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.
Original Language Analysis
ἐάν
if
G1437
ἐάν
if
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
1 of 24
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
ἁμαρτήσῃ
shall trespass
G264
ἁμαρτήσῃ
shall trespass
Strong's:
G264
Word #:
3 of 24
properly, to miss the mark (and so not share in the prize), i.e., (figuratively) to err, especially (morally) to sin
εἰς
against
G1519
εἰς
against
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
4 of 24
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀδελφόν
brother
G80
ἀδελφόν
brother
Strong's:
G80
Word #:
7 of 24
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
ὕπαγε
go
G5217
ὕπαγε
go
Strong's:
G5217
Word #:
9 of 24
to lead (oneself) under, i.e., withdraw or retire (as if sinking out of sight), literally or figuratively
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 24
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτοῦ
him
G846
αὐτοῦ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
12 of 24
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
μεταξὺ
between
G3342
μεταξὺ
between
Strong's:
G3342
Word #:
13 of 24
betwixt (of place or person); (of time) as adjective, intervening, or (by implication) adjoining
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
15 of 24
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτοῦ
him
G846
αὐτοῦ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
16 of 24
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
ἐάν
if
G1437
ἐάν
if
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
18 of 24
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
22 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Leviticus 19:17Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart: thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour, and not suffer sin upon him.Colossians 3:13Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.Galatians 6:1Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.2 Thessalonians 3:15Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.Matthew 18:35So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.Psalms 141:5Let 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.Romans 12:21Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.Proverbs 11:30The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.1 Peter 3:1Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives;
Historical 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.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you typically respond to personal offenses—avoidance, gossip, or biblical confrontation?
- What fears prevent you from pursuing private reconciliation?
- How can you make restoration the goal when addressing others' sins?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & 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.