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?

And {G1161} why {G5101} beholdest thou {G991} the mote {G2595} that is in {G1722} thy {G4675} brother's {G80} eye {G3788}, but {G1161} perceivest {G2657} not {G3756} the beam {G1385} that is in {G1722} thine own {G2398} eye {G3788}?

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

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

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

Luke 6:41 delivers one of Jesus' most memorable and visually striking lessons, challenging listeners to profound self-reflection before criticizing others. This verse forms a crucial part of what is known as the "Sermon on the Plain" in Luke's Gospel, where Jesus lays out foundational principles for discipleship.

Context

This verse immediately follows Jesus' teachings on not judging others and the parable of the blind leading the blind. It serves as a stark warning against spiritual hypocrisy. The imagery of a "mote" (a tiny speck or splinter) versus a "beam" (a massive log or rafter) is a deliberate hyperbole, designed to be both humorous and deeply convicting. It highlights the absurdity of focusing on minor flaws in others while overlooking significant moral or spiritual deficiencies in oneself.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Self-Examination Before Judgment: The core message is a direct call to introspection. Jesus insists that we must first address our own substantial faults before attempting to correct even minor ones in others. This principle is vital for genuine spiritual growth and healthy relationships.
  • Condemnation of Hypocrisy: The verse powerfully exposes the nature of hypocrisy, where one is quick to see and condemn the failings of others while remaining oblivious or unwilling to acknowledge their own. Such an attitude undermines credibility and hinders true compassion.
  • Humility in Discernment: True discernment and the ability to help others effectively stem from a place of humility. One who has grappled with their own significant shortcomings is better equipped to approach others with grace and understanding, rather than condemnation.

Linguistic Insights

The power of this verse lies in the stark contrast between the two Greek words:

  • The "mote" is kárphos (κάρφος), meaning a tiny dry stalk, splinter, or speck of chaff. It's something very small and easily overlooked by others.
  • The "beam" is dokós (δοκός), referring to a large piece of timber, like a house rafter or log. This is something enormous and impossible to miss by anyone looking at the person.
This exaggerated imagery underscores the spiritual blindness of the hypocrite, who can see the smallest flaw in another but remains unaware of their own glaring deficiencies.

Related Scriptures

This profound teaching has a parallel account in Matthew 7:3, where Jesus uses the same vivid illustration in His Sermon on the Mount. The subsequent verse, Luke 6:42, further explains the process of first removing the beam from one's own eye, then seeing clearly to help a brother. This teaching aligns with the broader biblical call for humility and self-awareness, as seen in passages like Philippians 2:3, which encourages believers to "in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves."

Practical Application

For believers today, Luke 6:41 serves as a timeless reminder to cultivate a spirit of humility and self-awareness. Before pointing out perceived flaws in others, we are called to honestly examine our own hearts and actions. This practice fosters a more compassionate and less judgmental approach to relationships, encouraging constructive help rather than destructive criticism. It challenges us to address our own spiritual "beams" first, enabling us to truly see and genuinely assist our brothers and sisters with their "motes." This verse is a powerful call to personal accountability and genuine love.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • John 8:7 (10 votes)

    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.

  • Romans 2:1 (6 votes)

    ¶ 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.

  • James 1:24 (6 votes)

    For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.

  • Romans 2:21 (5 votes)

    Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal?

  • Romans 2:24 (5 votes)

    For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written.

  • Matthew 7:3 (5 votes)

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

  • Matthew 7:5 (5 votes)

    Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye.