Matthew 7:3 kjv

And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?

Matthew 7:3 nkjv

And why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye?

Matthew 7:3 niv

"Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?

Matthew 7:3 esv

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?

Matthew 7:3 nlt

"And why worry about a speck in your friend's eye when you have a log in your own?

Matthew 7 verses

Matthew 7 3 Meaning

Matthew 7:3 delivers a profound warning against hypocritical judgment. Jesus uses vivid hyperbole to illustrate the absurdity and spiritual danger of focusing on minor faults in others while being blind to significant moral failings in oneself. This verse underscores the paramount importance of self-examination and personal spiritual cleansing before presuming to correct or criticize a fellow believer. It calls for humility, advocating that genuine purity of heart and clarity of spiritual vision are prerequisites for offering effective or loving discernment to others.

Matthew 7 3 Context

Matthew 7:3 is nestled within the concluding chapter of Jesus Christ's foundational ethical discourse, the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7). This specific verse belongs to the section dealing with judgment (Mt 7:1-5). Jesus initiates this segment with a general admonition against judging (Mt 7:1) and warns that the measure with which one judges will be applied back to them (Mt 7:2). Verses 3-5 dramatically illustrate this warning using the powerful, exaggerated imagery of a "speck" and a "log."

The historical and cultural context is primarily Jewish, where precise adherence to the Mosaic Law and the traditions of the elders were highly esteemed. This emphasis, particularly among some religious leaders like the Pharisees, could sometimes lead to a focus on outward righteousness and a critical, condemnatory attitude towards those perceived as falling short. Jesus' teaching directly confronts this spirit of self-righteousness and external performance, shifting the emphasis to internal transformation, genuine humility, and sincere love as the bedrock of His disciples' lives. He challenges them to cultivate a purity of heart and spirit that naturally flows into righteous conduct and discerning help, rather than judgmental condemnation.

Matthew 7 3 Word analysis

• "Why" (Greek: Τί, Ti): This is an interrogative pronoun asking "What?" or "Why?" Here, it functions as a rhetorical question designed to elicit reflection and expose the illogical or absurd nature of the described behavior. It implicitly carries a tone of mild reproof or astonishment at such an inconsistent action.
• "do you look" (Greek: βλέπεις, blepeis): From the verb blepō, meaning "to see," "to perceive," "to discern." In this context, it implies an active, focused, and critical observation—a careful scrutinizing of another person's perceived flaws. It's not a casual glance but a deliberate gaze aimed at fault-finding.
• "speck" (Greek: κάρφος, karphos): This noun literally means a dry twig, a chip, a splinter, or a bit of chaff. It denotes something small, insignificant, and easily overlooked by many. Its minute size is crucial to the hyperbole, contrasting starkly with the "log."
• "that is in your brother’s eye": "Brother" (adelphos) indicates a fellow member of the community, likely a fellow believer, making the act of judgment even more impactful. The "eye" is a vital organ, often symbolizing spiritual insight, perception, or even conscience. A speck in the eye represents a minor flaw or moral imperfection that impairs vision, yet the judge sees it.
• "but do not notice" (Greek: οὐκ κατανοεῖς, ouk katanoeis): Ouk is the negation ("not"). Katanoeō means "to observe fully," "to perceive carefully," "to consider," "to grasp thoroughly." The combination emphasizes a deliberate or profoundly ignorant failure to perceive or give attention to something obvious. This contrasts sharply with the keen "looking" at the "speck." It suggests willful blindness or a shocking lack of self-awareness.
• "log" (Greek: δοκός, dokos): This noun refers to a large beam, a timber, or a heavy plank used in building construction. It is a massive, cumbersome object. The use of this word in comparison to a "speck" is extreme hyperbole, chosen by Jesus to make the point graphically absurd and unforgettable.
• "that is in your own eye": "Your own eye" emphatically centers the problem on the self. The idea is that this enormous impediment—representing a substantial moral flaw, unaddressed sin, or profound hypocrisy—is in the very organ necessary for clear perception, rendering the individual incapable of seeing rightly, either themselves or others. This person is spiritually blind to their own massive failings.

Matthew 7 3 Bonus section

The hyperbole in Matthew 7:3 is a hallmark of Jesus' teaching style, ensuring the message's vividness and memorability. It bypasses abstract theological debate to hit directly at a practical, lived experience of spiritual hypocrisy. This method encourages self-implication, compelling the listener to reflect on their own tendencies. The effectiveness of this teaching lies in its extreme exaggeration, making the folly of the behavior undeniable.

Furthermore, this verse underpins the concept that spiritual ministry—including correction and guidance—must flow from a place of personal purity and humility, not moral superiority. One who truly has removed the log from their own eye is then in a position to assist others, not with condemnation, but with empathy and clear-sightedness, having walked the difficult path of repentance themselves (as explained in the subsequent verse, Mt 7:5). It’s not just about what one sees, but how one sees, and the spiritual condition that permits that sight. The verse is a powerful reminder that outward-focused criticism often reveals deeper, unaddressed issues within the heart of the critic.

Matthew 7 3 Commentary

Matthew 7:3 presents one of Jesus' most memorable and visually arresting metaphors, condemning a fundamental form of hypocrisy: judging others for their minor faults while ignoring one's own major shortcomings. The powerful imagery of a "speck" versus a "log" serves not only as a dramatic illustration but also as a diagnostic tool for spiritual self-assessment.

The essence of the teaching is that clear moral and spiritual vision is impossible when one's own "eye" (representing one's inner spiritual state and perception) is obscured by a "log" of personal sin, unrighteousness, or judgmentalism. How can one offer to remove a tiny flaw from another's vision when one's own sight is completely incapacitated by an enormous obstruction? The answer, implicitly, is that one cannot. Such an attempt is both arrogant and utterly ineffective, demonstrating a profound lack of self-awareness.

This verse does not prohibit all forms of discernment or constructive confrontation, which Scripture also encourages in appropriate contexts (e.g., Gal 6:1; Jn 7:24). Instead, it primarily targets judgmentalism rooted in hypocrisy and self-righteousness. It is a call for an order of operations in moral assessment: personal cleansing first, then, and only then, humble assistance to others. The process of removing the "log" involves honest self-reflection, confession, and repentance before God (1 Jn 1:9). Only when one has dealt with their own spiritual "blind spots" can they approach others with true humility, grace, and genuine helpfulness. The ultimate goal is not just to see others' faults, but to see oneself and others accurately through God's loving eyes.

Examples of the "log" in one's own eye:

• A person constantly complaining about the laziness of others, yet habitually procrastinates on their own responsibilities.
• A believer criticizing another's anger issues, while secretly harboring deep bitterness and unforgiveness in their heart.
• Someone quick to point out minor doctrinal errors in others, while themselves neglecting foundational practices like daily prayer or acts of mercy.