Matthew 18:15
New International Version
“If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over.

New Living Translation
“If another believer sins against you, go privately and point out the offense. If the other person listens and confesses it, you have won that person back.

English Standard Version
“If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother.

Berean Standard Bible
If your brother sins against you, go and confront him privately. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over.

Berean Literal Bible
And if your brother sins against you, go reprove him, between you and him alone. If he will hear you, you have gained your brother.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
“Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother.

New American Standard Bible
“Now if your brother sins, go and show him his fault in private; if he listens to you, you have gained your brother.

NASB 1995
“If your brother sins, go and show him his fault in private; if he listens to you, you have won your brother.

NASB 1977
“And if your brother sins, go and reprove him in private; if he listens to you, you have won your brother.

Legacy Standard Bible
“Now if your brother sins, go and show him his fault, between you and him alone; if he listens to you, you have won your brother.

Amplified Bible
“If your brother sins, go and show him his fault in private; if he listens and pays attention to you, you have won back your brother.

Christian Standard Bible
“If your brother sins against you, go tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have won your brother.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
“If your brother sins against you, go and rebuke him in private. If he listens to you, you have won your brother.

American Standard Version
And if thy brother sin against thee, go, show him his fault between thee and him alone: if he hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.

Contemporary English Version
If one of my followers sins against you, go and point out what was wrong. But do it in private, just between the two of you. If that person listens, you have won back a follower.

English Revised Version
And if thy brother sin against thee, go, shew him his fault between thee and him alone: if he hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
"If a believer does something wrong, go, confront him when the two of you are alone. If he listens to you, you have won back that believer.

Good News Translation
"If your brother sins against you, go to him and show him his fault. But do it privately, just between yourselves. If he listens to you, you have won your brother back.

International Standard Version
"If your brother sins against you, go and confront him while the two of you are alone. If he listens to you, you have won back your brother.

Majority Standard Bible
If your brother sins against you, go and confront him privately. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over.

NET Bible
"If your brother sins, go and show him his fault when the two of you are alone. If he listens to you, you have regained your brother.

New Heart English Bible
"If your brother sins against you, go, show him his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained back your brother.

Webster's Bible Translation
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.

Weymouth New Testament
"If your brother acts wrongly towards you, go and point out his fault to him when only you and he are there. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother.

World English Bible
“If your brother sins against you, go, show him his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained back your brother.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And if your brother may sin against you, go and show him his fault between you and him alone, if he may hear you, you gained your brother;

Berean Literal Bible
And if your brother sins against you, go reprove him, between you and him alone. If he will hear you, you have gained your brother.

Young's Literal Translation
'And if thy brother may sin against thee, go and show him his fault between thee and him alone, if he may hear thee, thou didst gain thy brother;

Smith's Literal Translation
And if thy brother sin against thee, retire, and refute him between thee and him alone; if he hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
But if thy brother shall offend against thee, go, and rebuke him between thee and him alone. If he shall hear thee, thou shalt gain thy brother.

Catholic Public Domain Version
But if your brother has sinned against you, go and correct him, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you will have regained your brother.

New American Bible
“If your brother sins [against you], go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have won over your brother.

New Revised Standard Version
“If another member of the church sins against you, go and point out the fault when the two of you are alone. If the member listens to you, you have regained that one.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Now then, if your brother is at fault with you, go and rebuke him alone; if he listens to you, then you have won your brother.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
But if your brother wrongs you, reprove him between you and him alone; if he hears you, you have gained your brother.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And if your brother sin against you, go and tell him of his fault between you and him alone; if he hear you, you have gained your brother.

Godbey New Testament
But if thy brother may sin, go, and convict him between thee and him alone: if he may hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother:

Haweis New Testament
Now if thy brother sin against thee, go and reprove him between thyself and him alone; if he hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.

Mace New Testament
Now in case such a brother do you an injury, go and expostulate with him in private: if he repents, thou hast saved thy brother.

Weymouth New Testament
"If your brother acts wrongly towards you, go and point out his fault to him when only you and he are there. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother.

Worrell New Testament
"And, if your brother sin against you, go show him his fault between you and him alone. If he hear you, you gained your brother;

Worsley New Testament
And if thy brother trespass against thee, go and expostulate with him alone; if he hearken to thee, thou hast gained thy brother:

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
A Brother who Sins
14In the same way, your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should perish. 15 If your brother sins against you, go and confront him privately. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. 16But 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.’…

Cross References
Galatians 6:1
Brothers, if someone is caught in a trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him with a spirit of gentleness. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.

Luke 17:3
Watch yourselves. If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him.

Leviticus 19:17
You must not harbor hatred against your brother in your heart. Directly rebuke your neighbor, so that you will not incur guilt on account of him.

James 5:19-20
My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, / consider this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and cover over a multitude of sins.

Proverbs 27:5-6
Better an open rebuke than love that is concealed. / The wounds of a friend are faithful, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.

1 Corinthians 5:12-13
What business of mine is it to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? / God will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked man from among you.”

2 Thessalonians 3:15
Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.

Proverbs 9:8
Do not rebuke a mocker, or he will hate you; rebuke a wise man, and he will love you.

1 Timothy 5:20
But those who persist in sin should be rebuked in front of everyone, so that the others will stand in fear of sin.

Titus 3:10-11
Reject a divisive man after a first and second admonition, / knowing that such a man is corrupt and sinful; he is self-condemned.

Ephesians 4:15
Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into Christ Himself, who is the head.

1 John 5:16
If anyone sees his brother committing a sin not leading to death, he should ask God, who will give life to those who commit this kind of sin. There is a sin that leads to death; I am not saying he should ask regarding that sin.

2 Corinthians 2:6-8
The punishment imposed on him by the majority is sufficient for him. / So instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. / Therefore I urge you to reaffirm your love for him.

Hebrews 12:13-15
Make straight paths for your feet, so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed. / Pursue peace with everyone, as well as holiness, without which no one will see the Lord. / See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God, and that no root of bitterness springs up to cause trouble and defile many.

Romans 15:14
I myself am convinced, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, brimming with knowledge, and able to instruct one another.


Treasury of Scripture

Moreover if your brother shall trespass against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone: if he shall hear you, you have gained your brother.

if.

Matthew 18:35
So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.

Leviticus 6:2-7
If a soul sin, and commit a trespass against the LORD, and lie unto his neighbour in that which was delivered him to keep, or in fellowship, or in a thing taken away by violence, or hath deceived his neighbour; …

Luke 17:3,4
Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him…

go.

Leviticus 19:17
Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart: thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour, and not suffer sin upon him.

Psalm 141:5
Let the righteous smite me; it shall be a kindness: and let him reprove me; it shall be an excellent oil, which shall not break my head: for yet my prayer also shall be in their calamities.

Proverbs 25:9,10
Debate thy cause with thy neighbour himself; and discover not a secret to another: …

thou hast.

Proverbs 11:30
The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.

Romans 12:21
Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

1 Corinthians 9:19-21
For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more…

Jump to Previous
Acts Alone Clear Ear Error Fault Gain Gained Gives Hear Listens Moreover Point Private Reprove Show Sins Towards Trespass Won Wrong Wrongly
Jump to Next
Acts Alone Clear Ear Error Fault Gain Gained Gives Hear Listens Moreover Point Private Reprove Show Sins Towards Trespass Won Wrong Wrongly
Matthew 18
1. Jesus warns his disciples to be humble and harmless,
7. to avoid offenses,
10. and not to despise the little ones;
15. teaches how we are to deal with our brothers when they offend us,
21. and how often to forgive them;
23. which he sets forth by a parable of the king who took account of his servants,
32. and punished him who showed no mercy to his fellow servant.














If your brother
The term "brother" in this context is not limited to a biological sibling but extends to fellow believers within the Christian community. The Greek word used here is "adelphos," which signifies a close relationship, akin to family. This highlights the intimate bond expected among Christians, emphasizing that the church is a family united in Christ. The use of "brother" underscores the importance of maintaining harmony and unity within the body of Christ.

sins against you
The Greek word for "sins" is "hamartanō," which means to miss the mark or err. This phrase indicates a personal offense or wrongdoing that disrupts the relationship between believers. The context here is not about minor grievances but significant actions that could harm the spiritual or communal well-being. The phrase "against you" personalizes the offense, suggesting a direct impact on the individual, which necessitates a response to restore the relationship.

go and confront him privately
The instruction to "go" implies taking initiative and responsibility in addressing the issue. The Greek word "hypagō" suggests a deliberate action, emphasizing the importance of resolving conflicts proactively. "Confront" is translated from "elegchō," meaning to reprove or bring to light. This is not about accusation but about lovingly pointing out the fault to bring about repentance and reconciliation. The word "privately" is crucial, as it underscores the need for discretion and respect, avoiding public embarrassment and allowing for a sincere and open dialogue.

If he listens to you
The phrase "listens to you" involves more than just hearing; it implies understanding and accepting the correction. The Greek word "akouō" suggests an active engagement with the message, leading to a change of heart. This listening is a sign of humility and willingness to restore the relationship, reflecting the transformative power of Christ's teachings in the believer's life.

you have won your brother over
The phrase "won your brother over" is translated from "kerdainō," which means to gain or win over. This is not about victory in an argument but about restoring a relationship and bringing a fellow believer back into fellowship. The ultimate goal is reconciliation and unity within the body of Christ, reflecting the love and forgiveness that Jesus exemplifies. This outcome is a triumph for the community, as it strengthens the bonds of love and faith among believers.

(15) Moreover if thy brother shall trespass.--Better, and if thy brother shall sin. A twofold train of thought is traceable in what follows. (1.) The presence of "offences" implies sin, and the question arises how each man is to deal with those sins which affect himself personally. (2.) The dispute in which the teaching recorded in this chapter had originated implied that the unity of the society which was then represented by the Twelve, had for the time been broken. Each of the disciples thought himself, in some sense, aggrieved by others. Sharp words, it may be, had been spoken among them, and the breach had to be healed.

Go and tell him his fault.--The Greek is somewhat stronger, convict him of his fault, press it home on him in such a way as to reach his reason and his conscience. (Comp. John 16:8.) But this is to be done "between thee and him alone." Angry words spoken in the presence of others would fail of that result. It is significant that the substance of the precept is taken from the passage in Leviticus (Leviticus 19:17-18) which ends with "Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself."

Thou hast gained thy brother.--The words in part derive their force from the subtle use of a word in one sense which men associated commonly with another. "Gain" of some kind, aimed at, or wrongfully withheld, was commonly the origin of disputes and litigation. A man hoped to reap some profit by going to law. In the more excellent way which our Lord points out, he would by sacrificing the lower gain, attain the higher, and win for God (see 1Corinthians 9:19, 1Peter 3:1, for this aspect of the word) and for himself the brother with whom he had been at variance.

Verses 15-20. - Correction of an offending brother. Verse 15. - Hitherto the discourse has warned against offending the young and weak; it now teaches how to behave when the offence is directed against one's self. Moreover (δὲ, "now," introducing a new subject) if thy brother shall trespass against thee (εἰς σέ). The brother is a brother in the faith, a fellow Christian. The words, "against thee," are omitted in the Sinaitic and Vatican Manuscripts, and by some modern editors, on the ground that it is a gloss derived from Peter's question (ver. 21). The words are retained by the Vulgate and other high authorities. Without them, the passage becomes one of a general nature, applying to all offences. Retaining them, we find a direction how to treat one who offers personal offence to ourselves - which seems to suit the context best. In the case of private quarrels between individual Christians, with the view of reconciliation, there are four steps to be taken. First, private remonstrance: Go. Do not wait for him to come to you; make the first advances yourself. This, as being the more difficult course, is expressly enjoined on one who is learning the lesson of humility. Tell him his fault; ἔλεγξον αὐτόν,: corripe eum. Put the fault plainly before him, show him how he has wronged you, and how he has offended God. This must be done in private, gently, mercifully. Such treatment may win the heart, while public rebuke, open denunciation, might only incense and harden. Plainly, the Lord primarily contemplates quarrels between individual Christians; though, indeed, the advice here and in the sequel is applicable to a wider sphere and to more important occasions. Thou hast gained thy brother. If he shall own his fault, and ask for pardon, thou hast won him for God and thyself. A quarrel is a loss to both parties; a reconciliation is a gain for both. The verb "to gain" (κερδαίνω) is used elsewhere in this high sense (see 1 Corinthians 9:19; 1 Peter 3:1).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
If
Ἐὰν (Ean)
Conjunction
Strong's 1437: If. From ei and an; a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.

your
σου (sou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

brother
ἀδελφός (adelphos)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 80: A brother, member of the same religious community, especially a fellow-Christian. A brother near or remote.

sins
ἁμαρτήσῃ (hamartēsē)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 264: Perhaps from a and the base of meros; properly, to miss the mark, i.e. to err, especially to sin.

against
εἰς (eis)
Preposition
Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.

you,
σὲ (se)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

go
ὕπαγε (hypage)
Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 5217: To go away, depart, begone, die. From hupo and ago; to lead under, i.e. Withdraw or retire, literally or figuratively.

[and] confront
ἔλεγξον (elenxon)
Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 1651: (a) I reprove, rebuke, discipline, (b) I expose, show to be guilty. Of uncertain affinity; to confute, admonish.

him
αὐτὸν (auton)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

privately.
μόνου (monou)
Adjective - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3441: Only, solitary, desolate. Probably from meno; remaining, i.e. Sole or single; by implication, mere.

If
ἐάν (ean)
Conjunction
Strong's 1437: If. From ei and an; a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.

he listens to
ἀκούσῃ (akousē)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 191: To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear.

you,
σου (sou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

you have won
ἐκέρδησας (ekerdēsas)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 2770: To gain, acquire, win (over), avoid loss. From kerdos; to gain.

your
σου (sou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

brother {over}.
ἀδελφόν (adelphon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 80: A brother, member of the same religious community, especially a fellow-Christian. A brother near or remote.


Links
Matthew 18:15 NIV
Matthew 18:15 NLT
Matthew 18:15 ESV
Matthew 18:15 NASB
Matthew 18:15 KJV

Matthew 18:15 BibleApps.com
Matthew 18:15 Biblia Paralela
Matthew 18:15 Chinese Bible
Matthew 18:15 French Bible
Matthew 18:15 Catholic Bible

NT Gospels: Matthew 18:15 If your brother sins against you go (Matt. Mat Mt)
Matthew 18:14
Top of Page
Top of Page