Matthew 18:16
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.
Matthew 18:16 in other translations
| BSB | 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.’ |
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| WEB | 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. |
| ASV | 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. |
| YLT | 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. |
| DARBY | 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. |
| BBE | 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. |
| Webster | 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. |
What does Matthew 18:16 mean?
Barnes' Notes
Take one or two more. The design of taking them seems to be,
(1.) that he might be induced to listen to them, Mt 18:17. They should be persons of influence or authority; his personal friends, or those in whom he could put confidence.
(2.) That they might be witnesses of his conduct before the church, Mt 18:17. The law of Moses required two or three witnesses, De 19:15, 2Cor 13:1, Jn 8:17.
(n) "witnesses" De 19:15
Albert Barnes, 1834 · public domain
Adam Clarke's Commentary
Adam Clarke, 1831 · public domain
Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on Matthew 18:15-20
If a professed Christian is wronged by another, he ought not to complain of it to others, as is often done merely upon report, but to go to the offender privately, state the matter kindly, and show him his conduct. This would generally have all the desired effect with a true Christian, and the parties would be reconciled. The principles of these rules may be practised every where, and under all circumstances, though…
Matthew 18:16 in the original Greek
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Cross references for Matthew 18:16
- Deuteronomy 19:15
One witness shall not rise up against a man for any iniquity, or for any sin, in any sin that he sinneth: at the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall the matter be established.
- 2 Corinthians 13:1
This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.
- John 8:17
It is also written in your law, that the testimony of two men is true.
- 1 Timothy 5:19
Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses.
- Hebrews 10:28
He that despised Moses’ law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:
- Numbers 35:30
Whoso killeth any person, the murderer shall be put to death by the mouth of witnesses: but one witness shall not testify against any person to cause him to die.
- Deuteronomy 17:6
At the mouth of two witnesses, or three witnesses, shall he that is worthy of death be put to death; but at the mouth of one witness he shall not be put to death.
- 1 Kings 21:13
And there came in two men, children of Belial, and sat before him: and the men of Belial witnessed against him, even against Naboth, in the presence of the people, saying, Naboth did blaspheme God and the king. Then they carried him forth out of the city, and stoned him with stones, that he died.
- Revelation 11:3
And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth.
- 1 John 5:7-8
For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. And there are three that bear witness in earth, the spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one.
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Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Context
- Matthew 18:15
Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.
- Matthew 18:16
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.
- Matthew 18:17
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.
Matthew 18:16 in other languages
| Spanish Reina-Valera 1909 | Mas si no te oyere, toma aún contigo uno ó dos, para que en boca de dos ó de tres testigos conste toda palabra. |
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| French Bible J.N. Darby 1885 | mais s’il ne t’écoute pas, prends avec toi encore une ou deux personnes, afin que par la bouche de deux ou de trois témoins toute parole soit établie. |
| German Elberfelder 1871 | Wenn er aber nicht hört, so nimm noch einen oder zwei mit dir, damit aus zweier oder dreier Zeugen Mund jede Sache bestätigt werde. |
| Latin Clementine Vulgate | Si autem te non audierit, adhibe tecum adhuc unum, vel duos, ut in ore duorum, vel trium testium stet omne verbum. |