Devine Scripture

Matthew 18:16

What does Matthew 18:16 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 18:16 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 18:16 means

If the initial private confrontation fails to bring repentance, Jesus instructs the offended party to take one or two additional witnesses. These witnesses are not primarily for judgment but for reinforcement and confirmation, providing an objective presence to help establish the facts and validate the conversation. Their role is to ensure fairness, prevent misrepresentation, and underscore the seriousness of the matter, giving the sinning brother a further chance to listen and respond before the issue escalates.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But if he will not give ear to you, take with you one or two more, that by the lips of two or three witnesses every word may be made certain.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

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.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

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.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But if he do not hear [thee], take with thee one or two besides, that every matter may stand upon the word of two witnesses or of three.

Context

This verse describes the second step in the process of church discipline, immediately following the failed private confrontation of verse 15. It shows a progression in severity and involvement, moving from a solo interaction to one with an objective presence. This incremental approach aims to resolve issues gently but firmly, preparing for the final, more public step if reconciliation is still not achieved.

v.15And if thy brother sin against thee, go, show him his fault between thee and him alone: if he hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.

v.16This passage

v.17And 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.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • 1 John 5:7

    And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is the truth.

  • John 8:17

    Yea and in your law it is written, that the witness of two men is true.

  • 1 Timothy 5:19

    Against an elder receive not an accusation, except at the mouth of two or three witnesses.

  • Revelation 11:3

    And I will give unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth.

  • Numbers 35:30

    Whoso killeth any person, the murderer shall be slain at the mouth of witnesses: but one witness shall not testify against any person that he die.

  • 1 Kings 21:13

    And the two men, the base fellows, came in and sat before him: and the base fellows bare witness against him, even against Naboth, in the presence of the people, saying, Naboth did curse God and the king. Then they carried him forth out of the city, and stoned him to death with stones.

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