### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
κάρφος (karphos, `{{G2595}}`) fundamentally denotes a small, dry, and insignificant piece of material, such as a splinter, a straw, or a withered twig. Its etymological root is linked to the concept of "to wither" or "to dry up," emphasizing its diminutive and brittle nature. In the biblical context, it is consistently translated as "mote," conveying the sense of a minute speck that, while irritating, is comparatively negligible. The word inherently carries the nuance of something easily overlooked or dismissed due to its small size, setting a stark contrast with the "beam" (`{{G1385}}`) in the eye.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term κάρφος appears exclusively in the Synoptic Gospels, specifically within Jesus' teaching on judging others. It is found in parallel passages in Matthew and Luke:
* [[Matthew 7:3]]: "Why do you look at the speck [κάρφος] in your brother’s eye but do not notice the log [δοκός] in your own eye?"
* [[Matthew 7:4]]: "Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck [κάρφος] out of your eye,’ when there is the log [δοκός] in your own eye?"
* [[Matthew 7:5]]: "You hypocrite, first take the log [δοκός] out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck [κάρφος] out of your brother’s eye."
* [[Luke 6:41]]: "Why do you look at the speck [κάρφος] in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log [δοκός] in your own eye?"
* [[Luke 6:42]]: "How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take out the speck [κάρφος] that is in your eye,’ when you yourself do not see the log [δοκός] in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log [δοκός] out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take out the speck [κάρφος] that is in your brother’s eye."
In these contexts, κάρφος serves as a rhetorical device, illustrating a minor flaw or fault in another person, which is ironically dwarfed by the major, self-evident flaw (δοκός) in the observer. Jesus uses this vivid, hyperbolic imagery to expose and condemn the hypocrisy of self-righteous judgment. The focus is not on the objective size of the "mote" but on the spiritual blindness of the one who presumes to correct another while harboring a far greater personal failing. The passage highlights the spiritual inability to see clearly (a recurring theme in Jesus' teaching) when one is burdened by unacknowledged sin.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct conceptual counterpart to κάρφος is δοκός (dokos, `{{G1385}}`), meaning "beam" or "log." The stark contrast between these two words is central to understanding Jesus' teaching. The κάρφος represents a minor fault, while the δοκός signifies a glaring, substantial moral or spiritual defect. This pairing underscores the absurdity of judging others for trivial matters while ignoring one's own significant shortcomings.
Beyond this direct contrast, κάρφος is related to broader biblical themes:
* **Hypocrisy:** The "mote and beam" teaching is a direct indictment of hypocrisy, a recurring concern for Jesus, especially concerning the Pharisees.
* **Self-Righteousness:** The act of focusing on another's "mote" while ignoring one's "beam" is a manifestation of spiritual pride and self-righteousness, which impedes genuine humility and repentance.
* **Judgment:** The passage directly addresses the human tendency to judge others, calling for self-examination as a prerequisite for any legitimate attempt at correction.
* **Spiritual Blindness:** The inability to perceive one's own "beam" while keenly observing a "mote" in another's eye speaks to a profound spiritual blindness that distorts moral perception.
* **Humility:** The inverse of the judgmental attitude is humility, which recognizes one's own imperfections before attempting to address those of others.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of κάρφος lies not in its intrinsic meaning as a small object, but in its profound role within Jesus' ethical teaching on judgment and self-assessment. It serves as a powerful symbol for:
1. **The Priority of Self-Examination:** Jesus' command to first remove the "beam" from one's own eye before attempting to remove the "mote" from another's eye ([[Matthew 7:5]], [[Luke 6:42]]) establishes a fundamental principle of spiritual integrity. True righteousness begins with an honest and rigorous assessment of one's own heart and actions, rather than an outward focus on others' perceived failures.
2. **Condemnation of Hypocrisy:** The use of κάρφος in conjunction with δοκός exposes the absurdity and spiritual danger of hypocrisy. It highlights the moral inconsistency of those who are quick to condemn minor faults in others while overlooking or denying their own significant moral failings. Such behavior renders one unfit to offer spiritual guidance or correction.
3. **The Nature of True Discernment:** Only after one has dealt with their own "beam" can they "see clearly" ([[Matthew 7:5]], [[Luke 6:42]]) to help a brother. This implies that spiritual clarity and genuine discernment are contingent upon personal purity and humility. Without this, any attempt at correction is tainted by self-righteousness and ultimately ineffective.
4. **A Call to Humility and Love:** Implicit in Jesus' teaching is a call to humility, compassion, and love. Instead of a critical, judgmental spirit, believers are encouraged to cultivate a spirit of self-awareness and grace, recognizing their own need for repentance and forgiveness. This fosters an environment of mutual edification rather than condemnation.
### Summary
The Greek word κάρφος (`{{G2595}}`), meaning "mote," "splinter," or "dry twig," is a small, insignificant particle used by Jesus in His teaching on judgment. Appearing exclusively in [[Matthew 7:3-5]] and [[Luke 6:41-42]], κάρφος serves as a striking contrast to δοκός (`{{G1385}}`, "beam"), symbolizing a minor flaw in another person. The profound theological significance of this word lies in its role within Jesus' condemnation of hypocrisy and self-righteous judgment. It underscores the divine imperative for rigorous self-examination before attempting to correct others, emphasizing that spiritual clarity and genuine discernment are born out of humility and personal integrity. The "mote" teaching remains a timeless call to humility, a warning against spiritual pride, and an encouragement to cultivate a heart of self-awareness and grace in our interactions with others.
TRV