New Testament
Luke 17:3
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
So watch yourselves. If your brother sins against you, confront him about it. And if he repents, forgive him.
Compare translations
Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.
What Luke 17:3 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and accountability in relationships. He instructs us to be vigilant about our own behavior and to address wrongdoing when it occurs. If someone wrongs you, it is essential to confront them directly and honestly. This confrontation should be done with the aim of reconciliation, not condemnation. If the person acknowledges their mistake and shows genuine remorse, you are called to forgive them. This process highlights the balance between justice and mercy, encouraging us to maintain healthy relationships through open communication and forgiveness. It reminds us that forgiveness is a choice that can restore relationships and promote healing, both for the one who forgives and the one who is forgiven.
How to apply Luke 17:3 to your life
In your daily interactions, be mindful of how you address conflicts. If someone offends you, approach them with kindness and honesty. If they apologize sincerely, choose to forgive them, fostering a spirit of reconciliation and understanding in your relationships.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: An Angel Visits Mary (Luke 1:26–38)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Jesus
Photo: Gary Todd (Gary Lee Todd, Ph.D.), via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication. Source. Location: Southern end of the Temple Mount, Jerusalem Old City. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Jerusalem
David's capital, the city of the temple, and the place where Jesus died and rose again.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Luke 17:3
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Luke 17:3
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Luke
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Luke 17:3 mean?
Luke 17:3 teaches that we should be aware of our own actions and address any wrongdoing from others directly. It emphasizes the importance of confronting someone who has wronged you and forgiving them if they show genuine remorse.
What is the meaning of forgiveness in Luke 17:3?
In Luke 17:3, forgiveness means letting go of resentment towards someone who has wronged you after they acknowledge their mistake. It highlights the importance of reconciliation and maintaining healthy relationships.
How does Luke 17:3 relate to accountability?
Luke 17:3 relates to accountability by reminding us to be vigilant about our own behavior and to hold others accountable for their actions. It encourages direct communication when someone has sinned against us.
What is the overall message of Luke 17:3?
The overall message of Luke 17:3 is about the balance between confronting wrongdoing and offering forgiveness. It encourages open communication in relationships and emphasizes the importance of reconciliation.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.