Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Matthew 18:16. It’s a really important and slightly complex verse about how we should handle disagreements and misunderstandings. Here's a simple explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that if someone doesn’t listen to you, then you need to share your message with a few trusted people – essentially, a small group of witnesses. Let’s unpack it word-by-word: “But if he will not hear…” - This is the key warning. It means that if someone refuses to listen or understand what you're saying, then you need to take action. “…take with thee one or two more.” - This suggests that you don’t have to share everything with everyone. You can choose to focus on a smaller group of people – just one or two – to build your message and ensure its truthfulness. “That in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.” – This is the crucial part. "Witnesses" are people who are trusted to understand and confirm what you’re saying. When you share a message with these few, it's much more likely that everyone will agree and that your message will be solid and true. What does this mean in practice? It speaks to the importance of: Trusting Others: You shouldn’t have to carry the weight of everything on your own. Verifying Your Message: Don't share every thought or opinion. Focus on a small group where you can ensure accuracy and truth. Seeking Confirmation: When sharing something important, it’s better to have a few people agree with you – they’ll help strengthen your message. The Context - Matthew 18: This verse comes from Matthew 18, which describes Jesus's encounter with Peter about how to handle disagreements. It sets up a significant challenge: How should we deal with someone who doesn’t listen to us? Jesus provides this guidance to ensure that the message is clear and understood across the entire church. In short: This verse encourages us to be strategic in how we share our beliefs, prioritizing trust and verification to strengthen our message. --- Do you want me to: Explain it further with a specific example? Discuss the significance of this passage within the context of the Bible as a whole?