Devine Scripture

Matthew 7:3

What does Matthew 7:3 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 7:3 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 7:3 means

Jesus uses a striking analogy to highlight the absurdity and hypocrisy of focusing on minor flaws in others while overlooking significant ones in oneself. The 'mote' (a tiny speck of sawdust or straw) represents a small fault, while the 'beam' (a large timber) symbolizes a glaring personal sin or defect. This hyperbolic image exposes the self-deception of those quick to criticize. It teaches that our vision of others' issues is often distorted by our own unaddressed problems, making genuine help impossible. The verse challenges us to acknowledge our own spiritual blind spots.

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 considerest 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 <FI>is<Fi> 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 that is in thy brother's eye; and seest not the beam that is in thy own eye?

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But why lookest thou on the mote that is in the eye of thy brother, but observest not the beam that is in thine eye?

Context

This verse immediately follows Jesus' warning about the reciprocal nature of judgment and begins a vivid illustration. It introduces the powerful imagery of the 'mote' and 'beam,' setting up the subsequent verses that will further condemn hypocritical criticism. This parable-like statement prepares the reader for Jesus' direct confrontation of the 'hypocrite' and His call for self-examination, before attempting to correct others.

v.2For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured unto you.

v.3This passage

v.4Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me cast out the mote out of thine eye; and lo, the beam is in thine own eye?

Cross references

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

  • 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.

  • Galatians 6:1

    Brethren, even if a man be overtaken in any trespass, ye who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; looking to thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

  • Luke 6:41

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

  • Psalms 50:16

    But unto the wicked God saith, What hast thou to do to declare my statutes, And that thou hast taken my covenant in thy mouth,

  • 2 Chronicles 28:9

    But a prophet of Jehovah was there, whose name was Oded: and he went out to meet the host that came to Samaria, and said unto them, Behold, because Jehovah, the God of your fathers, was wroth with Judah, he hath delivered them into your hand, and ye have slain them in a rage which hath reached up unto heaven.

  • 2 Samuel 12:5

    And David’s anger was greatly kindled against the man; and he said to Nathan, As Jehovah liveth, the man that hath done this is worthy to die:

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