Matthew 18:15 (KJV)

What does Matthew 18:15 mean?

Matthew 18:15 teaches that if someone close to you, like a fellow believer, wrongs you, you should go to that person privately and talk about the issue. If the person listens and responds, the relationship is restored and you have "gained your brother."

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to his disciples about how to handle personal conflicts within their community. The instruction is to address problems directly and privately, not publicly or through gossip. The goal is reconciliation, not punishment, and the verse highlights the value of restoring relationships rather than letting conflicts grow.

The Greek behind Matthew 18:15

• "trespass" (ἁμαρτήσῃ, hamartēsē): This word is often understood as "to sin" or "to do wrong." Here, it refers to a personal offense or wrongdoing between two people, not just a general mistake.
• "go" (ὕπαγε, hypage): The Greek word here is an active command, emphasizing that the responsibility to start the conversation lies with the person who was wronged.
• "tell him his fault" (ἔλεγξον αὐτὸν, elegxon auton): This phrase means to point out the fault or show the person their mistake, but it carries the sense of doing so with the aim of correction, not condemnation.
• "gained" (ἐκέρδησας, ekerdēsas): This word means to win over or regain, suggesting that the relationship is something valuable that can be recovered through honest conversation.

Why Matthew 18:15 matters

• Matthew 18:15 clears up the idea that conflicts should be handled quietly and directly, rather than being spread around or ignored.
• The verse emphasizes personal responsibility in seeking reconciliation, showing that restoring relationships is a priority in Jesus' teaching.
• This instruction fits into a larger section where Jesus teaches about humility, forgiveness, and caring for one another within the community, highlighting the importance of unity and peace.