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?

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} why {G5101} beholdest {G991} thou the mote {G2595} that is in {G1722} thy {G4675} brother's {G80} eye {G3788}, but {G1161} considerest {G2657} not {G3756} the beam {G1385} that is in {G1722} thine own {G4674} eye {G3788}?

Complete Jewish Bible

Why do you see the splinter in your brother's eye but not notice the log in your own eye?

Berean Standard Bible

Why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but fail to notice the beam in your own eye?

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 7:3 presents a striking rhetorical question from Jesus, challenging the common human tendency to meticulously observe and criticize minor flaws in others while remaining oblivious to significant moral or spiritual deficiencies within oneself. This verse, embedded within the Sermon on the Mount, serves as a profound call to humility, self-awareness, and the prioritization of personal spiritual growth before attempting to correct or judge others, underscoring the absurdity and spiritual blindness of hypocrisy.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of Jesus' profound discourse on judging others, found at the beginning of [Matthew 7](/matthew/7 "Matthew 7 - Do Not Judge"). It immediately follows Jesus' warning in [Matthew 7:1-2](/matthew/7-1-2 "Matthew 7:1-2 - Do Not Judge"), where He states that the measure by which one judges others will be the measure by which one is judged. Matthew 7:3 then introduces a vivid, hyperbolic illustration of this principle, setting the stage for the direct command in [Matthew 7:5](/matthew/7-5 "Matthew 7:5 - Remove the Beam First") to first remove the "beam" from one's own eye before attempting to remove the "mote" from a brother's eye. This section forms a cohesive unit emphasizing the dangers of self-righteous judgment and the necessity of self-examination. The broader context is the [Sermon on the Mount](/matthew/5 "Matthew 5 - The Beatitudes and Kingdom Principles"), which outlines the ethical and spiritual principles of the Kingdom of God, contrasting them with the superficial righteousness of the Pharisees and calling disciples to a deeper, heart-level obedience.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Jewish society, moral and religious instruction often took the form of parables, hyperbole, and vivid imagery to ensure memorability and impact. Jesus' teaching here aligns with this tradition, using an exaggerated, almost comical, scenario to drive home a serious spiritual point. The imagery of a "mote" (a tiny speck of dust or splinter) and a "beam" (a large wooden timber used in construction) would have been easily understood by His audience, who were familiar with carpentry and daily life. The practice of judging others, particularly based on external adherence to the Law, was prevalent among some religious leaders of the day, such as the Pharisees. Jesus' teaching directly confronts this judgmental spirit, advocating for an internal transformation and a posture of humility that was often lacking in the religious establishment.

* **Key Themes:** Matthew 7:3 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Sermon on the Mount and the broader Gospel of Matthew. The most prominent theme is **Hypocrisy**, as Jesus exposes the absurdity of spiritual blindness that allows one to see minor faults in others while ignoring major ones in oneself. This ties into the theme of **Authentic Righteousness**, which Jesus consistently promotes throughout the Sermon, contrasting it with superficial external observance (e.g., [Matthew 6:1-18](/matthew/6-1-18 "Matthew 6:1-18 - True Righteousness in Giving, Praying, and Fasting")). The verse also highlights the theme of **Self-Examination and Humility**, calling believers to prioritize their own spiritual cleansing before attempting to correct others. This is a prerequisite for genuine community and effective ministry, as one cannot truly help another with impaired vision. Ultimately, it speaks to the theme of **Discernment and Wisdom**, urging disciples to exercise spiritual wisdom in their interactions, recognizing that true insight begins with self-awareness and a humble spirit, rather than a critical one.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Mote (Greek, _kárphos'_):** From the Greek G2595, this word literally means "a dry twig or straw." In this context, it refers to a tiny speck, splinter, or piece of dust. Jesus uses it to represent a minor, often insignificant, fault or sin in another person. The smallness of the mote contrasts sharply with the magnitude of the "beam," highlighting the disproportionate focus of the hypocrite.
* **Beam (Greek, _dokós'_):** From the Greek G1385, this term denotes "a stick of timber" or a large wooden plank, such as one used in building construction. It signifies a massive, obvious, and obstructive object. In Jesus' metaphor, the beam represents a significant, glaring sin, moral failing, or spiritual deficiency in oneself that is so large it should be impossible to overlook. The imagery emphasizes the profound spiritual blindness of the one who possesses it.
* **Considerest (Greek, _katanoéō'_):** From the Greek G2657, meaning "to observe fully," "behold," "discover," or "perceive." This word implies a deliberate, attentive observation. The rhetorical question highlights the irony: while one is capable of carefully observing (beholding) a tiny mote in another's eye, they fail to fully perceive or take into account (consider) the massive beam in their own. This failure is not due to inability but to a lack of willingness or spiritual self-awareness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye,"**: This opening clause sets up the rhetorical question, immediately drawing the listener's attention to an absurd scenario. The word "beholdest" (G991, _blépō'_) suggests a deliberate act of looking or observing. The "mote" (G2595, _kárphos'_) represents a minor fault, an insignificant speck, in another person, referred to as "thy brother" (G80, _adelphós'_), indicating a fellow human being, often a fellow believer. The question implies a misplaced and overly critical focus on the imperfections of others.
* **"but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?"**: This second clause introduces the stark contrast and the core of Jesus' teaching. The conjunction "but" (G1161, _dé'_) highlights the opposition. The verb "considerest" (G2657, _katanoéō'_) implies a deeper, more reflective observation or understanding, which the individual *fails* to apply to themselves. The "beam" (G1385, _dokós'_) is a massive, obvious flaw, representing a significant sin or spiritual failing. The phrase "thine own eye" (G4674, _sós'_ and G3788, _ophthalmós'_) emphasizes personal responsibility and the spiritual blindness that prevents self-awareness. The rhetorical question powerfully exposes the hypocrisy and spiritual absurdity of such a stance.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 7:3 is rich in literary devices that amplify its message. The most prominent is **Hyperbole**, where Jesus uses extreme exaggeration (a tiny speck versus a massive wooden beam) to create a vivid and memorable image that underscores the absurdity of the situation. This exaggeration is so pronounced that it borders on the **Comical**, making the listener realize the ridiculousness of such behavior. The entire verse is framed as a **Rhetorical Question**, designed not for an answer, but to provoke thought, self-reflection, and conviction in the audience. This direct address engages the listener personally. Furthermore, there is a powerful **Contrast** and **Juxtaposition** between the "mote" and the "beam," and between "thy brother's eye" and "thine own eye," which highlights the hypocrisy and spiritual blindness Jesus is condemning. The use of **Metaphor** (mote and beam representing sins/faults) allows for a deeper, more abstract truth to be conveyed through concrete, relatable imagery.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse is a foundational teaching on humility, self-awareness, and the nature of true righteousness within the Kingdom of God. It directly challenges the human propensity for self-righteousness and judgmentalism, asserting that genuine spiritual insight and the ability to help others effectively stem from a rigorous and honest self-examination. The theological implication is that God's standard of righteousness begins internally, with a recognition of one's own fallenness and a humble pursuit of personal holiness, rather than an outward focus on the failures of others. This teaching encourages a posture of grace and compassion, recognizing that all stand in need of God's mercy and transformative power.

* [Luke 6:41-42](/luke/6-41-42 "Luke 6:41-42 - Parallel Teaching on the Mote and Beam")
* [Romans 2:1-3](/romans/2-1-3 "Romans 2:1-3 - God's Righteous Judgment")
* [Galatians 6:1-2](/galatians/6-1-2 "Galatians 6:1-2 - Bearing Burdens and Restoring Gently")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 7:3 remains a timeless and piercing challenge for every individual, particularly those who seek to follow Christ. It compels us to turn the critical gaze inward before ever directing it outward. The "beam" in our own eye can represent not just obvious sins, but also hidden prejudices, unconfessed pride, judgmental attitudes, unforgiveness, or spiritual apathy that blind us to our own need for grace and transformation. This verse calls us to a radical humility, acknowledging that our own imperfections are often far greater than those we perceive in others. By prioritizing self-examination and repentance, we not only become more spiritually mature but also cultivate a heart of compassion and empathy. Only with a "clear eye"—one cleansed of its own "beam"—can we genuinely and lovingly help a brother or sister with their "mote," offering grace rather than condemnation. This principle fosters healthier relationships, stronger communities, and a more authentic witness to the transformative power of the Gospel.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "beams" in my own life might be preventing me from seeing myself or others clearly?**
* **How can I cultivate a habit of self-examination and humility before offering correction or criticism to others?**
* **In what ways might my judgmental tendencies hinder my ability to love and serve my "brother" effectively?**
* **What practical steps can I take to remove the "beam" from my own eye, allowing me to see with greater spiritual clarity and compassion?**

### FAQ
**What is the "mote" and "beam" in Matthew 7:3?**

Answer: The "mote" (Greek: _kárphos'_) refers to a tiny speck, splinter, or piece of straw, symbolizing a minor fault, imperfection, or sin in another person. The "beam" (Greek: _dokós'_) refers to a large wooden timber or plank, representing a significant, glaring sin, moral failing, or spiritual deficiency in oneself. Jesus uses this exaggerated imagery to highlight the absurdity and hypocrisy of focusing on trivial flaws in others while ignoring major ones in oneself.

**Why does Jesus use such an extreme example in this verse?**

Answer: Jesus uses hyperbole, an extreme exaggeration, to make His point unforgettable and to underscore the utter absurdity of the behavior He is condemning. The image of someone with a massive log sticking out of their eye trying to remove a tiny speck from another's eye is inherently comical and illogical. This vivid imagery ensures that the teaching on hypocrisy and the necessity of self-examination before judgment deeply resonates with the audience and is easily remembered. It's a common teaching method used in ancient rhetoric to emphasize a moral truth.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 7:3, while a direct ethical teaching, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Christ. Jesus Himself perfectly embodied the principle of self-giving love and never judged with a "beam" in His eye. He consistently demonstrated a profound empathy for sinners, not condemning them but calling them to repentance and offering grace (e.g., [John 8:1-11](/john/8-1-11 "John 8:1-11 - Jesus and the Woman Caught in Adultery")). His life was one of perfect righteousness, free from any "beam," enabling Him to truly see and minister to the "motes" in humanity. Furthermore, the "beam" that truly blinds humanity is sin itself, which separates us from God. Christ's sacrificial death on the cross is the ultimate act of removing the "beam" of sin from humanity's eye, offering forgiveness and spiritual sight to all who believe (e.g., [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Through His Spirit, He empowers believers to embark on the journey of self-examination and sanctification, enabling them to genuinely address their own "beams" and, with a heart transformed by His grace, to lovingly assist others with their "motes," reflecting the very compassion and truth of the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God").

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

John 8:7

So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.

John 8:9

And they which heard [it], being convicted by [their own] conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, [even] unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.

Galatians 6:1

¶ Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

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?

Luke 6:42

Either how canst thou say to thy brother, Brother, let me pull out the mote that is in thine eye, when thou thyself beholdest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, cast out first the beam out of thine own eye, and then shalt thou see clearly to pull out the mote that is in thy brother's eye.

2 Samuel 12:5

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:

2 Samuel 12:6

And he shall restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing, and because he had no pity.