Biblical Topics A to Z
Binding and Loosing
What Jesus meant in Matthew 16:19 and Matthew 18:18, examining the context of both passages and how they have been interpreted across church history.
At a Glance
Jesus's words about binding and loosing in Matthew 16 and 18 are tied to the church's authority to declare forgiveness and exercise discipline according to his word, not a formula for controlling circumstances.
Overview
Matthew 16:19 and 18:18 both use rabbinic language of binding and loosing, terms that in Jewish teaching referred to authoritatively declaring something forbidden or permitted, and Matthew's own context ties this authority to the church's exercise of discipline and its declaration of the gospel, not to a formula for commanding circumstances.
Learning Objectives
- •Explain the rabbinic background of 'binding and loosing' language as declaring forbidden or permitted.
- •Describe the context of Matthew 18:15-18 and how it connects binding and loosing to church discipline.
- •Identify what Matthew 16:19 ties this authority to, in the context of Peter's confession of Christ.
And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
Matthew 16:19
Read It in Context
This study quotes Matthew 16:19, but no verse stands alone. Open a Bible and read the whole surrounding chapter to see the full argument the passage sits within, then look up the other references cited throughout this study — Matthew 18:18 and beyond — in their own context. Scripture is the final authority here, not this summary.
Historical & Literary Context
In first-century rabbinic usage, 'binding' and 'loosing' were standard terms for a teacher's authoritative ruling that a practice was forbidden (bound) or permitted (loosed), based on their interpretation of the law. Matthew 16:19 gives this authority to Peter immediately following his confession that Jesus is 'the Christ, the Son of the living God' (Matthew 16:16), and Matthew 18:18 repeats the same language in the context of a process for confronting a sinning brother (Matthew 18:15-17), extending the authority to the gathered church.
Declaring, Not Commanding
The rabbinic background of binding and loosing shows that this language describes authoritative declaration according to revealed truth, what is forbidden or permitted according to God's word, rather than a formula for commanding outcomes or circumstances into being.
Tied to Church Discipline
Matthew 18:15-18 sets binding and loosing directly in the context of confronting sin within the church, showing the church's authority to declare a matter settled, whether reconciled or, if unrepented, treated 'as an heathen man and a publican' (Matthew 18:17).
Grounded in the Confession of Christ
Matthew 16:19 gives the keys of the kingdom to Peter directly after his confession of Jesus as the Christ, showing that this authority flows from and is exercised in submission to who Jesus is, not independently of it.
Christ-Centered Focus
Both passages locate binding and loosing authority within the church that confesses Jesus as Lord and gathers in his name (Matthew 18:20), meaning this authority is never autonomous but always exercised under and in agreement with Christ's own authority and word.
Practical Application
This week, if you are involved in a matter of confronting sin or reconciling with someone, follow the pattern of Matthew 18:15-17 directly, addressing it privately first, rather than looking for a separate spiritual formula to apply.
Prayer
Father, thank You for the authority You have given Your church to declare Your truth and pursue reconciliation. Help me exercise any responsibility I carry humbly, under Christ's lordship and according to Your word. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Scripture Memory
"Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven."
Matthew 18:18
Reflection Questions
- 1How does the rabbinic background of 'binding and loosing' as declaring forbidden or permitted change your understanding of these verses?
- 2What does Matthew 18:15-18's context teach about how this authority relates to reconciling with a sinning brother?
- 3Why does Matthew 16:19 tie this authority so closely to Peter's confession of who Jesus is?
- 4How should this shape the way you approach conflict or sin within your own church community?