Berean Standard Bible (BSB)

Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.

World English Bible (WEB)

Most certainly I tell you, whatever things you bind on earth will have been bound in heaven, and whatever things you release on earth will have been released in heaven.

Strong's King James

Verily{G281} I say{G3004}{(G5719)} unto you{G5213}, Whatsoever{G3745}{G1437} ye shall bind{G1210}{(G5661)} on{G1909} earth{G1093} shall be{G2071}{(G5704)} bound{G1210}{(G5772)} in{G1722} heaven{G3772}: and{G2532} whatsoever{G3745}{G1437} ye shall loose{G3089}{(G5661)} on{G1909} earth{G1093} shall be{G2071}{(G5704)} loosed{G3089}{(G5772)} in{G1722} heaven{G3772}.

The F.O.G *

Amen I tell you, whatever you bind upon the land will have been bound in the skies above, and whatever you release on the land will have been released in the skies above.

The F.O.G Message *

Young's Literal Translation

‘Verily I say to you, Whatever things ye may bind upon the earth shall be having been bound in the heavens, and whatever things ye may loose on the earth shall be having been loosed in the heavens.

Matthew 18:18 – The F.O.G Commentary

Immediate Context:

Matthew 18:18 is part of Jesus’ teaching on church discipline and forgiveness, set within a broader discourse on relationships among believers. Earlier in the chapter, Jesus emphasizes humility, care for the “little ones,” and the process of reconciliation within the church. This verse follows Jesus’ instructions on how to address sin in the community, providing authority to the decisions made in the process of reconciliation and discipline.

Line (Verse Text):

“Truly I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven.” (Matthew 18:18, NASB)

Linked to Verse Media: Suggestions

A visual aid that could enhance understanding is an infographic explaining the concepts of “binding” and “loosing” in first-century Jewish culture, showing how these terms relate to permitting and forbidding actions. Another option could be a short video demonstrating the process of reconciliation and church discipline as described in Matthew 18.

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Unique Insights:

The terms “bind” (δέω, deō) and “loose” (λύω, lyō) were commonly used in rabbinic tradition to refer to forbidding or permitting certain behaviors. In this verse, they signify the church’s authority to make decisions concerning discipline and forgiveness. The phrase “shall have been bound/loosed in heaven” indicates that earthly actions, when done according to God’s will, align with what is already established in the heavenly realm. This verse emphasizes the community’s role in discerning God’s will together.

Major Biblical Themes:

Authority of Believers: The verse addresses the authority granted to the church to make decisions on spiritual matters.

Reconciliation and Forgiveness: It emphasizes the process of handling sin and forgiveness within the church community.

Alignment with God’s Will: The idea that earthly decisions should reflect heavenly realities points to the call for the church to seek God’s guidance in all matters.

Important Theology:

Matthew 18:18 underscores the concept of delegated authority within the church. This authority is not arbitrary but is meant to reflect the decisions already made in heaven, indicating that the church’s actions should align with God’s sovereign will. The verse also touches upon the priesthood of believers, where the community collectively carries the responsibility of spiritual discernment. The authority to “bind and loose” connects with the believer’s responsibility to uphold righteousness and facilitate reconciliation.

Noteworthy Echoes:

Matthew 16:19: “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven.” Here, Jesus speaks specifically to Peter, but the principle extends to all believers in Matthew 18.

John 20:23: “If you forgive the sins of any, their sins have been forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they have been retained.” This passage echoes the authority to forgive or withhold forgiveness.

1 Corinthians 5:4-5: Paul addresses the authority to discipline within the church, illustrating the practical application of binding and loosing.

Application Insight:

In today’s context, this verse calls believers to exercise spiritual discernment and communal responsibility. When dealing with issues of conflict, sin, or forgiveness, church members are encouraged to seek unity and alignment with God’s will. Practical steps include establishing processes for conflict resolution, engaging in communal prayer for wisdom, and ensuring that decisions reflect biblical principles of justice and mercy.

Thoughtful Reflection:

How does the understanding of “binding and loosing” shape your view of the church’s role in matters of discipline, forgiveness, and spiritual discernment?

Enlightening Facts:

The concept of “binding and loosing” was a common rabbinic practice in Jesus’ time, where rabbis would declare certain behaviors permissible or forbidden according to the Law.

In Jewish tradition, decisions made by a court (Sanhedrin) regarding legal matters were considered authoritative, and Jesus transfers this concept to the Christian community.

The phrase “shall have been bound/loosed in heaven” indicates a divine approval that precedes the church’s decision, suggesting that the church discerns rather than creates God’s will.

Matthew 18:18