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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Matthew 7:3 Why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye, but fail to notice the beam in your own eye?</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/matthew/7-3.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/11/40_Mat_07_03.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Matthew 7:3 - Do Not Judge" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye, but fail to notice the beam in your own eye?" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/matthew/7-3.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/matthew/7-3.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/matthew/">Matthew</a> > <a href="/matthew/7.htm">Chapter 7</a> > Verse 3</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad3.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/matthew/7-2.htm" title="Matthew 7:2">◄</a> Matthew 7:3 <a href="/matthew/7-4.htm" title="Matthew 7:4">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/matthew/7.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/matthew/7.htm">New International Version</a> &#8220Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother&#8217s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? <a href="/nlt/matthew/7.htm">New Living Translation</a> “And why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye when you have a log in your own? <a href="/esv/matthew/7.htm">English Standard Version</a> Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? <a href="/bsb/matthew/7.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye but fail to notice the beam in your own eye? <a href="/blb/matthew/7.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And why do you look at the splinter in your brother's eye, but not notice the beam in your own eye? <a href="/kjv/matthew/7.htm">King James Bible</a> And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? <a href="/nkjv/matthew/7.htm">New King James Version</a> And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? <a href="/nasb_/matthew/7.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? <a href="/nasb/matthew/7.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother&#8217s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? <a href="/nasb77/matthew/7.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “And why do you look at the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? <a href="/lsb/matthew/7.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> And why do you look at the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? <a href="/amp/matthew/7.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Why do you look at the [insignificant] speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice and acknowledge the [egregious] log that is in your own eye? <a href="/csb/matthew/7.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Why do you look at the splinter in your brother’s eye but don’t notice the beam of wood in your own eye? <a href="/hcsb/matthew/7.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Why do you look at the speck in your brother&#8217s eye but don&#8217t notice the log in your own eye? <a href="/asv/matthew/7.htm">American Standard Version</a> And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? <a href="/cev/matthew/7.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> You can see the speck in your friend's eye, but you don't notice the log in your own eye. <a href="/erv/matthew/7.htm">English Revised Version</a> And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? <a href="/gwt/matthew/7.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> So why do you see the piece of sawdust in another believer's eye and not notice the wooden beam in your own eye? <a href="/gnt/matthew/7.htm">Good News Translation</a> Why, then, do you look at the speck in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the log in your own eye? <a href="/isv/matthew/7.htm">International Standard Version</a> "Why do you see the speck in your brother's eye but fail to notice the beam in your own eye? <a href="/msb/matthew/7.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Why do you look at the speck in your brother?s eye but fail to notice the beam in your own eye? <a href="/net/matthew/7.htm">NET Bible</a> Why do you see the speck in your brother's eye, but fail to see the beam of wood in your own? <a href="/nheb/matthew/7.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> And why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? <a href="/wbt/matthew/7.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thy own eye? <a href="/wey/matthew/7.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> And why do you look at the splinter in your brother's eye, and not notice the beam which is in your own eye? <a href="/web/matthew/7.htm">World English Bible</a> Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but don’t consider the beam that is in your own eye? <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/matthew/7.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And why do you behold the speck that [is] in your brother’s eye, and do not consider the beam that [is] in your own eye? <a href="/blb/matthew/7.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And why do you look at the splinter in your brother's eye, but not notice the beam in your own eye? <a href="/ylt/matthew/7.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And why dost thou behold the mote that is in thy brother's eye, and the beam that is in thine own eye dost not consider? <a href="/slt/matthew/7.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And why seest thou the mote which is in thy brother's eye, and the beam in thine eye thou observest not?<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/matthew/7.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Any why seest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye; and seest not the beam that is in thy own eye? <a href="/cpdv/matthew/7.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And how can you see the splinter in your brother’s eye, and not see the board in your own eye? <a href="/nabre/matthew/7.htm">New American Bible</a> Why do you notice the splinter in your brother’s eye, but do not perceive the wooden beam in your own eye? <a href="/nrsvce/matthew/7.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Why do you see the speck in your neighbor’s eye, but do not notice the log in your own eye?<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/matthew/7.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Why do you see the splinter which is in your brother’s eye, and do not feel the beam which is in your own eye? <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/matthew/7.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> Why do you notice a chip that is in your brother's eye, and you do not observe the plank that is in your own eye?<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/matthew/7.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> And why do you look at the splinter that is in your brother's eye, but perceive not the beam that is in your own eye? <a href="/godbey/matthew/7.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> <FR>But why do you see the mote which is in the eye of your brother, and do not recognize the beam which is in your own eye?<Fr> <a href="/haweis/matthew/7.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> And why spiest thou out the mote which is in thy brother?s eye, yet payest no attention to the beam which is in thine own eye? <a href="/mace/matthew/7.htm">Mace New Testament</a> why do you observe the mote that is in your brother's eye, and not consider the beam that is in your own eye? <a href="/wey/matthew/7.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> And why do you look at the splinter in your brother's eye, and not notice the beam which is in your own eye? <a href="/worrell/matthew/7.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> <FR>"And why do you behold the mote that is in your brother's eye, but consider not the beam in your own eye?<Fr> <a href="/worsley/matthew/7.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> <FR>And why dost thou look at the splinter in thy brother's eye, but takest no notice of the beam in thine own eye?<Fr> <a href="/parallel/matthew/7-3.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hriiyJYqzvc?start=1534" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/matthew/7.htm">Do Not Judge</a> …2For with the same judgment you pronounce, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. 3<a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc."></a> <a href="/greek/5101.htm" title="5101: Ti (IPro-ANS) -- Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.">Why</a> <a href="/greek/991.htm" title="991: blepeis (V-PIA-2S) -- (primarily physical), I look, see, perceive, discern. A primary verb; to look at.">do you look at</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: to (Art-ANS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/2595.htm" title="2595: karphos (N-ANS) -- A dry stalk, chip of wood, twig, splinter, chaff. From karpho; a dry twig or straw.">speck</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: to (Art-ANS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">in</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tō (Art-DMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: sou (PPro-G2S) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">your</a> <a href="/greek/80.htm" title="80: adelphou (N-GMS) -- A brother, member of the same religious community, especially a fellow-Christian. A brother near or remote.">brother’s</a> <a href="/greek/3788.htm" title="3788: ophthalmō (N-DMS) -- The eye; fig: the mind's eye. From optanomai; the eye; by implication, vision; figuratively, envy.">eye,</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēn (Art-AFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">but</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ou (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.">fail</a> <a href="/greek/2657.htm" title="2657: katanoeis (V-PIA-2S) -- To take note of, perceive, consider carefully, discern, detect, make account of. From kata and noieo; to observe fully.">to notice</a> <a href="/greek/1385.htm" title="1385: dokon (N-AFS) -- A beam or spar of timber. From dechomai; a stick of timber.">the beam</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">in</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tō (Art-DMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/4674.htm" title="4674: sō (PPro-DM2S) -- Yours, thy, thine. From su; thine.">your own</a> <a href="/greek/3788.htm" title="3788: ophthalmō (N-DMS) -- The eye; fig: the mind's eye. From optanomai; the eye; by implication, vision; figuratively, envy.">eye?</a> 4How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ while there is still a beam in your own eye?…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/luke/6-41.htm">Luke 6:41-42</a> Why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye but fail to notice the beam in your own eye? / How can you say, ‘Brother, let me take the speck out of your eye,’ while you yourself fail to see the beam in your own eye? You hypocrite! First take the beam out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye. <a href="/romans/2-1.htm">Romans 2:1</a> You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on another. For on whatever grounds you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. <a href="/james/4-11.htm">James 4:11-12</a> Brothers, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against his brother or judges him speaks against the law and judges it. And if you judge the law, you are not a practitioner of the law, but a judge of it. / There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the One who is able to save and destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor? <a href="/galatians/6-1.htm">Galatians 6:1</a> Brothers, if someone is caught in a trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him with a spirit of gentleness. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. <a href="/john/8-7.htm">John 8:7</a> When they continued to question Him, He straightened up and said to them, “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to cast a stone at her.” <a href="/1_corinthians/11-31.htm">1 Corinthians 11:31</a> Now if we judged ourselves properly, we would not come under judgment. <a href="/proverbs/26-12.htm">Proverbs 26:12</a> Do you see a man who is wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him. <a href="/proverbs/20-9.htm">Proverbs 20:9</a> Who can say, “I have kept my heart pure; I am cleansed from my sin”? <a href="/proverbs/16-2.htm">Proverbs 16:2</a> All a man’s ways are pure in his own eyes, but his motives are weighed out by the LORD. <a href="/proverbs/21-2.htm">Proverbs 21:2</a> All a man’s ways seem right to him, but the LORD weighs the heart. <a href="/1_john/1-8.htm">1 John 1:8-10</a> If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. / If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. / If we say we have not sinned, we make Him out to be a liar, and His word is not in us. <a href="/romans/14-10.htm">Romans 14:10-13</a> Why, then, do you judge your brother? Or why do you belittle your brother? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat. / It is written: “As surely as I live, says the Lord, every knee will bow before Me; every tongue will confess to God.” / So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God. ... <a href="/1_corinthians/4-5.htm">1 Corinthians 4:5</a> Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God. <a href="/psalms/51-3.htm">Psalm 51:3-5</a> For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. / Against You, You only, have I sinned and done what is evil in Your sight, so that You may be proved right when You speak and blameless when You judge. / Surely I was brought forth in iniquity; I was sinful when my mother conceived me. <a href="/psalms/19-12.htm">Psalm 19:12</a> Who can discern his own errors? Cleanse me from my hidden faults.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And why behold you the mote that is in your brother's eye, but consider not the beam that is in your own eye?why.<a href="/luke/6-41.htm">Luke 6:41,42</a> And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but perceivest not the beam that is in thine own eye? … <a href="/luke/18-11.htm">Luke 18:11</a> The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.but.<a href="/2_samuel/12-5.htm">2 Samuel 12:5,6</a> And David's anger was greatly kindled against the man; and he said to Nathan, As the LORD liveth, the man that hath done this thing shall surely die: … <a href="/2_chronicles/28-9.htm">2 Chronicles 28:9,10</a> But a prophet of the LORD was there, whose name was Oded: and he went out before the host that came to Samaria, and said unto them, Behold, because the LORD God of your fathers was wroth with Judah, he hath delivered them into your hand, and ye have slain them in a rage that reacheth up unto heaven… <a href="/psalms/50-16.htm">Psalm 50:16-21</a> But unto the wicked God saith, What hast thou to do to declare my statutes, or that thou shouldest take my covenant in thy mouth? … <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/malachi/3-16.htm">Attention</a> <a href="/habakkuk/2-11.htm">Beam</a> <a href="/habakkuk/1-3.htm">Beholdest</a> <a href="/amos/5-19.htm">Bit</a> <a href="/obadiah/1-12.htm">Brother's</a> <a href="/matthew/6-28.htm">Consider</a> <a href="/jeremiah/33-24.htm">Considerest</a> <a href="/matthew/6-20.htm">Dust</a> <a href="/matthew/6-23.htm">Eye</a> <a href="/matthew/6-26.htm">Grain</a> <a href="/2_kings/6-5.htm">Log</a> <a href="/isaiah/40-15.htm">Mote</a> <a href="/habakkuk/1-5.htm">Note</a> <a href="/matthew/5-31.htm">Notice</a> <a href="/matthew/5-26.htm">Pay</a> <a href="/luke/6-41.htm">Plank</a> <a href="/luke/6-41.htm">Sawdust</a> <a href="/isaiah/40-15.htm">Speck</a> <a href="/luke/6-43.htm">Splinter</a> <a href="/zechariah/12-6.htm">Wood</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/matthew/22-5.htm">Attention</a> <a href="/matthew/7-4.htm">Beam</a> <a href="/luke/6-41.htm">Beholdest</a> <a href="/matthew/7-4.htm">Bit</a> <a href="/matthew/7-5.htm">Brother's</a> <a href="/mark/4-24.htm">Consider</a> <a href="/luke/6-41.htm">Considerest</a> <a href="/matthew/7-4.htm">Dust</a> <a href="/matthew/7-4.htm">Eye</a> <a href="/matthew/7-4.htm">Grain</a> <a href="/matthew/7-4.htm">Log</a> <a href="/matthew/7-4.htm">Mote</a> <a href="/mark/11-14.htm">Note</a> <a href="/matthew/19-7.htm">Notice</a> <a href="/matthew/10-8.htm">Pay</a> <a href="/matthew/7-4.htm">Plank</a> <a href="/luke/6-41.htm">Sawdust</a> <a href="/matthew/7-4.htm">Speck</a> <a href="/matthew/7-4.htm">Splinter</a> <a href="/matthew/7-5.htm">Wood</a><div class="vheading2">Matthew 7</div>1. <a href="/matthew/7-1.htm">Do Not Judge</a> 7. <a href="/matthew/7-7.htm">Ask, Seek, Knock</a> 13. <a href="/matthew/7-13.htm">Enter through the Narrow Gate</a> 15. <a href="/matthew/7-15.htm">A Tree and Its Fruit</a> 24. <a href="/matthew/7-24.htm">The Wise and the Foolish Builders</a> 28. <a href="/matthew/7-28.htm">Jesus ends his sermon, and the people are astonished.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/matthew/7.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/matthew/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/matthew/7.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye This phrase addresses the human tendency to focus on the minor faults of others while ignoring one's own more significant shortcomings. In the cultural context of Jesus' time, the eye was often seen as a window to the soul, and the metaphor of a "speck" suggests a small, perhaps insignificant flaw. This teaching is part of the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus emphasizes the importance of self-examination and humility. The concept of judging others is also addressed in other scriptures, such as <a href="/romans/2.htm">Romans 2:1</a>, which warns against judging others when one is guilty of similar or greater sins.but fail to notice the beam in your own eye? The "beam" represents a much larger fault or sin, highlighting the hypocrisy of judging others while being blind to one's own failings. The imagery of a beam, or a large piece of wood, contrasts sharply with the speck, underscoring the severity of self-deception. This teaching encourages believers to practice introspection and repentance. The idea of self-awareness and humility is echoed in <a href="/james/1-23.htm">James 1:23-24</a>, where the Word of God is likened to a mirror that reveals one's true self. The call to remove the beam from one's own eye before addressing the speck in another's is a call to personal holiness and integrity, aligning with the broader biblical theme of sanctification.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/jesus_christ.htm">Jesus Christ</a> The speaker of this verse, delivering the Sermon on the Mount, a foundational teaching moment in His ministry. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_disciples.htm">The Disciples</a> The primary audience of the Sermon on the Mount, representing followers of Christ who are learning about the Kingdom of God. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_brother.htm">The Brother</a> Represents fellow believers or people within one's community, highlighting interpersonal relationships. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_speck_and_the_beam.htm">The Speck and the Beam</a> Metaphorical elements used by Jesus to illustrate the concept of hypocrisy and self-awareness in judgment. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_sermon_on_the_mount.htm">The Sermon on the Mount</a> A significant teaching event where Jesus outlines the principles of the Kingdom of Heaven, including moral and ethical instructions.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/s/self-examination_before_judgment.htm">Self-Examination Before Judgment</a> Jesus emphasizes the importance of examining our own faults before pointing out the faults of others. This requires humility and honesty in assessing our spiritual condition. <a href="/topical/h/hypocrisy_in_judgment.htm">Hypocrisy in Judgment</a> The metaphor of the speck and the beam highlights the danger of hypocrisy. We must be cautious not to judge others harshly while ignoring our own significant shortcomings. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_humility.htm">The Importance of Humility</a> Recognizing our own imperfections fosters humility, which is essential in our relationships with others and in our walk with God. <a href="/topical/r/restoration_with_gentleness.htm">Restoration with Gentleness</a> When addressing the faults of others, it should be done with a spirit of gentleness and love, aiming for restoration rather than condemnation. <a href="/topical/c/community_and_accountability.htm">Community and Accountability</a> This teaching encourages believers to foster a community where accountability is practiced with grace and understanding, promoting spiritual growth for all.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_matthew_7.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Matthew 7</a> <a href="/q/what_does_'take_the_plank_out'_mean.htm">What does "Take the Plank Out of Your Eye" mean?</a> <a href="/q/what_marks_the_right_time_for_events.htm">What does 'Take the Plank Out of Your Eye' mean?</a> <a href="/q/why_judge_others,_ignoring_your_faults.htm">Why do you judge others while ignoring your faults?</a> <a href="/q/judge_others_(matt_7_1_vs._john_7_24).htm">Should we judge others? (Matthew 7:1 vs. John 7:24)</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/matthew/7.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(3) Why beholdest thou the mote . . .?--The Greek noun so translated means a "stalk" or "twig" rather than one of the fine particles of dust floating in the sun to which we attach the word "mote." The illustration seems to have been a familiar one among the Jews, and a proverb all but verbally identical is found as a saying of Rabbi Tarphon. Like illustrations have been found in the proverbs and satires of every country, all teaching that men are keen-sighted as to the faults of others, blind as to their own. The Gracchi complain of sedition, and Clodius accuses others of adultery. We all need the wish--"Oh, wad some Power the giftie gie us,To see oursels as others see us!"But considerest.--There is the same contrast as between "seeing" and "considering" in <a href="/matthew/6-26.htm" title="Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much better than they?">Matthew 6:26</a>; <a href="/matthew/6-28.htm" title="And why take you thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:">Matthew 6:28</a>. Our own faults require the careful scrutiny which we never give them: the faults of others we should be content to glance at.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/matthew/7.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verses 3-5. - The heinousness of censoriousness as a hindrance to one's self and to one's work for others. Verse 3. - Parallel passage:<a href="/luke/6-41.htm">Luke 6:41</a>. And why - when it is so contrary to common sense - beholdest thou the mote, etc.? A Jewish proverbial saying, e.g. Talm. Bab., 'Bab. Bathra,' 15b, Rabbi Jochanan ( third century A.D.),expounding <a href="/ruth/1-1.htm">Ruth 1:1</a>, says, "A generation which when under judgment (שנשפט) judgeth its judges. When one saith to a man, Cast out the mote out of thine eyes, he saith (in answer), Cast out the beam out of thine eyes." In Talm. Bab., 'Erach.,' 16b, "Out of thy teeth" seems to be the right reading. In these verses the "eye" is usually taken as belonging solely to the illustration, and as not itself representing any one object. It may be so, but it has been used so recently (<a href="/matthew/6-22.htm">Matthew 6:22</a>) of the spiritual sense that it is more natural to take it so here. In this case the thought of the passage is of faults existing in a man's spiritual sense hindering his spiritual vision. The censorious man sees any fault, however small, readily enough in others, but does not see the much greater fault which he himself as a matter of fact has - his own censoriousness. This censoriousness is not a slight, but a great hindrance to his own spiritual vision, much more to his being of use in removing hindrances from the eye of another. The mote; τὸ κάρδος; Latt. festucam; any small vegetable body. The English word is from the Anglo-Saxon mot, "a small particle" (cf. further <a href="/luke/6-41.htm">Luke 6:41</a>, note). Observe that our Lord allows that there is something wrong with the brother's spiritual vision, just as he allows that the unmerciful servant had a real debt owing to him. That is in thy brother's eye (<a href="/matthew/5-22.htm">Matthew 5:22</a>, note). Our Lord is here speaking of the relation of believers to fellow-believers. He tacitly contrasts the censoriousness of the Pharisees towards fellow-Jews (<a href="/john/7-49.htm">John 7:49</a>). But considerest not (οὐ κατανοεῖς). With any attention of mind; contrast <a href="/romans/4-19.htm">Romans 4:19</a> (Abraham gave earnest consideration to his own age, and yet believed). The beam. So huge a piece of wood is there in thine own eye. That is in thine own eye. The order of the Greek lays still more emphasis on the fact that, though in thy very own eye there is a beam, thou payest no regard to that (cf. ver. 5, note). <a href="/commentaries/matthew/7-3.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>Why Τί (Ti) Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5101.htm">Strong's 5101: </a> Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what. do you look at βλέπεις (blepeis) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_991.htm">Strong's 991: </a> (primarily physical), I look, see, perceive, discern. A primary verb; to look at. the τὸ (to) Article - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. speck κάρφος (karphos) Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2595.htm">Strong's 2595: </a> A dry stalk, chip of wood, twig, splinter, chaff. From karpho; a dry twig or straw. in ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. your σου (sou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. brother’s ἀδελφοῦ (adelphou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_80.htm">Strong's 80: </a> A brother, member of the same religious community, especially a fellow-Christian. A brother near or remote. eye, ὀφθαλμῷ (ophthalmō) Noun - Dative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3788.htm">Strong's 3788: </a> The eye; fig: the mind's eye. From optanomai; the eye; by implication, vision; figuratively, envy. but δὲ (de) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> A primary particle; but, and, etc. fail οὐ (ou) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3756.htm">Strong's 3756: </a> No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not. to notice κατανοεῖς (katanoeis) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2657.htm">Strong's 2657: </a> To take note of, perceive, consider carefully, discern, detect, make account of. From kata and noieo; to observe fully. [the] beam δοκὸν (dokon) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1385.htm">Strong's 1385: </a> A beam or spar of timber. From dechomai; a stick of timber. in ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. your [own] σῷ (sō) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4674.htm">Strong's 4674: </a> Yours, thy, thine. From su; thine. eye? ὀφθαλμῷ (ophthalmō) Noun - Dative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3788.htm">Strong's 3788: </a> The eye; fig: the mind's eye. From optanomai; the eye; by implication, vision; figuratively, envy. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/matthew/7-3.htm">Matthew 7:3 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/matthew/7-3.htm">Matthew 7:3 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/matthew/7-3.htm">Matthew 7:3 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/matthew/7-3.htm">Matthew 7:3 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/matthew/7-3.htm">Matthew 7:3 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/matthew/7-3.htm">Matthew 7:3 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/matthew/7-3.htm">Matthew 7:3 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/matthew/7-3.htm">Matthew 7:3 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/matthew/7-3.htm">Matthew 7:3 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/matthew/7-3.htm">Matthew 7:3 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/matthew/7-3.htm">NT Gospels: Matthew 7:3 Why do you see the speck that (Matt. Mat Mt) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/matthew/7-2.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Matthew 7:2"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Matthew 7:2" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/matthew/7-4.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Matthew 7:4"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Matthew 7:4" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>