a man is corrupt and sinful; he is self-condemned. <a href="/galatians/6-1.htm">Galatians 6:1</a> Brothers, if someone is caught in a trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him with a spirit of gentleness. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. <a href="/1_timothy/5-20.htm">1 Timothy 5:20</a> But those who persist in sin should be rebuked in front of everyone, so that the others will stand in fear of sin. <a href="/1_corinthians/5-1.htm">1 Corinthians 5:1-5</a> It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that is intolerable even among pagans: A man has his father’s wife. / And you are proud! Shouldn’t you rather have been stricken with grief and have removed from your fellowship the man who did this? / Although I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit, and I have already pronounced judgment on the one who did this, just as if I were present. ... <a href="/romans/16-17.htm">Romans 16:17</a> Now I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who create divisions and obstacles that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Turn away from them. <a href="/2_corinthians/2-6.htm">2 Corinthians 2:6-8</a> The punishment imposed on him by the majority is sufficient for him. / So instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. / Therefore I urge you to reaffirm your love for him. <a href="/2_john/1-10.htm">2 John 1:10-11</a> If anyone comes to you but does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your home or even greet him. / Whoever greets such a person shares in his evil deeds. <a href="/leviticus/19-17.htm">Leviticus 19:17</a> You must not harbor hatred against your brother in your heart. Directly rebuke your neighbor, so that you will not incur guilt on account of him. <a href="/deuteronomy/17-12.htm">Deuteronomy 17:12</a> But the man who acts presumptuously, refusing to listen either to the priest who stands there to serve the LORD your God, or to the judge, must be put to death. You must purge the evil from Israel. <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="/proverbs/25-9.htm">Proverbs 25:9-10</a> Argue your case with your neighbor without betraying another’s confidence, / lest the one who hears may disgrace you, and your infamy never go away. <a href="/ezekiel/3-18.htm">Ezekiel 3:18-19</a> If I say to the wicked man, ‘You will surely die,’ but you do not warn him or speak out to warn him from his wicked way to save his life, that wicked man will die in his iniquity, and I will hold you responsible for his blood. / But if you warn a wicked man and he does not turn from his wickedness and his wicked way, he will die in his iniquity, but you will have saved yourself.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it to the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be to you as an heathen man and a publican.tell.<a href="/acts/6-1.htm">Acts 6:1-3</a> And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration… <a href="/acts/15-6.htm">Acts 15:6,7</a> And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter… <a href="/1_corinthians/5-4.htm">1 Corinthians 5:4,5</a> In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, … let.<a href="/romans/16-17.htm">Romans 16:17,18</a> Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them… <a href="/1_corinthians/5-3.htm">1 Corinthians 5:3-5,9-13</a> For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning him that hath so done this deed, … <a href="/2_thessalonians/3-6.htm">2 Thessalonians 3:6,14,15</a> Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us… an heathen.<a href="/matthew/6-7.htm">Matthew 6:7</a> But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.<a href="/ezra/6-21.htm">Ezra 6:21</a> And the children of Israel, which were come again out of captivity, and all such as had separated themselves unto them from the filthiness of the heathen of the land, to seek the LORD God of Israel, did eat,<a href="/ezekiel/11-12.htm">Ezekiel 11:12</a> And ye shall know that I am the LORD: for ye have not walked in my statutes, neither executed my judgments, but have done after the manners of the heathen that are round about you.a publican.<a href="/matthew/5-46.htm">Matthew 5:46</a> For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?<a href="/matthew/11-19.htm">Matthew 11:19</a> The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children.<a href="/matthew/21-31.htm">Matthew 21:31,32</a> Whether of them twain did the will of his father? They say unto him, The first. Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/matthew/9-13.htm">Appeal</a> <a href="/matthew/16-18.htm">Assembly</a> <a href="/matthew/16-18.htm">Church</a> <a href="/matthew/10-3.htm">Collector</a> <a href="/matthew/18-16.htm">Ear</a> <a href="/ezra/6-21.htm">Gentile</a> <a href="/matthew/18-16.htm">Hear</a> <a href="/matthew/17-6.htm">Hearing</a> <a href="/matthew/6-7.htm">Heathen</a> <a href="/matthew/12-21.htm">Nations</a> <a href="/matthew/6-16.htm">Neglect</a> <a href="/zephaniah/1-4.htm">Pagan</a> <a href="/matthew/10-3.htm">Publican</a> <a href="/matthew/10-14.htm">Refuses</a> <a href="/matthew/13-52.htm">Regard</a> <a href="/matthew/17-25.htm">Tax</a> <a href="/matthew/10-3.htm">Tax-Farmer</a> <a href="/matthew/10-3.htm">Tax-Gatherer</a> <a href="/matthew/7-12.htm">Treat</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/matthew/26-53.htm">Appeal</a> <a href="/luke/22-66.htm">Assembly</a> <a href="/matthew/18-18.htm">Church</a> <a href="/luke/5-27.htm">Collector</a> <a href="/matthew/26-51.htm">Ear</a> <a href="/mark/7-26.htm">Gentile</a> <a href="/matthew/21-16.htm">Hear</a> <a href="/matthew/19-22.htm">Hearing</a> <a href="/acts/4-25.htm">Heathen</a> <a href="/matthew/20-19.htm">Nations</a> <a href="/mark/7-8.htm">Neglect</a> <a href="/luke/12-30.htm">Pagan</a> <a href="/luke/5-27.htm">Publican</a> <a href="/acts/3-23.htm">Refuses</a> <a href="/matthew/21-26.htm">Regard</a> <a href="/matthew/21-31.htm">Tax</a> <a href="/luke/5-27.htm">Tax-Farmer</a> <a href="/luke/5-27.htm">Tax-Gatherer</a> <a href="/matthew/18-35.htm">Treat</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>If he refuses to listen to them, This phrase addresses the situation where an individual remains unrepentant after being confronted by one or two witnesses, as instructed earlier in the chapter. The refusal to listen indicates a hardened heart, a theme seen throughout Scripture, such as Pharaoh's refusal to heed Moses in Exodus. The process of confrontation is rooted in the Jewish legal system, where multiple witnesses were required to establish a matter (<a href="/deuteronomy/19-15.htm">Deuteronomy 19:15</a>).tell it to the church. The term "church" (Greek: ekklesia) here refers to the assembly of believers, not a building. This is one of the earliest uses of the term in the New Testament, indicating the communal aspect of early Christian life. The church acts as a body of accountability, reflecting the communal nature of Israel in the Old Testament, where the community played a role in maintaining holiness (<a href="/leviticus/19-17.htm">Leviticus 19:17</a>).And if he refuses to listen even to the church, This highlights the gravity of the situation. The church, as the body of Christ, represents the final earthly authority in matters of discipline. The refusal to heed the church's counsel shows a rejection of communal and divine authority, paralleling the rejection of prophets in the Old Testament (<a href="/jeremiah/7-25.htm">Jeremiah 7:25-26</a>).regard him as you would a pagan or a tax collector. Pagans and tax collectors were often viewed as outsiders and sinners in Jewish society. Jesus' instruction here is not about ostracism but about recognizing the individual's separation from the community due to unrepentance. This mirrors the Old Testament practice of cutting off those who violated the covenant (<a href="/numbers/15-30.htm">Numbers 15:30-31</a>). However, Jesus' own ministry to tax collectors and sinners (<a href="/matthew/9-10.htm">Matthew 9:10-13</a>) suggests that this separation is not without hope for restoration through repentance.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/jesus_christ.htm">Jesus Christ</a> The speaker of this passage, providing guidance on how to handle sin and conflict within the Christian community. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_church.htm">The Church</a> The assembly of believers, which serves as the final earthly authority in resolving disputes among Christians. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_unrepentant_brother.htm">The Unrepentant Brother</a> A member of the Christian community who refuses to repent after being confronted about their sin. 4. <a href="/topical/p/pagans_and_tax_collectors.htm">Pagans and Tax Collectors</a> In the context of first-century Judaism, these were often seen as outsiders or those living outside the covenant community.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_the_church_in_discipline.htm">The Role of the Church in Discipline</a> The church is not just a place of worship but also a community that holds its members accountable to live according to biblical standards. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_repentance.htm">The Importance of Repentance</a> The process outlined by Jesus emphasizes the need for repentance and reconciliation. It is a call to humility and a willingness to change. <a href="/topical/h/handling_conflict_biblically.htm">Handling Conflict Biblically</a> This passage provides a clear, step-by-step approach to resolving conflicts, highlighting the importance of addressing issues directly and within the community. <a href="/topical/t/the_heart_of_restoration.htm">The Heart of Restoration</a> The ultimate goal of church discipline is not punishment but restoration and healing of relationships within the body of Christ. <a href="/topical/u/understanding_'outsiders'.htm">Understanding 'Outsiders'</a> Viewing someone as a "pagan or a tax collector" is not a call to shun them but to recognize the need for evangelism and continued prayer for their repentance and return.<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/bible's_view_on_excommunication.htm">What does the Bible say about excommunication?</a> <a href="/q/does_2_cor_2_5-7_contradict_matt_18.htm">In 2 Corinthians 2:5–7, does Paul’s instruction to forgive the offender contradict Jesus’s approach to dealing with sin in Matthew 18? </a> <a href="/q/how_to_address_pastor_criticism.htm">How should church members address criticism of their pastor?</a> <a href="/q/how_should_christians_handle_offenses.htm">How should Christians handle personal offenses?</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>(17) If he shall neglect to hear them.--Better, refuse, the word implying something more than mere negligence.Tell it unto the church.--Here, and here only in our Lord's teaching after the promise to Peter (<a href="/matthew/16-18.htm" title="And I say also to you, That you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.">Matthew 16:18</a>), we have the word Ecclesia repeated. The passage takes its place among the most conspicuous instances of the power of a word. Theories of church authority, as exercised by the priesthood, or bishops, or councils, or the personal infallibility of the Bishop of Rome, have been built upon it. The last clause has been made the groundwork of the system of church discipline which loads the heretic with anathemas, excommunicates the evil-doer, places nations under an interdict. It can scarcely be doubted that the current thoughts and language of Englishmen as to ecclesiastical discipline would have been very different, if instead of "tell it unto the church," "if he neglect to hear the church," we had had the word "congregation." And yet this, or some such word (say "assembly" or "society"), is confessedly the true meaning of the Greek, and was the rendering of all the English versions, from Tyndale onwards, till the Rhemish translators introduced "church," and were followed by the Authorised version.So understood, the words point to the final measures for the reformation of the offender, and the vindication of the divine law of righteousness. When the two forms of private remonstrance have failed, the case is to be brought before the society at large. The appeal is to be made not to the rulers of the congregation, but to the congregation itself, and the public opinion of the Ecclesia is to be brought to bear upon the offender. Should he defy that opinion and persist in his evil doing, he practically excommunicates himself. All societies are justified in excluding from their communion one who repudiates the very conditions of membership; and his being regarded as "a heathen and a publican" is but the legitimate consequence of his own act. Even here, however, we can hardly think of our Lord as holding up the Pharisees' way of acting towards "the heathen and the publican" as a pattern for imitation. They were to be made to feel that they were no longer within the inner circle of brotherhood, but they were still men, and, as such, entitled to courtesy and all kindly offices. St. Paul's teaching as to the treatment of the incestuous adulterer in <a href="/context/1_corinthians/5-1.htm" title="It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father's wife.">1Corinthians 5:1-5</a>, <a href="/context/2_corinthians/2-6.htm" title="Sufficient to such a man is this punishment, which was inflicted of many.">2Corinthians 2:6-7</a>, and of fornicators generally in <a href="/context/1_corinthians/6-1.htm" title="Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unjust, and not before the saints?">1Corinthians 6:1-7</a>, may be referred to as a practical illustration of the meaning of our Lord's words.It is obvious that the rule, as such, presupposes a small society, in the midst of a greater outside world, able to deal thus minutely with the offences of individual members. With the extension of the society, so that the church and the world became conterminous and hardly distinguishable, it was natural, perhaps, that it should follow the course of other human societies, and transfer its jurisdiction from the "congregation," or "assembly," to individual judges as its representatives. And so it was that, in the long-run, the bishops took the place of the congregation, and exercised its functions. So long as they were really in harmony with the mind of the church at large, this might work well enough, but there was the risk of their "lording it over God's heritage" (<a href="/1_peter/5-3.htm" title="Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.">1Peter 5:3</a>); and, in any case, there was the loss of that activity of the reason and conscience of the society which the original form of polity implied, and of which St. Paul's appeal to its judgment as against the inconsistency of the chief of the Apostles, is a very striking instance (<a href="/galatians/2-11.htm" title="But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed.">Galatians 2:11</a>). How far that can be revived is one of the hard questions of our own time and, perhaps, of all times. The end may have to be attained by very different means. We cannot inform the Universal or the National Church of the misdeeds of each individual member. Practically, to submit them formally to the judgments even of the smaller society of the town or village to which the offender belonged, would not be workable. Possibly, the solution of the problem may be found in remembering that in a Christian nation the Church and the State, as far as morality is concerned, tend, in spite of doctrinal divisions, to be, as was said, conterminous, and hence that we are fulfilling the spirit of our Lord's commands when, after all private remonstrances have failed to check the evil, we appeal to the public opinion of Christians in the neighbourhood, larger and smaller, which is affected by it. How this is to be done will vary with the varying circumstances of each individual case, but it is no idle paradox to say that as society is now constituted, the most effective way of "telling the church" may sometimes be to appeal to that public opinion as represented by lawful courts, or otherwise impartially expressed. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/matthew/18.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 17. - Tell it unto the Church (τῇ ἐκκλησίᾳ). This is the third step to take. Our Lord is contemplating a visible society, possessed of certain powers of discipline and correction, such as we find in the history of the apostolic Church (see <a href="/1_corinthians/5-1.htm">1 Corinthians 5:1</a>, etc.; 1 Corinthians 6:1, etc.; <a href="/1_timothy/1-20.htm">1 Timothy 1:20</a>). Christ had already spoken of his Ecclesia in his commendation of Peter's great confession (<a href="/matthew/16-18.htm">Matthew 16:18</a>); so the twelve were prepared for this use of the word, and would not confound the body here signified with the Jewish synagogue. To the latter the expressions in vers. 18-20 could not apply. The custom and order of procedure in the synagogue would afford an idea of what the Lord meant; but the congregation intended was to be composed of Christians. the followers of Christ, who were delivered from the narrowness of rabbinical rules and definitions. The institution of ecclesiastical tribunals has been referred to this passage, but, as understood by the apostles, it would denote, not so much ecclesiastical rulers as the particular congregation to which the delinquent belonged; and the offence for which he is denounced is some private scandal or quarrel. The course of proceeding enjoined would be impracticable in a large and widely extended community, and could not be applied under our present circumstances. If he neglect to hear the Church. Now comes the final stage in corrective discipline. An heathen man (ὁ ἐθνικὸς, the Gentile) and a publican (ὁ τελώνης, the publican). The class, not the individual, is meant. If he turns a deaf ear to the authoritative reproof of the Church, let him be regarded no longer as a brother, but as a heathen and an outcast. Christ, without endorsing the Jews' treatment of Gentiles and publicans, acknowledges the fact, and uses it as an illustration. The obdurate offender must be deprived of Church membership, and treated as those without the Jewish pale were commonly treated. The traditional law enjoined that a Hebrew might not associate, eat, or travel with a heathen, and that if any Jew took the office of publicans, he was to be virtually excommunicated. In later times, there naturally arose in the Christian Church the punishment of offenders by means of exclusion from holy communion, and excommunication. But even in this extreme case charity will not regard the sinner as hopelessly lost; it will seek his salvation by prayer and entreaty. <a href="/commentaries/matthew/18-17.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>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 refuses to listen παρακούσῃ (parakousē) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3878.htm">Strong's 3878: </a> From para and akouo; to mishear, i.e. to disobey. to them, αὐτῶν (autōn) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. tell [it] εἰπὸν (eipon) Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2036.htm">Strong's 2036: </a> Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say. to the τῇ (tē) Article - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. church. ἐκκλησίᾳ (ekklēsia) Noun - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1577.htm">Strong's 1577: </a> From a compound of ek and a derivative of kaleo; a calling out, i.e. a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation. And 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 refuses to listen παρακούσῃ (parakousē) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3878.htm">Strong's 3878: </a> From para and akouo; to mishear, i.e. to disobey. even καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. to the τῆς (tēs) Article - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. church, ἐκκλησίας (ekklēsias) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1577.htm">Strong's 1577: </a> From a compound of ek and a derivative of kaleo; a calling out, i.e. a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation. regard [him] ἔστω (estō) Verb - Present Imperative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. as ὥσπερ (hōsper) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_5618.htm">Strong's 5618: </a> Just as, as, even as. From hos and per; just as, i.e. Exactly like. you [would] σοι (soi) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. a ὁ (ho) Article - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. pagan ἐθνικὸς (ethnikos) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1482.htm">Strong's 1482: </a> Pagan, heathen, gentile; subst: a Gentile, non-Jew. From ethnos; national, i.e. a Gentile. [or] καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. a tax collector. τελώνης (telōnēs) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5057.htm">Strong's 5057: </a> A publican, collector of taxes. From telos and oneomai; a tax-farmer, i.e. Collector of public revenue. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/matthew/18-17.htm">Matthew 18:17 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/matthew/18-17.htm">Matthew 18:17 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/matthew/18-17.htm">Matthew 18:17 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/matthew/18-17.htm">Matthew 18:17 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/matthew/18-17.htm">Matthew 18:17 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/matthew/18-17.htm">Matthew 18:17 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/matthew/18-17.htm">Matthew 18:17 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/matthew/18-17.htm">Matthew 18:17 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/matthew/18-17.htm">Matthew 18:17 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/matthew/18-17.htm">Matthew 18:17 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/matthew/18-17.htm">NT Gospels: Matthew 18:17 If he refuses to listen to them (Matt. Mat Mt) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/matthew/18-16.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Matthew 18:16"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Matthew 18:16" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/matthew/18-18.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Matthew 18:18"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Matthew 18:18" /></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>