Matthew Chapter 18 verse 16 Holy Bible
But if he hear `thee' not, take with thee one or two more, that at the mouth of two witnesses or three every word may be established.
read chapter 18 in ASV
But if he will not give ear to you, take with you one or two more, that by the lips of two or three witnesses every word may be made certain.
read chapter 18 in BBE
But if he do not hear [thee], take with thee one or two besides, that every matter may stand upon the word of two witnesses or of three.
read chapter 18 in DARBY
But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.
read chapter 18 in KJV
read chapter 18 in WBT
But if he doesn't listen, take one or two more with you, that at the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.
read chapter 18 in WEB
and if he may not hear, take with thee yet one or two, that by the mouth of two witnesses or three every word may stand.
read chapter 18 in YLT
Pulpit Commentary
Pulpit CommentaryVerse 16. - This gives the second step or stage in discipline. Take with thee one or two more. If the offender is obdurate to secret remonstrance, do not yet resort to public measures, but make a fresh effort accompanied by a friend or two, who will support your view and confirm your expostulation, which might otherwise be considered partial or self-interested. In the mouth of two or three witnesses. The idea is derived from the requirement of the Jewish Law in a case of litigation (see Deuteronomy 19:15; John 8:17; 2 Corinthians 13:1). By the testimony of these witnesses, every word that has passed between you may be fully certified. There will be forthcoming, if necessary, the regular legal evidence, should the matter come to other ears.
Ellicott's Commentary
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(16) Take with thee one or two more.--The principle of action is the same as before. The first point aimed at is the reformation of the offender without the scandal (here we may take the word both in its earlier and later senses) of publicity. If personal expostulation failed, then the "one or two" were to be called in. (Comp. 1Corinthians 6:5.) It is, of course, implied that they are not partisans, but disinterested representatives of what is likely to be the common estimate of the fault committed. If the end is attained through them, well; if not, then they are in reserve for the final stage as witnesses that every effort has been made in the spirit of a righteous friendship. As the previous verse implied a reference to Leviticus 19:17, so does this to Deuteronomy 19:15. This selection of all that was highest and most spiritual in the ethical teaching of the Law is one of the features of our Lord's method, for the most part insufficiently recognised. (See John 8:17.)
