Matthew 7:5
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.
Original Language Analysis
ὑποκριτά,
Thou hypocrite
G5273
ὑποκριτά,
Thou hypocrite
Strong's:
G5273
Word #:
1 of 21
an actor under an assumed character (stage-player), i.e., (figuratively) a dissembler ("hypocrite"
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐκ
out of
G1537
ἐκ
out of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
6 of 21
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὀφθαλμοῦ
eye
G3788
ὀφθαλμοῦ
eye
Strong's:
G3788
Word #:
8 of 21
the eye (literally or figuratively); by implication, vision; figuratively, envy (from the jealous side-glance)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τότε
then
G5119
τότε
then
Strong's:
G5119
Word #:
11 of 21
the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)
διαβλέψεις
shalt thou see clearly
G1227
διαβλέψεις
shalt thou see clearly
Strong's:
G1227
Word #:
12 of 21
to look through, i.e., recover full vision
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐκ
out of
G1537
ἐκ
out of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
16 of 21
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὀφθαλμοῦ
eye
G3788
ὀφθαλμοῦ
eye
Strong's:
G3788
Word #:
18 of 21
the eye (literally or figuratively); by implication, vision; figuratively, envy (from the jealous side-glance)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
19 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Luke 6:42Either how canst thou say to thy brother, Brother, let me pull out the mote that is in thine eye, when thou thyself beholdest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, cast out first the beam out of thine own eye, and then shalt thou see clearly to pull out the mote that is in thy brother's eye.Luke 13:15The Lord then answered him, and said, Thou hypocrite, doth not each one of you on the sabbath loose his ox or his ass from the stall, and lead him away to watering?Matthew 22:18But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites?Luke 4:23And he said unto them, Ye will surely say unto me this proverb, Physician, heal thyself: whatsoever we have heard done in Capernaum, do also here in thy country.
Historical Context
Jesus doesn't forbid church discipline or discernment (Matthew 18 outlines discipline procedures). Rather, He forbids hypocritical judgment that condemns others while excusing self. Paul similarly commands self-examination before correcting others (Galatians 6:1).
Questions for Reflection
- What does it look like to practice both ruthless self-judgment and merciful patience with others?
- How has your own experience of sin and repentance equipped you to help others with compassion?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
First remove your own log, then you'll see clearly to help your brother. This isn't prohibiting all judgment but commanding honest self-judgment first. After dealing with your own sin, you're qualified to help others humbly and clearly, no longer a hypocrite but a repentant helper.