bind / loose

In the Gospel According to Matthew 18:18 (NABRE), Jesus says to his disciples “Amen, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” A lot has been made of this important statement. As we reflect on it, it is helpful to keep in mind the core sense of what Jesus says here.

The Greek words translated as bind and loose are δέω (deo) and λύω (luo). In this context, the base meanings of “tie up” and loose or “untie” seem to be applicable, especially in the context of restraint or captivity. As we read this passage, then, an important question to ask ourselves in what Jesus thinks can be tied up or untied.

It seems from context as though the Church has the ability to control who is free and who is a captive both on earth and much more significantly in heaven. Likely the most crucial element here is that the Church on earth holds judicial authority in any capacity that is also applicable in heaven. This is a shocking idea both from the perspective that the Church can bind those who seem free—this is perhaps even more shocking from the point of view that the Church can free those who are bound. This is a profound statement on the role and power of the Church on earth.

you also may like our study of the book of Exodus
You Shall Have No Other Gods: The Book of Exodus, a 28-lesson Catholic Bible study with an imprimatur, provides an in-depth look at how significant events in biblical history that occurred thousands of years ago to descendants of Jacob remain relevant and even critical for present-day Christians to understand. The deliverance of the Hebrews from slavery in Egypt and the giving of Ten Commandments are examined along with the development of Moses’ relationship to God. Click here to view a sample of the first lesson.

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