Matthew 18:15 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →When someone wrongs us, Jesus shows a quiet path that aims not to win an argument but to win back the person.
The Context of Matthew 18:15
Part of Jesus' teaching to His disciples about life together in His community. It comes right after the parable of the lost sheep (verses 12-14), where the shepherd goes after the one that wandered, setting the tone for how the offended should pursue the offender.
What Does Matthew 18:15 Mean?
Jesus gives careful, gentle instructions for the moment we are wronged. The first move is to go, to take the initiative rather than nurse the hurt or spread it to others. The conversation is to happen quietly, between the two alone, so the other person is not shamed before a crowd. And the goal is named at the end: 'thou hast gained thy brother.' The whole effort is aimed at restoring the relationship, keeping a friend rather than scoring a point.
This is the heart of Jesus showing through. He came seeking the lost and the wandering, going after them Himself, and He asks His people to carry that same seeking love toward one another. Confronting a wrong this way takes humility and courage, and He supplies both. The One who reconciled us to God when we were the ones in the wrong now teaches us to walk toward each other with that same hope of being made whole.
Matthew 18:15 in the Original Language
kerdaino (κερδαίνω), 'gained' -- to win or gain something of value; here, to win back a brother rather than lose him.
How to Apply Matthew 18:15 Today
When someone wrongs us, this verse offers a better path than silence or gossip. We can go quietly and directly to the person, with the goal of keeping them rather than defeating them. The aim Jesus sets is always to win the brother back.
Frequently Asked Questions About Matthew 18:15
What does Matthew 18:15 mean?
When someone wrongs us, Jesus shows a quiet path that aims not to win an argument but to win back the person.
What is the context of Matthew 18:15?
Part of Jesus' teaching to His disciples about life together in His community. It comes right after the parable of the lost sheep (verses 12-14), where the shepherd goes after the one that wandered, setting the tone for how the offended should pursue the offender.
How can I apply Matthew 18:15 today?
When someone wrongs us, this verse offers a better path than silence or gossip. We can go quietly and directly to the person, with the goal of keeping them rather than defeating them. The aim Jesus sets is always to win the brother back.