Matthew 18:16
Translations
King James Version (KJV)
But if he will not hear you, then take with you one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.
American King James Version (AKJV)
But if he will not hear you, then take with you one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.
American Standard Version (ASV)
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.
Basic English Translation (BBE)
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.
Webster's Revision
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.
World English Bible
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.
English Revised Version (ERV)
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.
Clarke's Matthew 18:16 Bible Commentary
2. Take with thee one or two more - Men whom he esteems, who may then confirm and enforce what thou sayest; and afterwards, if need require, bear witness of what was spoken. If even this do not succeed, then, and not before,
Barnes's Matthew 18:16 Bible Commentary
But if he will not hear thee ... - That is, if he spurns or abuses you, or will not be entreated by you, and will not reform.
Take with thee one or two more - The design of taking them seems to be,
1. That he might be induced to listen to them, Matthew 18:17. They should be persons of influence or authority; his personal friends, or those in whom he could put confidence.
2. That they might be witnesses of his conduct before the church, Matthew 18:17. The law of Moses required two or three witnesses, Deuteronomy 19:15; 2 Corinthians 13:1; John 8:17.