### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **dokós**, represented by `{{G1385}}`, refers to a **beam** or a large stick of timber. It appears **6 times** across **5 unique verses** in the Bible. The word is consistently used in a metaphorical sense to represent a large, obvious fault in a person who is focused on a smaller fault in someone else.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The use of `{{G1385}}` is exclusively found within the well-known teaching on judgment in Matthew and Luke. It illustrates the hypocrisy of pointing out a small speck, or **mote** `{{G2595}}`, in a **brother's** `{{G80}}` **eye** `{{G3788}}` while ignoring the massive **beam** in one's own ([[Matthew 7:3]], [[Luke 6:41]]). The imagery highlights a significant personal fault that blinds an individual, making them unfit to judge others. The command is to first **cast out** `{{G1544}}` the **beam** from one's own eye to then **see clearly** `{{G1227}}` enough to help another [[Matthew 7:5]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide the context for the metaphor of the **beam**:
* `{{G2595}}` **kárphos** (mote): Defined as "a dry twig or straw," this word is used in direct contrast to `{{G1385}}` to represent a minor, insignificant fault [[Matthew 7:3]].
* `{{G5273}}` **hypokritḗs** (hypocrite): This describes the person who points out the mote while ignoring their own beam. The term means "an actor under an assumed character" and is directly applied in this teaching [[Luke 6:42]].
* `{{G80}}` **adelphós** (brother): The teaching is framed as an interaction between brothers, indicating its application to relationships within the community of faith [[Matthew 7:4]].
* `{{G1544}}` **ekbállō** (to cast out): This verb describes the necessary action of ejecting the beam from one's own eye before attempting to help a brother with their mote [[Matthew 7:5]].
### Theological Significance
The theological teaching surrounding `{{G1385}}` is pointed and practical:
* **Primacy of Self-Examination:** The **beam** represents a major, disqualifying sin. The command to remove it **first** `{{G4412}}` establishes the principle that self-correction must precede any attempt to correct others [[Matthew 7:5]].
* **Warning Against Hypocrisy:** The presence of a **beam** while pointing out a mote is the very definition of hypocrisy. A person in this state is called a **hypocrite** `{{G5273}}`, an actor pretending to have a level of righteousness they do not possess [[Luke 6:42]].
* **Prerequisite for Proper Judgment:** The teaching does not forbid helping a brother, but establishes the condition for it. Only after removing the blinding **beam** can one **see clearly** `{{G1227}}` enough to offer genuine help, shifting the motivation from judgmentalism to restoration [[Luke 6:42]].
### Summary
In summary, **dokós** `{{G1385}}` is used exclusively as a powerful metaphor for a significant, blinding personal fault. It serves as a stark reminder against hypocritical judgment, teaching that one must first engage in rigorous self-examination and remove their own major sins before they are qualified to address the lesser faults of a **brother** `{{G80}}`. The **beam** is a call to humility and clear spiritual vision.
TRV