King James Version

What Does Matthew 18:15 Mean?

Matthew 18:15 in the King James Version says “Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall h...” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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 18:15 · KJV

Context

13

And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you , he rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine which went not astray.

14

Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish.

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 an heathen man and a publican.

Read Matthew 18 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus establishes church discipline procedure: private confrontation first. The phrase 'if thy brother shall trespass against thee' indicates personal offense within the faith community. Going 'between thee and him alone' protects the offender's reputation while addressing sin. The goal is restoration—'thou hast gained thy brother'—not punishment or public humiliation. Reformed church polity takes Matthew 18 as foundational for discipline, emphasizing reconciliation as the purpose and discretion as the method.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Jewish tradition had formal processes for addressing disputes (Leviticus 19:17). Jesus adapts this into Christian community practice. The emphasis on private resolution before public action reflects biblical wisdom (Proverbs 25:9-10). Early church practice followed these steps, as seen in Paul's letters addressing church conflicts.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you typically respond to personal offenses—avoidance, gossip, or biblical confrontation?
  2. What fears prevent you from pursuing private reconciliation?
  3. How can you make restoration the goal when addressing others' sins?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 24 words
ἐάν1 of 24

“if”

G1437

a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty

δὲ2 of 24

“Moreover”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἁμαρτήσῃ3 of 24

“shall trespass”

G264

properly, to miss the mark (and so not share in the prize), i.e., (figuratively) to err, especially (morally) to sin

εἰς4 of 24

“against”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

σὲ5 of 24

“thee”

G4571

thee

ὁ6 of 24
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀδελφόν7 of 24

“brother”

G80

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

σου·8 of 24

“thee”

G4675

of thee, thy

ὕπαγε9 of 24

“go”

G5217

to lead (oneself) under, i.e., withdraw or retire (as if sinking out of sight), literally or figuratively

καὶ10 of 24

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἔλεγξον11 of 24

“his fault”

G1651

to confute, admonish

αὐτοῦ12 of 24

“him”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

μεταξὺ13 of 24

“between”

G3342

betwixt (of place or person); (of time) as adjective, intervening, or (by implication) adjoining

σου·14 of 24

“thee”

G4675

of thee, thy

καὶ15 of 24

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

αὐτοῦ16 of 24

“him”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

μόνου17 of 24

“alone”

G3441

remaining, i.e., sole or single; by implication, mere

ἐάν18 of 24

“if”

G1437

a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty

σου·19 of 24

“thee”

G4675

of thee, thy

ἀκούσῃ20 of 24

“he shall hear”

G191

to hear (in various senses)

ἐκέρδησας21 of 24

“thou hast gained”

G2770

to gain (literally or figuratively)

τὸν22 of 24
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀδελφόν23 of 24

“brother”

G80

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

σου·24 of 24

“thee”

G4675

of thee, thy

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Matthew. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Matthew 18:15 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Matthew 18:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 19:17Luke 17:3-4Galatians 6:1Colossians 3:132 Thessalonians 3:15James 5:19-20

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