Matthew 18:16 “But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘ever…”

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

Other translations

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.

World English Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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.

Geneva Bible 1599

But if he heare thee not, take yet with thee one or two, that by the mouth of two or three witnesses euery worde may be confirmed.

Darby Translation

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.

Young's Literal Translation

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.

Bible in Basic English

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.

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Cross references

“that in”

Deuteronomy 19:15 2 Corinthians 13:1 John 8:17 1 Timothy 5:19 Hebrews 10:28 Numbers 35:30

Deuteronomy 19:15 · BSB

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 · BSB

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 · BSB

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

1 Timothy 5:19 · BSB

Do not entertain an accusation against an elder, except on the testimony of two or three witnesses.

Hebrews 10:28 · BSB

Anyone who rejected the law of Moses died without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses.

Numbers 35:30 · BSB

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.

Cross references adapted from OpenBible.info (CC BY 4.0) and the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

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 Matthew 18