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    Matthew 18 (KJV)

    Read Matthew chapter 18 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible.

    Matthew 18

    Deep Verse Commentaries in This Chapter

    Matthew 18:3-4

    "Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye sh…"

    Matthew 18:20

    "For where two or three are gathered together in my name, the…"

    Matthew 18:21-22

    "Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my bro…"

    Matthew 18:19

    "Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on eart…"

    Matthew 18:21

    "Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my bro…"

    Matthew 18:22

    "Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times…"

    Popular Verses in Matthew 18

    Most searched verses from this chapter, with KJV text and context.

    Matthew 18:21 KJV

    Forgiveness

    Matthew 18:22 KJV

    Forgiveness

    Matthew 18:20 KJV

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    Matthew 18 Summary

    Matthew 18 is Jesus' discourse on community life in the kingdom — addressing humility, protecting the vulnerable, handling sin, and practicing radical forgiveness. It begins with the disciples asking who is greatest; Jesus places a child among them and says, 'Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.'

    The chapter includes the parable of the lost sheep (the shepherd leaves ninety-nine to find one), instructions for confronting a sinning brother (the 'Matthew 18 principle'), the promise that 'where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them,' and the parable of the unmerciful servant who was forgiven millions but refused to forgive pennies.

    Key Themes

    Childlike humilityProtecting the vulnerableChurch disciplineUnlimited forgivenessThe unmerciful servant

    Key Verses in Matthew 18

    "Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven."

    — Matthew 18:3

    Kingdom greatness is measured by humility and dependence, not power and position.

    "For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them."

    — Matthew 18:20

    Christ's presence is promised to even the smallest gathering — His church needs no minimum size.

    "Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven."

    — Matthew 18:21-22

    Forgiveness is not a transaction with a limit but a posture without one.

    Life Application

    The parable of the unmerciful servant delivers a devastating punch: the man forgiven an unpayable debt refuses to forgive a tiny one. Jesus' point is unavoidable — if you've received God's forgiveness (an immeasurable gift), refusing to forgive others is monstrous hypocrisy. This chapter makes forgiveness not optional but essential for those who've been forgiven.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is the Matthew 18 principle for church discipline?

    Jesus outlines a progressive process: first, go privately to the person who sinned against you. If they won't listen, bring one or two witnesses. If they still refuse, bring it before the church. If they reject the church, treat them as an outsider. The goal at every step is restoration, not punishment.

    Does 'seventy times seven' mean 490 times?

    No — Jesus uses the number rhetorically to mean 'without limit.' Peter's question ('seven times?') was already generous by rabbinic standards. Jesus' answer demolishes the idea that forgiveness has a quota. The parable that follows shows why: our debt to God is infinitely greater than anyone's debt to us.

    Read the full summary of Matthew

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