Matthew 7:1
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Matthew 7:1
1 Judge not, that ye be not judged.
Chapter Context
Matthew 7 is a biographical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of judgment, obedience, prayer. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-90 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Written when Christianity was separating from Judaism following Jerusalem's destruction.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-29: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it reveals key aspects of God's character through divine actions and declarations. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Matthew and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Matthew 7:1
1 Judge not, that ye be not judged.
Analysis
Jesus commands 'Judge not, that ye be not judged' (Greek: μὴ κρίνετε, ἵνα μὴ κριθῆτε, 'do not judge, so that you may not be judged'). The verb κρίνω means 'judge, condemn, evaluate.' Context clarifies this isn't prohibiting all moral discernment (7:15-20 requires judging false prophets) but condemning hypocritical, harsh, self-righteous condemnation. The passive construction 'be judged' (divine passive) indicates God as judge who will judge us by the standard we apply to others. This establishes reciprocity principle - the measure we use determines the measure applied to us. The command targets censorious judgment that ignores one's own failures.
Historical Context
Jewish legal tradition involved careful judgment regarding Torah observance. However, rabbis also warned against harsh judgment. Rabbi Hillel taught 'Judge not your fellow until you have come into his place.' Jesus echoes yet radicalizes this wisdom. His teaching targets Pharisaical tendency toward judgmental legalism that burdened others while justifying self. The principle of measure-for-measure judgment appears throughout Scripture (Obadiah 15, James 2:13). Early Christians struggled with judgmental divisions (Romans 14:1-13, 1 Corinthians 4:5).
Reflection
- What is the difference between righteous discernment and prohibited judgmental condemnation?
- How does recognizing we'll be judged by the standard we apply affect our judgment of others?
- In what areas are you most tempted to harshly judge others while excusing yourself?
Cross-References
- Judgment: Matthew 7:2, Luke 6:37
- Parallel theme: Matthew 7:5, Isaiah 66:5, Luke 6:41, James 3:1