Matthew 7:1

KJV

¶ Judge not, that ye be not judged.

KJV (with Strong's)

Judge {G2919} not {G3361}, that {G3363} ye be {G2919} not {G3363} judged {G2919}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Don't judge, so that you won't be judged.

Berean Standard Bible

“Do not judge, or you will be judged.

American Standard Version

Judge not, that ye be not judged.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 7:1, a pivotal verse within Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, issues a profound warning against a judgmental spirit, instructing disciples not to condemn others lest they themselves be subjected to a similar standard of judgment. This concise prohibition sets the stage for a deeper exploration of humility, self-awareness, and the principle of divine reciprocity, challenging believers to examine their own hearts before casting stones.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Matthew 7:1 serves as the opening statement of the concluding section of Jesus' transformative [Sermon on the Mount](/matthew/5-1 "Matthew 5:1 - The Sermon on the Mount Begins"), which spans chapters 5 through 7. Having previously expounded on the true nature of righteousness (Matthew 5), the practice of genuine piety in prayer, fasting, and almsgiving (Matthew 6), and the dangers of materialism, Jesus now shifts His focus to interpersonal relationships within the community of faith. This verse immediately precedes the vivid illustration of the [speck and the plank](/matthew/7-3-5 "Matthew 7:3-5 - The Speck and the Plank"), which further clarifies the nature of the forbidden judgment, emphasizing self-examination before criticism. It also precedes warnings against spiritual superficiality and false prophets, underscoring the need for authentic, humble living.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In first-century Judaism, various schools of thought and rabbinic traditions often emphasized strict adherence to the Mosaic Law and oral traditions, sometimes leading to a spirit of legalism and critical assessment of others' perceived failures. The Pharisees, for example, were known for their meticulous observance and often, their judgmental attitudes toward those they deemed less righteous, such as "sinners" or "tax collectors." Jesus' teaching here stands in stark contrast to such self-righteousness, challenging a culture that could easily fall into external conformity without internal transformation. His words resonate with the broader Old Testament call for justice tempered with mercy, while simultaneously critiquing the human tendency to usurp God's role as ultimate judge.

* **Key Themes:** This verse introduces several profound themes central to the Sermon on the Mount and Christian ethics. The primary theme is the **Prohibition of Hypocritical Judgment**, which is not a ban on all discernment but a strong warning against a condemning, critical, or self-righteous attitude that overlooks one's own faults. This ties directly into the **Principle of Reciprocity**, articulated explicitly in [Matthew 7:2](/matthew/7-2 "Matthew 7:2 - The Measure You Mete"), where Jesus states that the standard by which one judges others will be applied to them. This highlights a divine justice that mirrors human behavior. Furthermore, the verse implicitly calls for **Radical Self-Examination**, urging individuals to address their own spiritual shortcomings before attempting to correct others, fostering humility and grace rather than arrogance and condemnation, as further elaborated in the parable of the [speck and the plank](/matthew/7-3-5 "Matthew 7:3-5 - The Speck and the Plank").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Judge (Greek, _krínō_):** This verb, G2919, properly means "to distinguish" or "to decide" (mentally or judicially). However, in this context, particularly given the subsequent verses and the broader message of the Sermon on the Mount, it carries the strong implication of "to condemn," "to pass a harsh verdict," or "to criticize unjustly and hypocritically." It refers to a definitive, often condemning, judgment that usurps God's rightful role as the ultimate arbiter, rather than merely discerning truth from error or making a righteous assessment, as seen in [John 7:24](/john/7-24 "John 7:24 - Righteous Judgment").
* **not (Greek, _mḗ_):** This particle, G3361, is a primary particle of qualified negation, used to express a prohibition or a negative condition. Unlike _ou_ (οὐ), which expresses an absolute denial of fact, _mḗ_ negates a thought, a will, or a possibility. Here, it indicates a prohibition against an action that is conceivable or possible, emphasizing a command not to engage in the act of judging in the condemned manner.
* **that...not (Greek, _hína mḗ_):** This conjunction, G3363, combines _hína_ (in order that) and _mḗ_ (not), forming a negative purpose clause: "in order that not" or "lest." It clearly states the intended consequence or purpose of the prohibition. The reason for not judging is to avoid being judged oneself, highlighting a direct causal link and the principle of divine reciprocity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Judge not":** This is a direct, imperative prohibition. The Greek verb _krínō_ is in the present tense, implying a continuous or habitual action. Therefore, it's not merely "do not judge on one occasion," but "stop judging" or "do not continue to judge" in a critical, condemning, or hypocritical manner. It forbids a censorious spirit that delights in finding fault with others while ignoring one's own spiritual condition.
* **"that ye be not judged":** This clause provides the purpose or consequence of the prohibition. The phrase _hína mḗ_ introduces a negative purpose clause, indicating the desired outcome. The passive voice ("be not judged") implies that the judgment will come from an external source, ultimately from God Himself. This underscores the principle of divine reciprocity: the standard of judgment one applies to others will be the standard by which one is judged by the Almighty.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 7:1 employs several powerful literary devices. **Prohibition** is evident in the direct command "Judge not," establishing a clear behavioral boundary for the audience. This is immediately followed by a statement of **Consequence** or **Reciprocity** ("that ye be not judged"), which functions as a form of **Aphorism**, a concise statement of a principle. This aphorism highlights a divine law of sowing and reaping, where one's actions toward others determine the treatment one receives, particularly from God. The succinctness of the verse also lends it the quality of a **Maxim**, a short, pithy statement expressing a general truth or rule of conduct, making it highly memorable and impactful. The use of the passive voice in "be not judged" also subtly employs **Divine Passive**, implying God as the ultimate agent of judgment without explicitly naming Him, thereby elevating the gravity of the warning.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 7:1 is deeply rooted in the broader biblical theology of God's exclusive right to judge and humanity's call to mercy and humility. It underscores that ultimate judgment belongs to God alone, and for humans to assume this role is to usurp divine authority. The verse challenges believers to embody the character of God, who is "merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness" ([Psalm 103:8](/psalms/103-8 "Psalm 103:8 - The Lord is Merciful")). It encourages a community marked by grace, understanding, and mutual forbearance, rather than harsh criticism and condemnation. This teaching is foundational for fostering healthy relationships within the body of Christ, where love and restoration are prioritized over fault-finding.

* [Romans 14:10](/romans/14-10 "Romans 14:10 - Why do you pass judgment on your brother?")
* [James 4:11-12](/james/4-11-12 "James 4:11-12 - Do not speak evil against one another")
* [Luke 6:37-38](/luke/6-37-38 "Luke 6:37-38 - Judge not, and you will not be judged")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 7:1 serves as a profound call to introspection and humility for all who follow Christ. It challenges the natural human tendency to scrutinize others' flaws while remaining blind to our own. This verse does not advocate for a complete absence of discernment or a naive acceptance of all behavior; rather, it condemns a critical, condemning, and self-righteous spirit that is quick to find fault and pass harsh verdicts. True spiritual maturity involves recognizing our own fallenness and the grace we have received, which then compels us to extend that same grace and understanding to others. Before we ever consider pointing out a "speck" in another's eye, we are called to deal with the "plank" in our own, fostering an environment of compassion, patience, and restorative love within the Christian community. This principle encourages us to cultivate a heart that seeks to understand, forgive, and build up, rather than to tear down through harsh judgment.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I most prone to a judgmental spirit, and what might be the root causes of this tendency?**
* **How does my understanding of God's grace toward me impact my willingness to extend grace to others, especially those I am tempted to judge?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to replace critical thoughts with compassionate understanding toward someone I know?**

### FAQ

**Does "Judge not" mean Christians should never make moral distinctions or confront sin?**

Answer: No, Matthew 7:1 does not prohibit all forms of judgment or discernment. The Greek word _krínō_ in this context refers to a condemning, hypocritical, or self-righteous judgment, often based on external appearances or a lack of understanding, while ignoring one's own faults. Jesus later clarifies that righteous judgment is necessary ([John 7:24](/john/7-24 "John 7:24 - Righteous Judgment")), and believers are called to discern truth from error, confront sin within the church lovingly ([Matthew 18:15-17](/matthew/18-15-17 "Matthew 18:15-17 - Restoring a Sinning Brother")), and exercise spiritual discernment ([1 Corinthians 5:12](/1_corinthians/5-12 "1 Corinthians 5:12 - Judging Those Inside the Church")). The prohibition is against a censorious, condemning spirit that usurps God's role as the ultimate judge and lacks humility.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 7:1 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the perfect embodiment of the principle He teaches: though He is the [appointed Judge of the living and the dead](/acts/10-42 "Acts 10:42 - Jesus Appointed Judge"), His first advent was not to condemn the world, but that the [world through Him might be saved](/john/3-17 "John 3:17 - God Did Not Send His Son to Condemn"). Jesus consistently demonstrated compassion for sinners, eating with them and extending grace ([Matthew 9:10-13](/matthew/9-10-13 "Matthew 9:10-13 - Jesus Calls Matthew")), even as He confronted hypocrisy and self-righteousness. His life perfectly modeled the humility and mercy He calls His followers to cultivate, showing that true righteousness is not found in condemning others but in a transformed heart that extends the same forgiveness and understanding received from God. Ultimately, our ability to refrain from judgmentalism flows from our union with Christ, who bore our judgment on the cross, enabling us to live in grace and reflect His non-condemning love to a broken world, anticipating the day when He will [judge the world in righteousness](/acts/17-31 "Acts 17:31 - God Will Judge the World Through Jesus").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Luke 6:37

¶ Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:

Romans 2:1

¶ Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things.

Romans 2:2

But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things.

James 4:11

¶ Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of [his] brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge.

James 4:12

There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another?

Luke 6:41

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

Romans 14:10

But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.