Bible Strands
Matthew 18:16
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.’
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Jesus instructs the disciples on the next step after a private confrontation with a sinning brother fails. The moment occurs when the offender refuses to listen to the initial one-on-one appeal.
The words — The imperative παράλαβε (paralabe) commands the aggrieved party to "do take" one or two companions. The conditional phrase ἐὰν μὴ ἀκούσῃ (ean mē akousē) literally means "unless he shall hear."
The thread — The requirement for multiple witnesses mirrors the legal standard in Deuteronomy 19:15 and is later quoted by Paul in 2 Corinthians 13:1 and by Jesus in John 8:17.
Why it lands — The text requires the aggrieved party to introduce independent observers to establish the facts objectively. It demands readers replace private grievance with verifiable accountability before escalating the dispute.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
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.
Cross-references
- Deuteronomy 19:15 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.
- 2 Corinthians 13:1 This is the third time I am coming to you. “Every matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.”
- John 8:17 Even in your own Law it is written that the testimony of two men is valid.
- 1 Timothy 5:19 Do not entertain an accusation against an elder, except on the testimony of two or three witnesses.
- Hebrews 10:28 Anyone who rejected the law of Moses died without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses.
- Numbers 35:30 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.
- Deuteronomy 17:6 On the testimony of two or three witnesses a man shall be put to death, but he shall not be executed on the testimony of a lone witness.
- 1 Kings 21:13 And the two scoundrels came in and sat opposite Naboth, and these men testified against him before the people, saying, “Naboth has cursed both God and the king!” So they took him outside the city and stoned him to death.
- 1 John 5:7 For there are three that testify:
- Revelation 11:3 And I will empower my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth.”