from δέχομαι (through the idea of holding up); a stick of timber:--beam.
Transliteration:dokós
Pronunciation:dok-os'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun δοκός (dokós, `{{G1385}}`) fundamentally denotes a large piece of timber, a beam, or a rafter. Its etymological connection to δέχομαι (dechomai, `{{G1209}}`), through the idea of "holding up" or "supporting," highlights its function as a foundational or structural element. Unlike a small splinter or speck, a δοκός is substantial and conspicuous, intended to bear weight and provide stability within a structure. In its literal sense, it refers to a significant wooden beam used in construction. However, in its sole New Testament occurrences, its meaning is employed metaphorically to convey a profound spiritual truth.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term δοκός (dokós, `{{G1385}}`) appears exclusively in the Synoptic Gospels, specifically within parallel passages of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount/Plain, where it is used in a highly illustrative and hyperbolic manner to teach about hypocritical judgment.
* In [[Matthew 7:3-5]], Jesus asks, "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? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye."
* A very similar teaching is found in [[Luke 6:41-42]]: "Why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take out the speck that is in your eye,’ when you yourself do not see the log that is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take out the speck from your brother’s eye."
In these contexts, the δοκός (dokós, `{{G1385}}`) represents a significant, glaring fault, sin, or moral failing within oneself. It stands in stark contrast to the κάρφος (karphos, `{{G2595}}`), a "speck" or "splinter," which represents a minor fault in another. Jesus' use of this vivid imagery emphasizes the absurdity and profound hypocrisy of someone burdened by a massive, obvious fault attempting to correct a much smaller flaw in another. The "beam" is not merely a large fault, but one that obstructs one's own spiritual vision and judgment.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word in the biblical context is κάρφος (karphos, `{{G2595}}`), meaning "speck," "splinter," or "mote." The juxtaposition of δοκός (dokós, `{{G1385}}`) and κάρφος (karphos, `{{G2595}}`) is central to Jesus' teaching, highlighting the vast disproportion between one's own unaddressed sin and the perceived sin of another. Conceptually, δοκός (dokós, `{{G1385}}`) relates to the broader themes of spiritual blindness, self-deception, and the danger of judgmentalism. Its presence signifies a fundamental impediment to true discernment and authentic service to others. The underlying sin that the "beam" represents could be pride, self-righteousness, or a lack of self-awareness regarding one's own moral shortcomings.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of δοκός (dokós, `{{G1385}}`) lies in its powerful illustration of the call to radical self-examination and humility before God. Jesus' teaching about the "beam" in one's eye is a trenchant critique of hypocrisy, which is depicted as a severe spiritual malady. It underscores the principle that true spiritual help and discernment for others can only come after one has honestly confronted and dealt with one's own significant moral and spiritual deficiencies. The "beam" impedes clear vision, suggesting that unaddressed sin distorts one's perception of both self and others. The command to "first take the log out of your own eye" is an imperative for repentance and sanctification, asserting that personal holiness is a prerequisite for effective ministry or even righteous critique of others. This teaching does not forbid all forms of discernment or constructive correction, but rather establishes the ethical and spiritual foundation from which such actions must proceed: a posture of humility and a prior commitment to one's own spiritual integrity.
### Summary
The Greek term δοκός (dokós, `{{G1385}}`) literally refers to a large timber or beam. In the New Testament, it is employed metaphorically by Jesus in [[Matthew 7:3-5]] and [[Luke 6:41-42]] to represent a significant, unaddressed fault or sin within an individual. Juxtaposed with the "speck" (κάρφος, `{{G2595}}`) in another's eye, the "beam" vividly illustrates the profound hypocrisy of judging others while remaining blind to one's own greater failings. The theological import of δοκός (dokós, `{{G1385}}`) is a call to introspective humility, emphasizing that genuine spiritual insight and the ability to help others can only emerge from a prior, rigorous self-examination and repentance concerning one's own substantial moral shortcomings.
TRV