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.

MATTHEW 18:17KJV
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Matthew 18:17 (KJV)

What does Matthew 18:17 mean?

Matthew 18:17 describes how, if someone in the community refuses to listen even after being confronted by individuals and then by the whole church, that person should be treated as an outsider, like a non-Jew ("heathen") or a tax collector ("publican"). This verse sets out a process for handling persistent wrongdoing within a group of believers.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to His disciples about resolving conflicts among members of their community. The situation is about someone who has done wrong and will not listen to correction, even after several attempts. The instruction to treat the person as a "heathen man and a publican" reflects how such people were seen as outside the religious community in that time, highlighting the seriousness of refusing correction.

The Greek behind Matthew 18:17

  • ἐκκλησία (ekklēsia, "church"): In the Greek, this word originally meant an assembly or gathering, not a building or institution. Here, it points to the local community of believers who together address the issue.
  • ἔστω (estō, "let him be"): This word is a command, showing that the community is to make a clear decision about how to relate to the unrepentant person.
  • ἐθνικός (ethnikos, "heathen man"): This term refers to someone outside the Jewish faith, often used for Gentiles. The instruction is to see the person as outside the spiritual family, not as an enemy, but as someone no longer part of the group’s close fellowship.
  • τελώνης (telōnēs, "publican"): Tax collectors were seen as traitors and sinners in Jewish society. Pairing "heathen" and "publican" underlines the idea of separation from the community, not personal hatred.

Why Matthew 18:17 matters

  • Matthew 18:17 clarifies that the goal is not immediate exclusion, but a careful, step-by-step process that gives the person many chances to listen and change.
  • The verse shows that the whole community has a role in addressing serious, ongoing wrongdoing, not just leaders or individuals.
  • Understanding the terms "heathen" and "publican" in their original context helps modern readers see that this is about boundaries in community life, not about treating people harshly or with contempt.

Where else these words appear

“man” Greek G1482 · used in 2 verses

  • Matthew 6:7 But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.

“be” Greek G2077 · used in 16 verses

  • Matthew 5:37 But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.
  • Acts 2:14 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words:
  • Galatians 1:8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.

“publican” Greek G5057 · used in 21 verses

  • Matthew 5:46 For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?
  • Matthew 21:31 Whether of them twain did the will of his father? They say unto him, The first. Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you.
  • Luke 5:30 But their scribes and Pharisees murmured against his disciples, saying, Why do ye eat and drink with publicans and sinners?

“as” Greek G5618 · used in 42 verses

  • Matthew 5:48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
  • Luke 17:24 For as the lightning, that lighteneth out of the one part under heaven, shineth unto the other part under heaven; so shall also the Son of man be in his day.
  • 1 Corinthians 11:12 For as the woman is of the man, even so is the man also by the woman; but all things of God.