Matthew 7:4
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?
Original Language Analysis
πῶς
how
G4459
πῶς
how
Strong's:
G4459
Word #:
2 of 22
an interrogative particle of manner; in what way? (sometimes the question is indirect, how?); also as exclamation, how much!
ἐρεῖς
wilt thou say
G2046
ἐρεῖς
wilt thou say
Strong's:
G2046
Word #:
3 of 22
an alternate for g2036 in certain tenses; to utter, i.e., speak or say
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀδελφῷ
brother
G80
ἀδελφῷ
brother
Strong's:
G80
Word #:
5 of 22
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀπὸ
out of
G575
ἀπὸ
out of
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
11 of 22
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὀφθαλμῷ
eye
G3788
ὀφθαλμῷ
eye
Strong's:
G3788
Word #:
13 of 22
the eye (literally or figuratively); by implication, vision; figuratively, envy (from the jealous side-glance)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
15 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
20 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
The humorous image of someone with a log protruding from their eye trying to remove a speck from another's eye would have made Jesus's audience laugh while convicting them. Hypocritical religious leaders who imposed heavy burdens on others while exempting themselves exemplified this.
Questions for Reflection
- What log (major sin) in your own life are you ignoring while criticizing specks in others?
- How can you maintain both honest self-examination and humble concern for others' spiritual wellbeing?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Hypocritical offers to help others with small faults while ignoring your own massive faults is absurd and offensive. The 'mote' (speck) versus 'beam' (log) illustrates the grotesque disproportion. How can the blind lead the blind? Only after self-examination and repentance can we humbly help others.