Matthew 18:18
Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
Original Language Analysis
Ἀμὴν
Verily
G281
Ἀμὴν
Verily
Strong's:
G281
Word #:
1 of 26
properly, firm, i.e., (figuratively) trustworthy; adverbially, surely (often as interjection, so be it)
λέγω
I say
G3004
λέγω
I say
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
2 of 26
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
ἐὰν
G1437
ἐὰν
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
5 of 26
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
δεδεμένα
bound
G1210
δεδεμένα
bound
Strong's:
G1210
Word #:
6 of 26
to bind (in various applications, literally or figuratively)
ἐπὶ
on
G1909
ἐπὶ
on
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
7 of 26
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γῆς
earth
G1093
γῆς
earth
Strong's:
G1093
Word #:
9 of 26
soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)
δεδεμένα
bound
G1210
δεδεμένα
bound
Strong's:
G1210
Word #:
11 of 26
to bind (in various applications, literally or figuratively)
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οὐρανῷ
heaven
G3772
οὐρανῷ
heaven
Strong's:
G3772
Word #:
14 of 26
the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
15 of 26
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐὰν
G1437
ἐὰν
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
17 of 26
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
ἐπὶ
on
G1909
ἐπὶ
on
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
19 of 26
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
20 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γῆς
earth
G1093
γῆς
earth
Strong's:
G1093
Word #:
21 of 26
soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)
Cross References
Matthew 16:19And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.2 Corinthians 2:10To whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it in the person of Christ;John 20:23Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.
Historical Context
The 'binding and loosing' language comes from rabbinic practice of declaring actions forbidden or permitted. Jesus transfers this authority to the church community in matters of discipline. The passive voice 'shall be bound/loosed' indicates God's action confirming the church's faithful judgment. Church discipline in Acts (5:1-11, 1 Corinthians 5) reflects this authority.
Questions for Reflection
- How does your church exercise discipline with both truth and grace?
- What makes church discipline biblical versus merely institutional control?
- How seriously do you take the church's authority to declare kingdom boundaries?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus extends 'binding and loosing' authority (previously given to Peter, 16:19) to the gathered church. This authority operates in church discipline—what the church binds/looses on earth reflects heaven's judgment. Reformed ecclesiology understands this as the church's authority in exercising discipline, declaring who is in/out of covenant community based on profession and conduct. This isn't arbitrary power but careful application of Scripture's standards under Christ's lordship.