Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.

LUKE 17:3KJV
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Luke 17:3 (KJV)

What does Luke 17:3 mean?

Luke 17:3 teaches that if someone close to you does wrong to you, you should let them know about it, and if they are sorry and change their ways, you should forgive them. Jesus is telling his followers to pay attention to their own actions and relationships, especially when it comes to forgiveness.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to his disciples, warning them to be careful in how they treat each other. The situation is about personal relationships among believers, focusing on what to do when someone "trespasses" or sins against another. The instruction is to address the wrongdoing honestly ("rebuke him") but also to be ready to forgive if the person truly repents.

The Greek behind Luke 17:3

  • προσέχετε (prosechete, "heed"): This word means to pay close attention or be on guard. Jesus is emphasizing the need for careful self-awareness in how one handles conflict and forgiveness.
  • ἐπιτίμησον (epitimēson, "rebuke"): This word often means to warn or correct sharply. It suggests not ignoring the wrong but addressing it directly, which can be uncomfortable but is meant to help restore the relationship.
  • μετανοήσῃ (metanoēsē, "repent"): This word means to change one's mind or turn around. Here, it points to a genuine change in attitude or behavior, not just saying sorry.
  • ἄφες (aphes, "forgive"): This word means to let go or release. The idea is that forgiveness is not just about forgetting but about releasing the other person from the debt or hurt caused.

Why Luke 17:3 matters

  • Luke 17:3 clears up the idea that forgiveness does not mean ignoring wrongdoing; it involves both honest confrontation and mercy.
  • The verse shows that Jesus expects his followers to be both truthful and gracious, holding each other accountable but also being ready to forgive.
  • This teaching fits into a larger section where Jesus is preparing his disciples for life together, emphasizing humility, forgiveness, and real community.

Where else these words appear

“heed” Greek G4337 · used in 24 verses

  • Matthew 6:1 Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.
  • Luke 20:46 Beware of the scribes, which desire to walk in long robes, and love greetings in the markets, and the highest seats in the synagogues, and the chief rooms at feasts;
  • 1 Timothy 1:4 Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.

“rebuke” Greek G2008 · used in 29 verses

  • Matthew 8:26 And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.
  • Mark 8:30 And he charged them that they should tell no man of him.
  • Luke 8:24 And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, Master, master, we perish. Then he arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm.

“repent” Greek G3340 · used in 32 verses

  • Matthew 3:2 And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
  • Luke 13:5 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.
  • 2 Corinthians 12:21 And lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and that I shall bewail many which have sinned already, and have not repented of the uncleanness and fornication and lasciviousness which they have committed.

“trespass” Greek G264 · used in 37 verses

  • 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.
  • Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
  • Titus 3:11 Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself.