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.’

Majority Standard Bible

In The 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.

In Context

15If your brother sins against you, go and confront him privately. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over.

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.

Read all of Matthew 18

Cross References

Numbers 35:30If 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 19:15A 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.

John 8:17Even in your own Law it is written that the testimony of two men is valid.

1 Timothy 5:19Do not entertain an accusation against an elder, except on the testimony of two or three witnesses.

1 John 5:7For there are three that testify:

Matthew Henry on Matthew 18:16-21

The Removal of Offences. 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. 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. 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 a heathen man and a publican. 18 Verily I say unto you,… Read the whole commentary →

This Verse In Other Editions

Study Matthew 18:16