Notes on Motes and Beams

In Matthew 7:3 - 5 it talks as Motes and Beams other translations use words such as Speck and Plank NKJV or speck of sawdust and Plank NIV. The NAS uses log. Whatever word we use the message is that mote or speck is a metaphor for the sin we see in others while our own sin is like a beam of plank in our eye. It is common even now to see our own sins as small or harmless and the sins of other as huge and menacing. We should focus on our own sins before addressing others and if we do address others it must be done in love and humility.

 

Mathew Chapter 7 (Full Text)

References in Scripture

Matthew 7:3 - 5

 

Matthew 7:3 - 5

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?

7:4 Or 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?

7:5 Thou hypocrite, cast out first the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye.


Mote, Speck etc... from the Greek word Karphos

1.a dry stalk or twig, a straw or 2.chaff

Beam, plank, log, etc... from the Greek word Dokos

A support beam. In Biblical times a beam was a large piece of wood


To Understand my faith better I have decided to construct these pages. They are strictly educational, non-commercial and to foster scholarly discussion. All Bible quotes are from the American Standard Version unless otherwise stated. I use the ASV because while not a perfect translation it is literal and out of Copyright. All mistakes are my own and if you differ from my thoughts I welcome your comments. J. Barry O'Connell Jr.