Devine Scripture

Luke 6:41

What does Luke 6:41 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 6:41 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 6:41 means

Jesus asked, "Why do you behold the mote that is in your brother’s eye, but consider not the beam that is in your own eye?" This piercing question exposes hypocrisy in judgment. It challenges individuals to examine their own significant spiritual flaws ("beams") before critically focusing on the minor faults ("motes") of others. The rhetorical nature highlights the absurdity and injustice of such selective and self-righteous critique, calling for honest self-assessment before attempting to correct a neighbor. This is not a prohibition against helping a brother, but a warning against hypocrisy in doing so.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And why do you take note of the grain of dust in your brother's eye, but take no note of the bit of wood which is in your eye?

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

`And why dost thou behold the mote that is in thy brother's eye, and the beam that <FI>is<Fi> in thine own eye dost not consider?

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And why seest thou the mote in thy brother's eye: but the beam that is in thy own eye thou considerest not?

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But why lookest thou on the mote which is in the eye of thy brother, but perceivest not the beam which is in thine own eye?

Context

Following the principle that a disciple should become like their teacher, this verse immediately issues a strong warning against hypocrisy in judgment. It transitions from general principles of discipleship to specific issues of self-examination and moral assessment. This vivid imagery sets the stage for Jesus' direct command to address one's own spiritual condition first, essential for genuine effectiveness in helping others.

v.40The disciple is not above his teacher: but every one when he is perfected shall be as his teacher.

v.41This passage

v.42Or how canst thou say to thy brother, Brother, let me cast 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 cast out the mote that is in thy brother’s eye.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Psalms 36:2

    For he flattereth himself in his own eyes, That his iniquity will not be found out and be hated.

  • Romans 2:21

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

  • Jeremiah 17:9

    The heart is deceitful above all things, and it is exceedingly corrupt: who can know it?

  • John 8:7

    But 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.

  • Matthew 7:3

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

  • James 1:24

    for he beholdeth himself, and goeth away, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.

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