King James Version

What Does Matthew 7:3 Mean?

Matthew 7:3 in the King James Version says “And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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 7:3 · KJV

Context

1

Judge not, that ye be not judged.

2

For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.

3

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

4

Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?

5

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.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus employs vivid hyperbole to expose the absurdity of judgmental attitudes. A 'mote' (κάρφος/karphos) is a speck of sawdust or small splinter, while a 'beam' (δοκός/dokos) is a large wooden plank or log. The image is deliberately ridiculous—someone with a log protruding from their eye attempting delicate eye surgery on another! This illustrates how easily we see minor faults in others while remaining blind to massive defects in ourselves. The Greek verb 'beholdest' (βλέπεις/blepeis) suggests focused attention, while 'considerest not' (οὐ κατανοεῖς/ou katanoeis) means failing to perceive or understand. This selective vision reveals pride and self-deception. Jesus doesn't forbid discernment of sin (verse 5 addresses removing the speck after self-examination), but He condemns hypocritical judgment that magnifies others' faults while minimizing our own.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Rabbinic literature also addressed judgmental attitudes, with similar emphasis on self-examination before correcting others. However, first-century religious culture often fostered proud comparison—Pharisees thanked God they weren't like 'other men' (Luke 18:11). Jesus' teaching reversed this dynamic, calling His followers to radical humility. This principle was crucial for the early church's unity amid diverse backgrounds (Jewish, Gentile, slave, free) where judging based on cultural practices could fragment the community (Romans 14:1-13).

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'beams' in your own life might you be ignoring while focusing on others' 'motes'?
  2. How does self-righteous judgment damage relationships and distort our witness to Christ?
  3. What is the difference between righteous discernment and the hypocritical judgment Jesus forbids?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 21 words
τί1 of 21

“why”

G5101

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

δὲ2 of 21

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

βλέπεις3 of 21

“beholdest”

G991

to look at (literally or figuratively)

τὸ4 of 21
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

κάρφος5 of 21

“thou the mote”

G2595

a dry twig or straw

τὸ6 of 21
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἐν7 of 21

“that is in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῷ8 of 21
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ὀφθαλμῷ9 of 21

“eye”

G3788

the eye (literally or figuratively); by implication, vision; figuratively, envy (from the jealous side-glance)

τοῦ10 of 21
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀδελφοῦ11 of 21

“brother's”

G80

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

σου12 of 21

“thy”

G4675

of thee, thy

τὴν13 of 21
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

δὲ14 of 21

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἐν15 of 21

“that is in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῷ16 of 21
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

σῷ17 of 21

“thine own”

G4674

thine

ὀφθαλμῷ18 of 21

“eye”

G3788

the eye (literally or figuratively); by implication, vision; figuratively, envy (from the jealous side-glance)

δοκὸν19 of 21

“the beam”

G1385

a stick of timber

οὐ20 of 21

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

κατανοεῖς21 of 21

“considerest”

G2657

to observe fully

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Matthew. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Matthew 7:3 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Matthew 7:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

John 8:7-9Galatians 6:1Luke 6:41-422 Samuel 12:5-6Luke 18:11Psalms 50:16-21

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